My aim with automotive photography has at all times been to capture all facets of automobile culture. Something I’ve desired to do for so long as I can remember is shoot Nineties Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) race cars in motion.
This summer, I finally realised that long-time dream.
Yearly, Bellahøj Park in Copenhagen hosts the Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix. As one in all the few events of its kind in Denmark, it attracts hundreds of holiday makers. Having just only recently discovered it, I made a decision to attend while on a family holiday.
When it’s on, the streets around Bellahøj Park are transformed right into a 2.4km racetrack with tight corners and difficult chicanes. The park itself becomes a hub for quite a lot of additional activities.
I entered through one in all the event’s several gates, which happened to be closest to the Via Retro automobile show – a fantastic place to begin.
This show area was crammed with cars from various Danish clubs, including Porsche, Lancia, Land Rover, MG, and others. Some clubs showcased models I’d never even heard of before.
One example was this beautifully preserved Nineteen Seventies Lancia Fulvia Sport, a sleek, fastback and sportier variant of the Fulvia Coupe.
One other standout was this J5 from Kellison, a California-based kit automobile manufacturer energetic within the late Fifties and Sixties.
Events like these at all times have special cars on display, but for me, essentially the most enjoyable a part of any automotive festival that centres around racing lies within the paddock.
The 2024 Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix featured seven classes racing over its three days. These ranged from the Youngtimer category for contemporary hatchbacks…
…to the Formula Junior category featuring single-seaters just like the Lotus 22 and Lola Mk5A, and the Sixty-Fivers for cars from the late Sixties. Japanese vehicles were scarce, but I did spot a Datsun 240Z.
While I’m a Japanese automobile enthusiast at heart, I are inclined to appreciate vintage events with classic cars greater than anything; they simply feel ‘grown up.’ Perhaps it’s because I’m a father in my thirties, but there’s something about watching these automotive time machines scream past that makes the experience unforgettable.
For me, the event highlight was clear: the Tourenwagen Legenden.
Before the Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix, my exposure to DTM races had been limited to archived Eurosport replays and YouTube montages, often set to German rock and roll music.
While not necessarily a foul thing, it didn’t prepare me for the thrill of seeing these touring cars fly past in person.
There was variety within the grid with Porsche 996 GT3 Cup cars, Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24s, BMW E30 M3s, and Mercedes-Benz 190 E EVO I and EVO IIs all racing together. It was a spectacle I didn’t expect to see.
Kristian Poulsen, winner of Friday’s race, pushed his BMW E30 M3 DTM to the limit. Mechanical issues prevented him from ending Saturday’s race, but Kristian secured second place on Sunday. This BMW was undoubtedly my favourite automobile of your complete weekend.
Though the DTM class was my highlight, it was a blast to observe all types of cars race across the street circuit.
While putting this post together, I realised it might be cool to shoot these iconic cars with period-correct analogue camera gear to capture their true essence. Trevor’s 35mm photography has inspired me to explore this further.
I want to learn more about shooting on film, but until then, enjoy many more photos from the 2024 Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix below.
Alen Haseta
Instagram: hazetaa
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This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
