AUTODROME DE LINAS-MONTLHÉRY - Paris (F)
It opened in 1924, and is France most famous and pretigious circuit
With very match race meetings
GP de ACF Grand Prix , 1925 , 1927
Coupe de la Commission Formule Libre , , , 1927
GP de ACF FL Formule Libre , , , 1927
GP de l'Ouverture FL Formule Libre 1924 , , ,
GP de l'Ouverture FL Formule Libre , , , 1927
GP du Salon Formule Libre , , 1926 1927
Match des Champions Formule Libre 1924 , , ,
GP de l'Ouverture Voit voiturette 1924 1925 , ,
L'aero Club voiturette , 1925 , ,
ACF Touring Car GP sport , 1925 , ,
GP de Paris sport , , , 1927
24h de Paris cyclecar , , , 1927
GP de l'Ouverture Cycl cyclecar , , , 1927
GP de MCF cyclecar , 1925 , ,
GP de MCF cycl cyclecar 1924 1925 , 1927
GP des Voiturettes cyclecar , , , 1927
GP du Salon Cycl cyclecar , , 1926 1927
Tourist Trophy Francais cyclecar , , , 1927
But in 1928, 1929 and 1930 there is not one important race
In 1931 there is the GP de ACF (France)
Only idea what the reason is that there were was no racing between 1928 and 1930 ?
Montlhéry - Paris
Started by
RJO020
, Jan 25 2002 20:46
31 replies to this topic
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#2
David McKinney
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Posted 26 January 2002 - 08:45
You’re right, RJ. I’d never noticed that before. There was a minor race for 1500s at Montlhéry in October 1928, possibly at a motorcycle meeting, but it seems nothing at all in 1929 or 1930.
#3
Hans Etzrodt
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Posted 26 January 2002 - 17:05
It seems that the French applied versatility to their events and also had a great number of available circuits. By 1928, the Marne Grand Prix at Reims had become rather popular, which could have provided competition to Linas-Montlhéry. Other circuits the ACF had chosen to explore, were Comminges at St. Gaudens, Circuit de la Sarthe at Le Mans and Grand Circuit de Pau.
#4
Slyder
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Posted 27 January 2002 - 17:30
Too bad that the track has been massacred to just it's oval layout. It looked so much better when it was the masterpiece that it was.
Wasn't in 1928 when Antonio Ascari was killed?
Wasn't in 1928 when Antonio Ascari was killed?
#5
David McKinney
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Posted 27 January 2002 - 20:09
The track's not just the oval, spyder. One end of the banking is used, but probably two-thirds of the circuit that's used today is an artificial road layout. But the original 8-mile or whatever layout it ain't.
And it was in 1925 that Ascari was killed
And it was in 1925 that Ascari was killed
#6
Boniver
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Posted 28 January 2002 - 19:48
1928 there is the world wide ecomic crisis 
1929 the Wall Street crash
Montlheny was a dear and a great organisation who wont make profit with organisation of meetings .
The sector of Paris have very mutch problems with the ecomic crisis, and the people of Paris no money for going to the meeting;
So Montlheny close here doors.
Racing was for 1928 move to provintial town and luxe town were rich and nobility people go racing with old factory and prive cars (Bugatti period) on simple street circuit
The most races being run under unrestricted formule libre regulations
“you have a car, you can start”
The driver start not for the start mony, but for the pleasure
Holiday in Tripoli, Tunis and Algerian
Sea and casino in la Baule, Cannes, Monaco, St Raphael
Sun in Spanish
Champagne in Reims
Wine in Lyon and Dyon
But after tree years the most of this driver was death, bankrupt or will a other daily pursuits,
It was during this period that private racing organisations were first establisted, to carry on racing the products of manufacturers who had withdrawn from direct participation instead of the manufacturers sponsoring works racing teams, the organisations hired the drivers.
The most famous of these organisations was formed in december 1929 by the former Alfa Romeo driver Enzo Ferrari.
Scuderia Ferrari, based at Modena with Alfa Romeo’s
In 1932 the crisis recorver and Montlheny start with new organisations
1929 the Wall Street crash
Montlheny was a dear and a great organisation who wont make profit with organisation of meetings .
The sector of Paris have very mutch problems with the ecomic crisis, and the people of Paris no money for going to the meeting;
So Montlheny close here doors.
Racing was for 1928 move to provintial town and luxe town were rich and nobility people go racing with old factory and prive cars (Bugatti period) on simple street circuit
The most races being run under unrestricted formule libre regulations
“you have a car, you can start”
The driver start not for the start mony, but for the pleasure
Holiday in Tripoli, Tunis and Algerian
Sea and casino in la Baule, Cannes, Monaco, St Raphael
Sun in Spanish
Champagne in Reims
Wine in Lyon and Dyon
But after tree years the most of this driver was death, bankrupt or will a other daily pursuits,
It was during this period that private racing organisations were first establisted, to carry on racing the products of manufacturers who had withdrawn from direct participation instead of the manufacturers sponsoring works racing teams, the organisations hired the drivers.
The most famous of these organisations was formed in december 1929 by the former Alfa Romeo driver Enzo Ferrari.
Scuderia Ferrari, based at Modena with Alfa Romeo’s
In 1932 the crisis recorver and Montlheny start with new organisations
#7
Ray Bell
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Posted 29 January 2002 - 22:46
A wonderful description, Boniver... telling it just like it was, I'm sure.
"Wine in Lyon..." sounds good, let's fire up the 35A and get down there!
"Wine in Lyon..." sounds good, let's fire up the 35A and get down there!
#8
fines
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Posted 01 February 2002 - 19:13
What a schedule! Forget my earlier thread, THIS IS the DREAM SEASON!!!!Originally posted by Boniver
Holiday in Tripoli, Tunis and Algerian
Sea and casino in la Baule, Cannes, Monaco, St Raphael
Sun in Spanish
Champagne in Reims
Wine in Lyon and Dyon
#9
Speed Demon
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Posted 01 February 2002 - 22:00
I understand from the Brooklands website that Montlhery has until 2004 when it will close for racing. Don't know if the means the end of the circuit too. Anyone got information?
#10
LittleChris
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Posted 09 August 2003 - 00:09
Originally posted by Boniver
The driver start not for the start mony, but for the pleasure
Holiday in Tripoli, Tunis and Algerian
Sea and casino in la Baule, Cannes, Monaco, St Raphael
Sun in Spanish
Champagne in Reims
Wine in Lyon and Dyon
Bloody good meal in St Gaudens as well if 75 years on is anything to go by !! Restaurant just after the old start area does a fantastic selection of salads and all the roads are named after 30's & 40's french drivers.
#11
Don Capps
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Posted 09 August 2003 - 01:32
The 1961 edition of Automobile Year has an article devoted to the AUTODROME DE LINAS-MONTLHÉRY and I remember being fascinated at the time by all the circuit configurations the place was capable of being configured into.
#12
SEdward
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Posted 22 July 2004 - 15:48
Not a lot going on right now, work-wise, so I've been digging into some of the TNF archives and came across this one.
There was, in fact, plenty of racing at Montlhéry between 1924 and 1928, including the "Grand Prix de l'ACF" in 1925 and 1927 and countless speed record attempts. The circuit, however and even in its heydays, was not financially viable and went bankrupt in 1928. The founder, Alexandre Lamblin, died, probably from the efforts he made to save his dream.
Under French law, a bankrupt company is able to continue its activity as part of a "plan de continuation" (self-explanatory I think) under the control of an administrator, in the hope that the company will return to financial good health. This was the case for the company that operated the circuit at Linas (and not Montlhéry, in actual fact).
However, even this was not enough, and by 1935, there seemed to be no hope left for the circuit until...
...the military stepped and bought the lot; land, circuit, facilities and all. So the memorable Grands Prix in 1934 (when Louis Chiron beat the Silver Arrows) and 1935 were able to take place.
And, essentially, the status of the circuit has not changed since. It suffered serious damage in WWII, mainly due to allied vehicles, but was back in use by 1947. The UTAC facilities (French authority responsible for road tests and homologating automotive products) were installed on the premises and racing continued, but generally of a lesser level.
A very serious accident in the 1964 1,000 km de Paris costing the life of two drivers and three marshalls seriously dented any hopes of seeing the circuit return to truly international status.
This year's Grand Prix de l'Age d'Or was probably the last chance to see cars being raced around the Montlhéry banking. There is a meeting for bikes later this year, and then that's it...
Very sad indeed. I love just walking around the banking, especially the part that is never used, and simply admiring the curves, the silence and the majesty of the thing. I went to an endurance race there in 1995, that included one Mclaren F1 (the rest refused to turn up) and a few Ferrari F40s. If I half closed my eyes until they were a little out of focus, then it looked just like P4s at Monza in 1967!!
I recommend "Les Grandes Heures de Montlhéry" by Dominique Pascal, published by ETAI. Available only in French but with plenty of photos.
Sad but inevitable, I guess.
Edward.
There was, in fact, plenty of racing at Montlhéry between 1924 and 1928, including the "Grand Prix de l'ACF" in 1925 and 1927 and countless speed record attempts. The circuit, however and even in its heydays, was not financially viable and went bankrupt in 1928. The founder, Alexandre Lamblin, died, probably from the efforts he made to save his dream.
Under French law, a bankrupt company is able to continue its activity as part of a "plan de continuation" (self-explanatory I think) under the control of an administrator, in the hope that the company will return to financial good health. This was the case for the company that operated the circuit at Linas (and not Montlhéry, in actual fact).
However, even this was not enough, and by 1935, there seemed to be no hope left for the circuit until...
...the military stepped and bought the lot; land, circuit, facilities and all. So the memorable Grands Prix in 1934 (when Louis Chiron beat the Silver Arrows) and 1935 were able to take place.
And, essentially, the status of the circuit has not changed since. It suffered serious damage in WWII, mainly due to allied vehicles, but was back in use by 1947. The UTAC facilities (French authority responsible for road tests and homologating automotive products) were installed on the premises and racing continued, but generally of a lesser level.
A very serious accident in the 1964 1,000 km de Paris costing the life of two drivers and three marshalls seriously dented any hopes of seeing the circuit return to truly international status.
This year's Grand Prix de l'Age d'Or was probably the last chance to see cars being raced around the Montlhéry banking. There is a meeting for bikes later this year, and then that's it...
Very sad indeed. I love just walking around the banking, especially the part that is never used, and simply admiring the curves, the silence and the majesty of the thing. I went to an endurance race there in 1995, that included one Mclaren F1 (the rest refused to turn up) and a few Ferrari F40s. If I half closed my eyes until they were a little out of focus, then it looked just like P4s at Monza in 1967!!
I recommend "Les Grandes Heures de Montlhéry" by Dominique Pascal, published by ETAI. Available only in French but with plenty of photos.
Sad but inevitable, I guess.
Edward.
#13
SEdward
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Posted 29 September 2004 - 14:04
For anyone who's interested, the very last "race" meeting will be held at Montlhéry this weekend.
The "Trophées Gérard Jumeaux" are for our two-wheeled friends and offer the last (ostensibly) opportunity to see action on the track and banking.
I know that there have been "last" meetings in the past, but this time around it seems to be for real.
I'll take some snapshots and report back next week.
Edward.
The "Trophées Gérard Jumeaux" are for our two-wheeled friends and offer the last (ostensibly) opportunity to see action on the track and banking.
I know that there have been "last" meetings in the past, but this time around it seems to be for real.
I'll take some snapshots and report back next week.
Edward.
#14
Penelope Pitstop
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Posted 10 November 2004 - 16:56
This is my report on the last Montlhéry event!
During the week-end of the 2nd and 3rd of October, the Montlhéry track vibrated to the sound of the motorcycles, side-cars and cyclecars entered in the final edition of the Gérard Jumeaux Trophy.
This event will be, according to the wishes of UTAC (the track’s owners) the last event at the circuit open to the public.
After 80 years of motorcycle and car races, of world-record attempts, and of various unique mechanical events, the usual the reward for:” good and loyal services”, is to deprive the fans access to this shrine of mechanical history!
I believe that the people who came last weekend shared the same feeling of intense (deep) frustration and disarray. It was difficult to imagine, at the time, seeing the motorcycles running out onto the track, that it was the departure for their last run on this site.
At Montlhéry there is a kind of “magic”! A sort of symbiosis between competitors and spectators. Is it the track configuration and the proximity to the track? Being allowed to stroll around in the paddocks, to smell those machines still warm from their races, exhaling a castor oil perfume, the effluvium of methanol used for some cyclecar engines, to peer over the shoulder of a mechanic to admire an uncovered engine... wasn’t this, for the passionate mechanical enthusiast a pleasure that shouldn’t be missed not on any account?!?
During two days we were privileged to sample Montlhéry’s very special atmosphere.
Of course the idea that after Sunday evening it would be no longer possible to enter this sanctuary of mechanical exploits hung like a veil of sadness over the circuit.
The motorcyclists and other mechanical sports fanatics (they were numerous in signing the foundation O’Born petition) were sauntering aimlessly along the alleys. They just wanted to be present for the last of the last and to appreciate the show.
And what a show! The most impressive were the sidecar races. See the passengers (known as the “monkey” in France) lean out until they actually touch the tarmac and even scratch their helmets on the ridged borders of the track; these are moments which send a shiver down your spine!
And what a noise! Extreme pleasure for the ears! Motors roaring at full power, and the lovely pop pop popping of the older machines! The throbs of some machines still fill your ears many seconds after their passing. This was the true mechanical spirit for both experienced lovers of the mechanical and a consenting public! What else could we wish for? The promise that we could return once more to taste these sensual pleasures? Yes without doubt but above all the promise that during our absence, someone will take good care of our racetrack, that it’s injuries caused by the ravages of careless time will be fixed. We hope one day to come back to Montlhéry and find the track re-juvenated.;)
Gentlemen, who are the owners of the site, would you please condescend to listen to the voice coming from the heart of hearts of thousands lovers of this historic monument!
In 1924 the cycle cars opened the circuit and helped make it famous, they also closed this chapter of automobile history. Their last demonstration could only be felt as homage to those racers and their machines who have rubbed shoulders on the track. A 1914 Morgan did not wish to leave the track on its last lap! Taking advantage of it’s advanced age (it was the oldest represented) and it’s invulnerability, it ran out of petrol on the last chicane but one. The driver and co-pilot had to get out and push to the finish line receiving a warm round of applause from the spectators. In any case it was a fitting spectacle for the closure of the circuit.
If you feel involved in this closure you may sign the O'Born petition on www.foundationoborn.org
You may skip the intro and go straight to the petition page. 20 000 people already signed to support the Foundation.
During the week-end of the 2nd and 3rd of October, the Montlhéry track vibrated to the sound of the motorcycles, side-cars and cyclecars entered in the final edition of the Gérard Jumeaux Trophy.
This event will be, according to the wishes of UTAC (the track’s owners) the last event at the circuit open to the public.
After 80 years of motorcycle and car races, of world-record attempts, and of various unique mechanical events, the usual the reward for:” good and loyal services”, is to deprive the fans access to this shrine of mechanical history!
I believe that the people who came last weekend shared the same feeling of intense (deep) frustration and disarray. It was difficult to imagine, at the time, seeing the motorcycles running out onto the track, that it was the departure for their last run on this site.
At Montlhéry there is a kind of “magic”! A sort of symbiosis between competitors and spectators. Is it the track configuration and the proximity to the track? Being allowed to stroll around in the paddocks, to smell those machines still warm from their races, exhaling a castor oil perfume, the effluvium of methanol used for some cyclecar engines, to peer over the shoulder of a mechanic to admire an uncovered engine... wasn’t this, for the passionate mechanical enthusiast a pleasure that shouldn’t be missed not on any account?!?
During two days we were privileged to sample Montlhéry’s very special atmosphere.
Of course the idea that after Sunday evening it would be no longer possible to enter this sanctuary of mechanical exploits hung like a veil of sadness over the circuit.
The motorcyclists and other mechanical sports fanatics (they were numerous in signing the foundation O’Born petition) were sauntering aimlessly along the alleys. They just wanted to be present for the last of the last and to appreciate the show.
And what a show! The most impressive were the sidecar races. See the passengers (known as the “monkey” in France) lean out until they actually touch the tarmac and even scratch their helmets on the ridged borders of the track; these are moments which send a shiver down your spine!
And what a noise! Extreme pleasure for the ears! Motors roaring at full power, and the lovely pop pop popping of the older machines! The throbs of some machines still fill your ears many seconds after their passing. This was the true mechanical spirit for both experienced lovers of the mechanical and a consenting public! What else could we wish for? The promise that we could return once more to taste these sensual pleasures? Yes without doubt but above all the promise that during our absence, someone will take good care of our racetrack, that it’s injuries caused by the ravages of careless time will be fixed. We hope one day to come back to Montlhéry and find the track re-juvenated.;)
Gentlemen, who are the owners of the site, would you please condescend to listen to the voice coming from the heart of hearts of thousands lovers of this historic monument!
In 1924 the cycle cars opened the circuit and helped make it famous, they also closed this chapter of automobile history. Their last demonstration could only be felt as homage to those racers and their machines who have rubbed shoulders on the track. A 1914 Morgan did not wish to leave the track on its last lap! Taking advantage of it’s advanced age (it was the oldest represented) and it’s invulnerability, it ran out of petrol on the last chicane but one. The driver and co-pilot had to get out and push to the finish line receiving a warm round of applause from the spectators. In any case it was a fitting spectacle for the closure of the circuit.
If you feel involved in this closure you may sign the O'Born petition on www.foundationoborn.org
You may skip the intro and go straight to the petition page. 20 000 people already signed to support the Foundation.
#15
eldridge
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Posted 10 November 2004 - 17:12
One of my favorite places...
Just magical...
This is a photo of Mephistopheles before the "Champions Match" race in 1924(25??)
Just magical...
This is a photo of Mephistopheles before the "Champions Match" race in 1924(25??)
#16
philippe7
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Posted 10 November 2004 - 17:28
My good friend Bertrand was among those last ones to set their wheels on the Montlhéry concrete that weekend ...
Salut Bertrand !
Photo copyright Pierre Gabriele , used with the author's permanent permission
Salut Bertrand !
Photo copyright Pierre Gabriele , used with the author's permanent permission
#17
eldridge
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Posted 10 November 2004 - 20:02
Two more for you.
The disused banking
The Renault Record Car
The disused banking
The Renault Record Car
#18
GIGLEUX
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Posted 10 November 2004 - 20:47
Originally posted by eldridge
One of my favorite places...
Just magical...
This is a photo of Mephistopheles before the "Champions Match" race in 1924(25??)
I was on Sunday October 12th 1924 during the inaugural meeting.
#19
D-Type
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Posted 10 November 2004 - 21:50
Judging from the state of the tyres, this picture must be after the match race.Originally posted by GIGLEUX
I was on Sunday October 12th 1924 during the inaugural meeting.
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#20
Muzza
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Posted 10 November 2004 - 22:16
I have read a number of articles about the closure of Monthléry but, strangely, it seems that no one has mentioned why it happened...
Clarifications, anyone?
Clarifications, anyone?
#21
Jimmy Piget
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Posted 11 November 2004 - 06:11
Montlhéry reminds so much for me...
1964, I was a teenager and went to see the F2 race. I troubled the picnic of Ron Harris Team Lotus band by asking Jackie Stewart, Peter Procter and Brian Hart autographs. Yes it was possible to walk in what we call now the "paddock" of a circuit and chat a little with drivers. I gathered autographs from every present driver (in F2 or F3) : Chris Amon, Jo Schlesser, Alan Rees, Graham Hill, Jack Brabham, Tony Maggs, the under-rated Eric Offenstadt, the over-rated Jean-Pierre Beltoise, the forgotten Jacques Maglia and Mike Beckwith, Henry Grandsire, Jean-Pierre Jaussaud, José Rosinski... The only one who didn't agree to sign my copy-book was the great Jochen Rindt. Sorry, chaps, 40 years are gone and these autographs too.
Remember Jacques Maglia, such an atypic race guy ! He was the lover of French writer Jean Genet, a deserter for refusing to fight against Algerians, and a famed painter (that he still is)... He was forced to withdraw from racing after a very bad accident in 1965 or 1966 (without checking).
1966, still a teenager, another F2/F3 races. I saw my semi-god (Jim Clark) finishing 2nd, putting his Cosworth-underpowered car between the unbeatable Honda-Brabhams. There were also Lulu Scarfiotti, Trevor Taylor, Bob Anderson, Giancarlo Baghetti, Johnny Servoz, Roby Weber...
1971, such a shame, it's the year I was obliged to sustain the army service in spite of my antimilitarist feelings (sorry, Mr Capp). Only tiny consolation : it was at Montlhéry, and I spend my spare hours hiding in the forest and watching cars doing road-testing. Very far from the oval, it was on the road-course only used in the 1000 Km de Paris. Alas, never were they race cars — always production (or production-to-be) vehicles.
After that, i went again, here and there, to the autodrome for this or that reason (mainly historic races). The strange beauty of the garages under the "anneau de vitesse" always took me in its arms...
Oh, nostalgia, nostalgia !
1964, I was a teenager and went to see the F2 race. I troubled the picnic of Ron Harris Team Lotus band by asking Jackie Stewart, Peter Procter and Brian Hart autographs. Yes it was possible to walk in what we call now the "paddock" of a circuit and chat a little with drivers. I gathered autographs from every present driver (in F2 or F3) : Chris Amon, Jo Schlesser, Alan Rees, Graham Hill, Jack Brabham, Tony Maggs, the under-rated Eric Offenstadt, the over-rated Jean-Pierre Beltoise, the forgotten Jacques Maglia and Mike Beckwith, Henry Grandsire, Jean-Pierre Jaussaud, José Rosinski... The only one who didn't agree to sign my copy-book was the great Jochen Rindt. Sorry, chaps, 40 years are gone and these autographs too.
Remember Jacques Maglia, such an atypic race guy ! He was the lover of French writer Jean Genet, a deserter for refusing to fight against Algerians, and a famed painter (that he still is)... He was forced to withdraw from racing after a very bad accident in 1965 or 1966 (without checking).
1966, still a teenager, another F2/F3 races. I saw my semi-god (Jim Clark) finishing 2nd, putting his Cosworth-underpowered car between the unbeatable Honda-Brabhams. There were also Lulu Scarfiotti, Trevor Taylor, Bob Anderson, Giancarlo Baghetti, Johnny Servoz, Roby Weber...
1971, such a shame, it's the year I was obliged to sustain the army service in spite of my antimilitarist feelings (sorry, Mr Capp). Only tiny consolation : it was at Montlhéry, and I spend my spare hours hiding in the forest and watching cars doing road-testing. Very far from the oval, it was on the road-course only used in the 1000 Km de Paris. Alas, never were they race cars — always production (or production-to-be) vehicles.
After that, i went again, here and there, to the autodrome for this or that reason (mainly historic races). The strange beauty of the garages under the "anneau de vitesse" always took me in its arms...
Oh, nostalgia, nostalgia !
#22
Penelope Pitstop
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Posted 11 November 2004 - 09:39
Originally posted by Muzza
I have read a number of articles about the closure of Monthléry but, strangely, it seems that no one has mentioned why it happened...
It seems that its like "forbiden" to tell why the track is now closed to the public. we believe the owners already have projects in a near futur but they don't want us to know about them. Is it because they want to sell the track, will it be demolish? we are trying to get the truth! . They said that the track is now reserved only for constructors car trials! OK , but how could we explain that those constructors already having their own tracks could need again the Montlhéry circuit, especially knowing they have judged it obsolete?
They prefer other tracks and now also use laboratories for some tests. So why do they want to come back? In the case they really want to.That is why the more ludicrous hypotheses are permitted concerning its futur.
#23
Muzza
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Posted 11 November 2004 - 14:41
Originally posted by Penelope Pitstop
It seems that its like "forbiden" to tell why the track is now closed to the public. we believe the owners already have projects in a near futur but they don't want us to know about them. Is it because they want to sell the track, will it be demolish? we are trying to get the truth! . They said that the track is now reserved only for constructors car trials! OK , but how could we explain that those constructors already having their own tracks could need again the Montlhéry circuit, especially knowing they have judged it obsolete?
That is why the more ludicrous hypotheses are permitted concerning its futur.
Salut, Penelope,
Thanks for your reply - yes, the statement ""Monthléry will be used as a manufacturer testing track" does not make much sense...
I really fear it will be butchered, giving space for yet some more Carrefour and M. Bricolage stores... Monthléry's location would suit that quite well.
Amitiés,
Muzza
P. S.: Note to Americans - Carrefour is "the French Wal-Mart" and M. Bricolage is the local Home Depot.
P. P. S.: "...A força da grana que ergue e destrói coisas belas..." ("...The power of money that builds and destroy beautiful things...", Caetano Veloso, in the song "Sampa")
#24
LittleChris
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Posted 13 November 2004 - 01:29
This has probably been asked before, but was the full 7.7mile road circuit EVER used after WW II ?
#25
philippe7
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Posted 13 November 2004 - 08:10
I do not have the definite answer , but to help discussion on this matter I thought I should post a proper map of Montlhéry :
As you can see , there were many shortcuts which enabled to use many variants , it was not only a matter of either a "long" or "short" circuit . As far as I remember, the furthest part of the circuit , the one which is almost included in the military camp where Jimmy Piget spent a year's holyday , has been very badly worn down and almost unusable for many , many years....the latest editions of the Paris 1000kms where held on the 9,2 kms version in 1970 ( that must be the version that goes straight on after the "Bruyères" hairpin , bypassing the "Biscornes" section), and the 1971 on a 7,9 kms version, possibly the one with a hairpin before the downhill "Lapize" , around the Gendarmes curves....but I'm willing to be corrected by any Montlhéry specialist .
As you can see , there were many shortcuts which enabled to use many variants , it was not only a matter of either a "long" or "short" circuit . As far as I remember, the furthest part of the circuit , the one which is almost included in the military camp where Jimmy Piget spent a year's holyday , has been very badly worn down and almost unusable for many , many years....the latest editions of the Paris 1000kms where held on the 9,2 kms version in 1970 ( that must be the version that goes straight on after the "Bruyères" hairpin , bypassing the "Biscornes" section), and the 1971 on a 7,9 kms version, possibly the one with a hairpin before the downhill "Lapize" , around the Gendarmes curves....but I'm willing to be corrected by any Montlhéry specialist .
#26
GIGLEUX
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Posted 13 November 2004 - 09:48
Without being a Mntlhéry specialist, the full circuit (12,50435 km) was used only twice for racing purposes: the 1948 and 1950 "12 Heures de Paris".
#27
Pils1989
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- 1,111 posts
- Joined: December 02
Member
Posted 13 November 2004 - 14:27
Aren't car manufacturers using the test facility north of Paris, nearby Compiegne? i don't remember it's name but I've been told it's the former Matra test track.
I wonder why there is not much interest in saving Montlhery nationwide. It would be a nice place for manufacturers PR events even if Sitges would have a nicer weather.
I wonder why there is not much interest in saving Montlhery nationwide. It would be a nice place for manufacturers PR events even if Sitges would have a nicer weather.
#28
Mark A
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- 1,293 posts
- Joined: December 02
Member
Posted 21 November 2004 - 18:20
I believe it is still possible to book the circuit for Trackdays.
No manufacturers would have any need for the circuit now as concret banking is not the smoothest and most have their own high speed facilities or use some of the current facilities available (IDIADA, Nardo, Millbrook, MIRA etc)
No manufacturers would have any need for the circuit now as concret banking is not the smoothest and most have their own high speed facilities or use some of the current facilities available (IDIADA, Nardo, Millbrook, MIRA etc)
#29
Pils1989
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- 1,111 posts
- Joined: December 02
Member
Posted 21 November 2004 - 19:08
I've been told that the banking's concrete pillars are in a worrying state and maybe impossible to restore, a rebuild would be needed.
On the other hand, I've heard about a historian working for the french "Heritage Trust" who might do a book about old former french tracks. He has already published a book about former airfields and early concrete buildings. It might bring a bit more attention on french motor sport heritage I hope so!
On the other hand, I've heard about a historian working for the french "Heritage Trust" who might do a book about old former french tracks. He has already published a book about former airfields and early concrete buildings. It might bring a bit more attention on french motor sport heritage
I hope so!
#30
Charles Helps
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- 384 posts
- Joined: November 04
Member
Posted 19 December 2006 - 15:17
Peter Ross put this photo on another site . He is uncertain whether he took it at Montlhery in 1957 or whether Gerard Crombac gave the photo to him in which case it may have been taken in 1956.
He asks whether anyone can name the people round Jabby and thinks the right hand one is the journalist Bernard Cahier? The photo filename on the Historic Lotus Register website is not a clue to the year as Peter had his doubts after he named the file.
The car is a Lotus Eleven S1.
As it's Christmas bonus points will be awarded to anyone who can name the pet in Jabby's pocket
He asks whether anyone can name the people round Jabby and thinks the right hand one is the journalist Bernard Cahier? The photo filename on the Historic Lotus Register website is not a clue to the year as Peter had his doubts after he named the file.
The car is a Lotus Eleven S1.
As it's Christmas bonus points will be awarded to anyone who can name the pet in Jabby's pocket
#31
Magee
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- 379 posts
- Joined: February 03
Member
Posted 20 December 2006 - 04:43
The Cooper land-speed car I raced as sports-racer during the 60s established a few records by Owen and Knight at Montlhery in the 50s. Details can be found in Doug Nye's Cooper Cars book (page 341-343).
Mike
Mike
#32
Alan Cox
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- 8,397 posts
- Joined: March 03
Member
Posted 20 December 2006 - 11:41
Bill Boddy's book on the autodrome has just been updated and republished by Veloce
http://www.veloce.co...oup=Motorsport
http://www.veloce.co...oup=Motorsport
