Stories from Bad Kleinkirchheim

Author: Stefan Heinisch

Observing the Alpenfahrt Classic Rally from a distant viewpoint. Not distracted by any special tests, eyes (and heart) open for those bad Jaguars, the fine Lancias and the wild Alfas. A summary of 457 alpine kilometers.

After 2 years of successful participation at the International Austrian Alpine Drive (Int. Österreichischen Alpenfahrt) Classic Rally (2007: 105^th place, 2008: 76^th place), it was quite hard not to take part this year. It was due to many reasons, obviously with a heavy heart, but also planned that way right from the start. In the few days before the start it became obvious that I was totally taken by “old-timer fever” and had to work on a solution for that, which was the following: I was going to only do the second stage (with 500 kilometers it’s the longest anyway), with all the best parts such as the Nockalmstraße, Lachtal and Soboth, going non-competitively as an “OK-Car” and a media-expert as my co-driver.

At exactly 7:31AM we started rolling from Bad Kleinkirchheim towards the National Park Nockberge, cruising through walls of fog, feeling the first rays of sun on our neck and, because of the landscape, I was sort of feeling like I was driving through Scottish Highlands. After having to concentrate on the piloting and exact instructions of my partner for the last two years, I was able to let my eyes wander and gaze upon a multitude of precious cars from past eras. As “AlfaRomeo-Afficionade” I was struck by this gorgeous Giuletta Sprint Veloce (picture above). True to the motto “La bellezza non basta” the drivers of this classy native of Milan drew a quite dynamic track on the asphalt of the mountain pass.

My conclusion? Beautiful country roads – Soboth alone was worth the trip, a perfect road book, great organization and relaxed drivers. All in all, it was a great trial for next year’s big anniversary, when the Alpine Drive is 100 years old and I get to take part - with my Alfa, seeing as they too will also celebrate their 100^th anniversary next year.

Image and text courtesy of Stefan Heinisch for the editorial team of the website www.badkleinkirchheim.at