HISTORIC TOUR CHARADE | Meeting presentation

History returns to the track at the foot of the volcanoes!

From 18 to 20 September, the Historic Tour returns to Circuit de Charade for three days of historic motor racing. With 142 entries across seven grids and 14 races on the programme, the Auvergne event will bring together single-seaters, GTs, touring cars and prototypes at an iconic French motorsport venue. Sprint races, endurance action and opportunities to meet the drivers will shape this weekend organised by HVM Racing.

Charade, a circuit steeped in history

In the hills above Clermont-Ferrand, Charade provides a distinctive natural setting for historic racing. Opened in 1958, the circuit hosted four Formula 1 French Grands Prix, in 1965, 1969, 1970 and 1972. Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and Jochen Rindt all claimed victories on the original layout, which stretched over eight kilometres.

Now measuring 3.975 kilometres, the circuit retains the elevation changes and sequences of corners that define its character. It is a demanding track where precision and control will be essential for Historic Tour competitors.

Seven grids spanning generations of motor racing

With 30 entries, the Trophée Lotus will field the largest grid of the meeting. Lotus Sevens, joined by several Caterhams, will contest two races on a circuit that will put their agility to the test. Cyril Jacquet, Jean-Luc Blanchemain, Renaud Miller and Antoine Boucherie are among the drivers entered.

The Trophée Saloon Cars & GT Classic will bring together 28 entries and a wide variety of machinery. Patrick Delannoy’s Porsche 993 GT2, Fabrice Lefebvre’s Audi Quattro, Pascal Fachinetti’s Chevrolet Camaro and Xavier Beck’s BTM Cheetah will line up alongside Jidés, Caterhams and Lotus Elises, among others. This clash of styles and generations promises to be one of the weekend’s attractions.

Another particularly eclectic grid, the Colmore YTCC, will gather 25 entries from several European countries for three 30-minute races. From Chevrolet Corvettes and Porsche 911s and 944s to TVR Tuscans, a Lotus Esprit and a Trabant 601 RS, this field will add an international dimension to the Auvergne meeting.

The Youngtimers 2L Cup and Sprint Series Pre-66 and Pre-81 will share a 22-entry grid. Honda Civics will line up alongside a Triumph TR3, an MGB, an Alpine A110, a Porsche 910 and a Ford Capri 2600 RS, among others. Two qualifying sessions and two races will decide the honours among this mix of touring and sports cars from different eras.

Single-seaters join the action

The Trophée Formule Ford Kent and Challenge Formula Ford Historic will bring together 19 entries. Lola, Crosslé, Van Diemen, Lotus, Reynard and Rondeau will showcase the variety of machinery from this renowned proving ground for drivers. François Belle, Xavier Michel, Nicolas Buisson and Arthur Decaen are among those taking part, while a 1968 Tecno F3 entered by Jean-Michel Clerc will complete the grid in the invitation class.

The Formule Renault Historic & Classic field will feature nine single-seaters, comprising five Tatuus FR 2000s and four guest Mygale M14 F4s. Drivers will have two 25-minute qualifying sessions, one each morning, ahead of their races on Saturday at 16:40 and Sunday at 15:05.

The 200 KM: Saturday’s grand finale

The meeting’s only endurance event, the 200 KM de l’Historic Tour, will bring Saturday’s action to a close with a 90-minute race, scheduled to start at 17:25.

Nine cars are entered across the under-three-litre prototype, Pre-90 GT and touring car, and Post-90 GT and touring car categories. Jean-Pierre Destombes’ Peugeot 905 Spider, the Crosslés and the Lola Sport 2000 will share the track with Julien Grenet and Christian Danne’s Porsche 930 Turbo, Franck Quagliozzi and Fabien Julia’s Honda Civic, and Jean-Pascal and Pascale Roche’s Porsche 996 GT3 Cup. Consistency, traffic management and strategy will be central to this contest between cars with very different characteristics.

A weekend at the heart of the racing action

The programme will begin on Friday afternoon with practice, followed by the first qualifying sessions. Seven races will take place on Saturday, with a further seven on Sunday.

Two grid walks will give spectators the opportunity to see the cars on the starting grid: Saturday at 13:40, before the first Formula Ford race, and Sunday at 13:15, before the third YTCC race. The friendly atmosphere will continue with a run around the circuit on Friday at 19:45 and a get-together over drinks on Saturday at 19:00, both open to everyone.

Combining automotive heritage, competition and the chance to get close to the drivers and teams, the Historic Tour welcomes enthusiasts to Circuit de Charade from 18 to 20 September.

Information and tickets: www.hvmracing.fr