VFV Klassik Grand Prix Schleizer Dreieck

Schleizer Dreieck — Germany's Oldest Natural Race Track

The Schleizer Dreieck is Germany's oldest natural race track. Motorcycle races first took place here in 1923, and the track oval — a 7.6-kilometer public road course between the villages of Schleiz, Oettersdorf, and Heinersdorf — has been regularly closed for races ever since. Narrow asphalt roads, blind crests, sharp turns through the forest, and no runoff area comfort make it one of the most demanding tracks in international motorsport. In 2023, the track celebrated its 100th anniversary. During GDR times, the Schleizer Dreieck was one of the three major East German race tracks; after reunification, it was revived as a classic track.

Veteran Motorcycle Racing

The VFV — Veteranen-Fahrzeug-Verband — has been organizing classic motorsport events in Germany for decades. At the Klassik Grand Prix Schleizer Dreieck, historic motorcycles compete in various classes: Pre-war (before 1945), Post-war (1945–1965), Classic (1965–1985), and some younger classes. Machines range from BMW R51 and Norton Manx to NSU Sportmax and MZ ETZ, and even Czech Tatra competitors. The races are not about competing with modern lap times, but about nostalgia and driving culture — the significance is more historical and communal.

Three Days of Racing and Paddock

The event runs for three days. Friday is for practice and qualifying, Saturday and Sunday feature the races. In the paddock, teams display their historic machines — many collector's items, some unrestored, some in original paint. The paddock is freely accessible to visitors, allowing you to see the machines up close and talk to drivers and mechanics. There's also a classic car and motorcycle show, vendor stalls for spare parts and literature, food trucks, and a festival tent with live music in the evenings.

Schleiz and the Vogtland Region

Schleiz is located in the Saale-Orla district in southern Thuringia, on the border with Saxony and Bavaria — historically part of the Vogtland region. It's a small town with just under 8,000 inhabitants, dominated by the keep of the Bergkirche church and the market square. Those extending their weekend can visit the nearby Bleiloch Dam (Germany's largest reservoir by volume) or hike through the hilly Vogtland.