» The racing-legend "Sachsenring"
» Road safety centre Sachsenring VSZ
» The new Sachsenring
The internationally known and traditional racetrack “Sachsenring”, which is located to the west of Hohenstein-Ernstthal, constitutes a very special figurehead for the entire region. The first motor sports event on the Sachsenring took place in 1927. In the years that followed, apart from a few breaks in between, hundreds of thousands of racing fans made their way to the 8.6 km-long natural circuit that partly led through the heavily built-up town of Hohenstein-Ernstthal. The motorcycle world championships that were held here between 1961 and 1972 can doubtlessly be regarded as a highlight in the history of the Sachsenring. Famous racing drivers, such as Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini and Dieter Braun were among the winners on the Sachsenring during that time.
Vintage cars on the
Sachsenring
At the starting grid
Since the old Sachsenring did not comply with the safety requirements anymore, racing events were no longer continued after 1990. The fate of the Sachsenring seemed to be sealed. However, the numerous racing enthusiasts and fans of the Sachsenring from the entire region did not want to resign to that fact. Feverish efforts were made to look for new solutions. Finally they were found...
Road safety centre Sachsenring
Careful considerations and meticulous examinations of diverse alternatives finally led to the construction of a road safety centre. Professional partners and experience from other successful road training centres in Austria and Germany facilitated the planning and organization of this project. After a construction period of only 11 months, the road safety centre “Sachsenring” was inaugurated on 22 August 1995 in presence of about 1000 guests from
politics and economy. Situated immediately at the former starting grid of the old Sachsenring, the road safety centre is regarded as one of Europe’s largest and most modern road training facilities. The site offers manifold possibilities for an efficient and high-quality safety training with passenger cars, freight vehicles, motorcycles as well as heavy-goods and special-purpose vehicles.
The 50 hectare (125 acres) area includes various tracks
which are up to 24 metres (78 ft.) wide and have a total length of 6
kilometres (3.7 miles). Sophisticated installations, such as large road
segments that can be flooded, suddenly emerging water obstacles,
alternating road surfaces and an aquaplaning basin offer ideal
conditions for realistic driving safety trainings on the Sachsenring.
More than 16,000 enthusiastic customers a year benefit from such a
training.
Furthermore, the Sachsenring is also appreciated as an extraordinary
location for product and team presentations, sporting and cultural
events, regional trade fairs, incentives, fashion shows or company
festivities. On the spectacular indoor kart course, racing fans of all
ages fight for the best position. When hunger strikes you can indulge
yourself by choosing from a wide variety of snacks and meals in our cosy
restaurant.
The first motor sports highlights that took place on the new Sachsenring in 1996, namely the International German Motorcycle Championship and the Touring Car Super Cup, turned out to be a complete success. At the beginning, the races led through the streets of the neighbouring industrial park and partly along the old racetrack. The enormous response from the audience as well as the unique atmosphere on the Sachsenring induced the German automobile club ADAC as the organiser of the races to choose the Sachsenring as venue of the German motorcycle grand prix races from 1998 on.
Thus, the best motorcycle racers of the world returned to the traditional race course after a break of 26 years. Another reconstruction of the racetrack in 2001 brought an optimised course of the track, longer full speed passages, a permanent pit lane and a new starting grid tower. Apart from this, also the scores of spectators coming to the Sachsenring each year can rejoice over more grandstand seats.