Angouleme 'Circuit des Remparts' 2018

Always a challenge to get a shot through the catchfencing!

Starting grid for the Bugatti race, - This great event is televised in France.

First staged back in 1939, the Circuit des Remparts classic car race is held on the third weekend each September. The weekend-long events sees classic cars hurtling around the ancient, twisting roads of the pretty French hill-top town of Angouleme.
The Angouleme track hasn’t changed since that first race, and is one of the very few motor races to take place within the walls of a town, making the Circuit des Remparts a classic car race not to miss! The course itself is very demanding, twisting around the Angoulême ramparts and containing two right-angle bends and three hairpins.
The weekend starts on the Friday evening with a magnificent Concours d'Elegance staged in the centre of the old town and regularly attracts an audience of 5000 onlookers, all eager to see a wide range of superb vehicles, covering all ages of motoring.
Our 1959 Triumph TR3a winning the 2016 event. - Period dress is encouraged!

On Saturday, around 150 cars take part in the official road rally around the Charente countryside, which includes a superb 5 course lunch at a local chateau, before returning to Angouleme for a static display in the evening.

Racing commences on the Sunday and it is wonderful to wander around the pit area, early in the morning followed by coffee and a croissant in one of the many local bars. We then usually take our seat in the Cathedral Grandstand to watch 'qualifying', prior to taking a leisurely lunch at 'Chez Paul'........one of our favourite restuarants!


Racing commences at 14.00, with races for cars from the 1920' right through to the 1970's and this years entries included one-make races for Bugatti's and the 'chain-drive' Fraser Nash's.


3 wheeler action

Fraser Nash Race


Sports Car Race

Bugatti Race


2 Seater Open Sports Class



70's Saloons

Former World Rally Champion, Ari Vatanen entertained the crowds during the lunch break, by spending more time sideways than running in a straight line!

Sadly, the 2018 event was marred by the tragic death of Mini racer Denis Derex, just moments after I took this photo of him. He had a heart attack at the wheel and whilst marshalls and First Aid crews did their best, he succumbed shortly afterwards.

RIP Denis Derex



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