Dear motorsport enthusiasts,

Motorsport as a way of life

‘ONLY FLYING IS BETTER!’ was more than just a slogan for many racing drivers in the former GDR – it was an expression of their passion and their sense of freedom. Racing offered them the chance to escape the dreary daily grind and, in a matter of seconds, reach speeds that remained out of reach for ordinary motorists. It was the sense of being different, the challenge and a taste of freedom, all of which were further heightened by the system of the time.

Classic motorsport: technology and skill in harmony

This website is dedicated to a time when motorsport was still characterised by a ‘man-to-man’ battle – with virtually identical technical conditions. The balance between technology and driving skill was crucial. The motto ‘Wins are made in the corners’ aptly describes this era: Victory belonged to those who mastered their machinery and took to the starting grid with courage and a willingness to take risks. Tyre change times and pit stop strategies played no part; the outcome of a race depended solely on the performance and commitment of the drivers.

Stories and recognition

Behind the racing drivers’ number plates lie hundreds of fascinating stories, some of which are recounted on the following pages.
A journalist researching a documentary on motorsport in the East summed up the drivers’ achievements: “You are
the Schumachers of the East!”
With this sentence, he paid tribute to their outstanding achievements under the conditions of the time – there could be no greater praise or recognition.

Documentation and exchange

This documentation offers everyone the opportunity to optimise their archives, make contacts and complete their knowledge of motorsport in the former GDR – particularly in the years 1980 to 1989 in the B8 classes, later E1300/E1600. It is also intended to provide assistance and inspiration to those who wish to write about motorsport history or report on it objectively. Enjoy exploring!

The Archive

My archive contains:
Photos, posters, videos, brochures, autographed pictures, track passes, entry lists, technical documents, competition regulations and much more.

Call for contributions

Motorsport enthusiasts, fans and aficionados are invited to search their own archives for photos and stories that are interesting and original and could enrich this website.

Memories of the race tracks and their heroes

Let us remember:
The race tracks in East Germany, such as the Sachsenring, Schleiz (Europe’s oldest natural race track) and Frohburg, demanded enormous skill and courage from the drivers. The racing cars reached average speeds of up to 165 km/h and top speeds of up to 265 km/h – on roads without crash barriers. Spectator numbers of over 300,000 per weekend were the reward for the hard work of the mechanics and drivers, despite minimal support from the sports association. Phrases such as “Nothing is impossible!” symbolised their tireless dedication, whilst a lack of spare parts and material shortages constantly influenced success or failure. At that time, motor racing was an amateur sport in which a level playing field for all participants defined the sporting value of ‘man against man’.

The champions and pioneers of GDR motor racing

We remember the GDR champions who achieved outstanding performances, as well as the racing drivers who helped shape the history of motor racing up to 1989: Hans-Dieter Kessler, Heinz Siegert, Jürgen Meißner, Volker Worm, Manfred Günther, Helga Heinrich-Steudel, Manfred Kuhn, Peter Schwalbe, Henrik Opitz, Lutz Blütchen, Stefan Perner, Nils-Holger Wilms, Dietmar Isensee, Wolfgang Krug and many others.

Tribute to the deceased

We pay special tribute to those who lost their lives in motorsport or have already passed away. We bow our heads in deep respect to Ulli Melkus, Bernd Kasper and Frieder Kramer.

Families and helpers: the backbone of the sport

Last but not least, we should also remember the families of the racing drivers and the volunteer mechanics who made motor racing possible through their considerable investment of time and money. Together with their drivers, they were a team, one heart and one soul.

With sporting regards
Jürgen Meißner