A hot weekend in the Vosges mountains

The weekend offered ideal summer weather, but with extremely high temperatures. During the drive uphill, Alain in the passenger seat had to contend with the heat and his fireproof suit. Once at the top, he was relieved to slip out of his gear – a visible sign of how demanding this climb can be.

Performance and impressions

The Volvo 142 showed itself from its best side and ran very reliably. Nevertheless, it became clear that the long and steep climb at the Ballon d'Alsace would have required more engine power. As Philippe remarked, “a more powerful engine would be welcome” (reference: 1054226).

Despite the limited power, the team performed excellently. They were able to catch up with a BMW M3 early on – a remarkable achievement. Philippe also demonstrated his driving style on the following climbs: the vehicles started at 15-second intervals, but the Volvo 142 regularly caught up with other participants and overtook them with ease.

Personal impressions

The first few runs were for orientation, as Philippe was unfamiliar with the track at the start. The first video he recorded showed his debut. By the fourth run, he had already settled in well – even though the extra 100 kg of Alain as a co-driver was a slight handicap, as both noted with a wink.

Conclusion

All in all, Philippe Jouanne and Alain Stempfer had an outstanding weekend at the Ballon d'Alsace. The Volvo proved its reliability and sportiness, even if it could do with a little more power in some places. The atmosphere was excellent, the rides were exciting, and there was plenty to talk about – not least for Alain, who will no doubt be recounting his experiences on his way back from vacation.

Photos and videos from the event round off the impressions and bring the enthusiasm for this traditional mountain event to life.

Info

What:
Ballon d'Alsace

When:
Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, 2025

Where:
Belfort (France)

• Wikipedia: Vosges
• Complete engine B20 -73 2.2L (B22) "Big Bore"
• Website: Ballon d’Alsace
• YouTube: 9e Montée Historique du Ballon d'Alsace
• YouTube: Montée du Ballon d'Alsace Volvo 142 JPhRacing/Skandix (DashCam)
• YouTube: Montée du ballon d'ALSACE 2025 Volvo142 JPhRacing/Skandix (DashCam)

On Thursday it was time to set up our service area, again there were many hands and a quick finish.

Friday morning at 6 a.m. we set off to view the stages. After 450 km in the Volvo, Steffen and I realized once again that the Volvo is not for long distances, our buttocks were flat and we had fallen asleep. The external stages are going to be as fast as a pig and for us the end is at 160 km/h in 4th gear.

At 6:12 p.m. we finally set off with start number 75, show start in Grömitz on the beach promenade and on to SS1.

This was immediately interrupted by start number 3, a serious accident (both are fine again). As the route was blocked, we were directed to SS2. Here there was also an accident and we were diverted again, so the first 2 stages were over, not a meter driven but off to the 1 service.
Here we were rewarded with a delicious dinner from our kitchen for doing nothing. The service guys also had time off.

It went into the 2nd loop, SS1 now SS3 still closed, so on to SS4. Now we were allowed to drive and could experience the 4th time of 9 Volvos.

We went to bed at around 0:00 and at 8:33 we started again. Now the stages on Putlos with a high proportion of gravel awaited us, so we switched to gravel in the early service.

We were able to defend our position from the previous day on the upcoming 4 stages there, the stages were so much fun that we celebrated at the finish. It also happened that I took off my helmet, put it in the back of the car and realized after about 1.5 km of the connecting stage that I couldn't read the speedometer at all - shit! Glasses left on the roof, gone.

What do we have service for? To get a pair of glasses so that Silvio can see again. We called briefly and were told straight away that the servo was making noises. When we arrived at the service department, we got the reading aid from Mutti, ok a field road now looked as wide as a highway, but this can also be an advantage, let's make the best of it.
The bracket on the servo broke and it was child's play for the guys. A temporary solution was put in place and, as we all know, they last...? That's how it was.

The next 4 stages were driven on asphalt again and so we put different tires on.

We were still able to drive Wp9, but it didn't go so well for us, the tender 100 hp on the bike didn't want or couldn't achieve what we wanted. Only 7th time.

Wp10 there was an accident involving a Swedish Volvo team, again the route was blocked and we were diverted.

Wp11 the same as Wp9 with the same result.

Wp12 was canceled and we headed towards Grömitz to the finish ramp.

After 7 of 12 stages (5 were canceled due to accidents) we were more than happy with 3rd place in the class. We were rewarded with full points for the German Volvo Cup.

We were also both happy with the all-round support in the service department, as there were more people looking after the Volvo at every service than at the beginning. We were also well looked after by the kitchen during this time and will probably have to re-mark our belts soon, after service 1, after service 2, etc. But at some point the belt will come to an end.
We spent the evening raving about the Baltic Sea Rally over a beer and it was clear that we'd be back in 2025.

A big thank you to everyone involved who contributed to this event, it would never have been possible on our own!

But now it's time to concentrate fully on the next round: next up is Badschmiedeberg in Saxony-Anhalt, a round of the Schottercup, keep your fingers crossed that we can continue to defend the top of the table.

Drifting greetings
Your Silvio

• News archive: Baltic Sea Rally 2024

• 15. ADAC Ostsee-Rallye

The ADAC Baltic Sea Rally is also on our schedule - the last start of the season for the German Rally Championship and we from the Volvo Cup are allowed to take part.
Our preparations have been going on for a long time, everyone in the team had recognized their task by themselves, it was organized or done. Our team is simply a self-runner and we would like to say a big thank you in advance!

Ted Malm is also at the start with his Volvo Euro Cup and 18 Volvos from Sweden and Norway, with a total of 22 Volvos we are the strongest class at this event.
After an 8-year break, Stefan Haberland from Tegernsee will be joining us on the canvas with a rented Volvo 940. We are looking forward to seeing him again.

Twelve tough special stages over a total distance of 135 kilometers lie ahead of us. The show start is on Friday at 17:01 at the Festwiese on Uferstraße in Grömitz, after which the first four special stages begin. The first stage ends in the evening at around 20:44, when the vehicles arrive at the rally center in Lensahn for servicing.

On Saturday, the second round starts at 08:36 hrs on the Putlos military training area with four royal stages, which are unique in the German rally scene due to their route characteristics and location directly on the Baltic Sea. Four more special stages will follow before the top three in each class are expected to cross the finish line in Grömitz at around 18:30, where the final award ceremony will also take place.

Infos

What:
ADAC Baltic Sea Rally 2024

Where:
Lensahn/East Holstein

When:
06.09.2024 - 07.09.2024

• News archive: Review of the Baltic Sea Rally 2024

• 15. ADAC Ostsee-Rallye

On July 20, we went to the rally in Teterow, a hill climb designed for motorcycles.

10 Volvos were at the start. The weather was perfect and we knew it was going to be hot, even in the car.

We set off at 12:30 p.m. and the "hot" issue was reflected in the display. We, or rather the engine, wanted to start boiling, the fan was probably stuck. We rolled down the hill to the start with the help of gravity. 5, 4 ... engine on, 3, 2, 1 go. We were supposed to do 3 laps. Based on the temperature display, we briefly wondered whether we should pull out, but oh no, it'll hold.

When we arrived at the finish line, the driving time was recorded and lo and behold, the fan was working again and the temperature was dropping. A quick check under the hood and on to the scoring round 2.

This was very rolly and it often carried us a long way out.

Scoring round 3 without boiling water this time, but a bit faster.

Scoring round 4, which had just been rolling, had a turn-off behind a stone. This time there was grip, I had underestimated it and so the baby wanted to go in the new direction far too early. There was a short bang and you thought the wheel had come off.

But we couldn't stop at this point, nobody would have been able to get past. There was still propulsion, so we continued the 400 meters to the finish on what felt like 3 wheels.

We were out.

Since I started my vacation with the family from Teterow, co-pilot Steffen took the Volvo home with him, father Fred Mollitor searched the workshop on Monday and grabbed all the SKANDIX bags to bring them to Steffen. Tuesday afternoon the news: Volvo is ready and measured. That's what I call a best time, 1st place overall!

Our vacation ends on 3rd of August in Wangels on the Baltic Sea and there we will drive the Holsten Rally, thanks to all the hard-working helpers this is possible.

I love my team and am extremely grateful!

Best regards, your Silvio and the SKANDIX-Motorsport team.

Photos: Stephan Metzker

• News archive: 10th ADAC Rallye Bergring Teterow 2023
• News archive: Team Mollitor starts the new season

• Organizer Website: 11th Car Rally - RESULTS

The team, consisting of Silvio Mollitor and Steffen Sitz, has been working hard on the preparations. The parts supplied by SKANDIX were used to make the vehicle fit for the track. Reinforced by service manager Richard and chef de cuisine Helge, the team feels well prepared for the weekend and the rest of the 2024 season.

The team is competing with the clear goal of defending last year's title and is also aiming for the trophy this year. Despite the high ambitions, the fun factor comes first - "... and that's only possible with a Volvo".

True to the motto "Let's go riding gravel waves!"

We are keeping our fingers crossed for Team Molitor and will report on the results of the race.

• 59. ADMV-Rallye Lutherstadt Wittenberg
• MSC Lutherstadt Wittenberg e.V.

Great Volvo meeting at the Bergring.
The 4th round in the Volvo Original Cup is just around the corner, this time in the full NC2 class.

10 Volvos have registered, the majority of them in original trim. The Bergring has it all, lots of crests with wide jumps if you dare :-)

But first things first: Elena and I are currently spending our two-week holiday at the Weissenhäuser beach campsite, with the Volvo on the back of the hook, of course. Last weekend we drove the Holsten Rally up here, it wasn't part of the Cup but we think the rallies up here in the north are just so nice and it fitted into our holiday plans. The Volvo had suffered a bit and without further ado, co-pilot Steffen Sitz took the Volvo to Berlin so that we could finish our holiday up here.

The parts were ordered from SKANDIX on Sunday evening and arrived at the workshop almost at the same time as Steffen.

Wednesday noon the picture arrived: Volvo ready for Race! THANKS!!!!!

At this point I would like to thank the team of SKANDIX-Motorsport once again!

• Steffen, the co at my side, the master under and in the car.
• Richard, the man who has a solution for all problems and errands in no time at all. The logistician, after all.
• Helga and Doreen, who always make sure that we put enough pressure on the axles at the weekend.
• Elena, my daughter, a rally enthusiast at the age of 11 and already eagerly awaiting her first mission as a co-pilot at the age of 14.
• Dad, who also helps out at home in my workshop or does other orga things while I am at work.

Just always awesome, the weekends with you guys!

The holiday is now over and we will make the journey to Teterow, highly motivated we want to defend the top of the table, Teterow I have only driven half a time, respect I have for the jumps and our "baby" of course I do not want to hurt. There is no run-out, only 1,20 metre high barriers, the course is also called "the bobsleigh run", but do we really want to repaint after the rally? Nope...

I'm looking forward to the rally with everyone, let's go ride the gravel!

Kind regards Ella and Silvio

Info

What:
10th ADAC Rallye Bergring Teterow 2023

Where:
Appelhäger Chaussee 1, 17166 Teterow

When:
12.08.2023

• 10. ADAC Bergring-Rallye

51st ADAC Roland Rallye Nordhausen

Watching rally videos is one thing, being there live and cheering on the spectacle is another. But to drive along is a really true experience.

When Silvio Mollitor told SKANDIX in the past few weeks that Steffen, his actual co-driver, was prevented from driving due to the tyre season, my fingers itched. But without a great premonition, let alone the right equipment, the possibility of taking part in the race seemed a long way off. After it was clear that there was nothing else to do this weekend and Steffen kindly agreed to lend me his equipment, the decision was easy: I'm in!

After initial difficulties in acquiring the race card from the German Motorsport Federation (DMSB), I was registered for the rally and we were given the start number 47. When the Easter days had passed, Silvio sent me pictures of his 244 from his workshop "Everything tightened and checked". I would have loved to have been there, I thought to myself, obviously having missed the all-round check. Up to that point, the event had been too little present in my mind. Mollitor and Kornetowski was written on the back windows and my eyes sparkled, especially because my name just found room along the glass.

Videos from years past with Silvio's old rally car tuned me in more and I became all the more aware of the role I would be taking on the coming weekend.

It's getting serious...

Thursday, two days before the start... Matthias approached me. He had promised to give me a briefing and to give me some impressions of what it means to drive a rally. It quickly became clear to me: Whoever brakes the earliest loses!

Friday at 3 p.m. sharp, I dropped the pen and set off in the direction of Nordhausen. I had already packed everything and could hardly wait to finally arrive at the rally centre in Sundhausen (Nordhausen). Silvio's words "Fun comes first - there's enough stress in life" accompanied me on the journey. And fun also replaced excitement when I rolled onto the course. A well-rehearsed team greeted me warmly on my arrival. Richard and Helga, responsible for our support and all-round catering, Hagen, an equally assertive Volvo driver, and Silvio himself.

After I set up my camp for the weekend, Silvio handed me some notes from Steffen, including two roadbooks. That made it clear what I would be doing that evening.

Afterwards we officially registered at the race control and stuck our start number, 47, on the car doors. Shortly afterwards, we went to the technical scrutineering at 17:30 and the entire car as well as the fireproof clothing was inspected. Afterwards, I settled myself into the passenger seat and got detailed answers from Silvio to my still unanswered questions, which were not to be the last. For many things were new to me this weekend.

Saturday, rally start

Early in the morning, the pattering rain woke us up and we got a premonition of what to expect on the track.

The roadbook hand-out marked the start of our navigation to the special stages and thus the write-up for the routes to the later stage.

Muddy, greasy roads lay ahead of us. Bend by bend, Silvio and I synchronised ourselves more and more. Writing down, simultaneously zeroing the odometer with the foot pedal and keeping an eye on the further route was unusual at first, but would become second nature to me in the course of the day.

Photo: Lutz Bittag

The second track stage was in danger of being cancelled due to the muddy conditions and we proactively decided to skip half of the track as the first cars were already getting stuck in front of us. We took a risk on the gap and proceeded all the more carefully on the subsequent track test. A track with various crests, changes of surface, a chicane and trimmed for speed. "Should I also record the dips?" I asked Silvio, "We won't notice them later", he replied with a smirk on his lips.

Back from the rally centre and a full hour until our start time. - First breakfast! The mixture of a full stomach, the desire and respect for the race, as well as the excitement and tension in my neck, I quickly realised: I feel sick! I went through my notes again conscientiously and looked at the cars of the competitors on the terrain in order to stay in my centre and keep calm. Actually, I wanted to have another short lie down, but I wondered if 5 minutes of power nap would be enough. Now it was time to get going. I got into my clothes and into the car, heading for special stage 1, the circuit.

1st stage

When we arrived at the first time control, a rally car smoked up just a few cars away from us and people with fire extinguishers rushed to help. All-clear - a burst heat exchanger and scalds on the driver's leg from the boiling hot coolant. We moved forward and received our start time on time and 3...2...1 GO!

At full throttle we swept over the track, at the same time the uncomfortable feeling was gone, now we functioned as a team and Silvio manoeuvred us skilfully through the mud holes and past the chicanes with impunity so that the stones flew behind us. Where we didn't take off, we drove across. Then after one and a half laps "Right 3 FULL ..." towards the finish of the first stage.

When we reached the finish and the brakes were applied, the joy and adrenaline bubbled up inside me. - Done, stage 1 of 6 is now behind us! But now I had to put the log book aside and take the road book in my hand. We continued on the intermediate stage towards SS2 and had 2 minutes to exchange impressions and let them sink in.

Now we were facing the second special stage and here a bad feeling came over me, because I copied the second part of the route from a fellow competitor. Performing on the basis of other records ... so from now on "life in the situation!". From run to run, Silvio and I became more attuned to each other and so my initially very loud announcements through the spark turned into a quiet but increasingly determined route description.

Regrouping

First we refuelled and put weight on the rear axle, a short all-round check - Is everything still on? A few times we hit the underbody at about 130 km/h. There was a crash, stones, mud and water shot in all directions. - Everything remained intact. We were then faced with SS4 to SS6 and after a short breather we went straight on.

Bit by bit there were delays. Competitors lost their way or got stuck. The gaps between the start numbers at the other time controls became larger. At the beginning, Richard bid us farewell with the words "The goal is the goal" and increasingly this motto became our guiding principle. So we reached the finish straight at 7 pm and Richard welcomed us punctually with our finish beer ;-)

20:30 hrs Award ceremony at the Rally Centre

After a hearty meal, we went to the award ceremony and were delighted to win the Volvo Original Cup. Overwhelming and the zenith of feelings to climb the podium with racing partner Silvio.

At the end of the day, I look back with gratitude on an exciting event in the best of company. The centre of which brought together all kinds of people who are passionate about motorsport. A continuum of passion and lifeblood, experience from both older and younger generations, experienced and less experienced competitors.

In particular, a big thank you to you Silvio and your trust in me as temporary CO, to SKANDIX for the opportunity and to all those involved in connection with the event with whom I was in contact before or during the event.

• Nordhäuser MSC: 51. ADAC Roland-Rallye
• YouTube: Roland Rallye Nordhausen 2023 - Best of (by Woifeh)
• YouTube: 51. ADAC Roland-Rallye Nordhausen 2023 (by Rallyejournal)

It all started in 1972 when more than 300 teams of Europe's best rally sportsmen came together to compete in Germany's biggest rally event. Among them a certain Walter Röhrl and thus the start of the career of one of the greatest rally drivers.
It went from Kiel to Munich, 3400 km through Germany with only one overnight stay and over 60 special stages.

Now 50 years later, the legend awakens again. This time 197 teams with 42 different vehicle brands and 172 different vehicle types from 9 nations will start. This year, from 08.08. to 13.08.2022, approx. 2100 km will be covered in 48 hours of pure driving time and that within six days.

One fan described the whole thing as "a rolling classic car museum".

In fact, 10 participants from 1972 are taking part this year, including Walter Röhrl. This time, he is even competing with 4 different vehicles. The vehicles with which he won the Monte Carlo Rally 4 times and became World Champion twice.
Despite the vintage vehicles, the whole thing will certainly not be a coffee ride.

In addition, the original press bus from 1972 will be there again. This time, press representatives will be received here, where journalists were still typing press releases back then.

All in all, it will be a lot of fun, coupled with team spirit, sportsmanship, squealing tyres and a lot of adrenalin. A must for all classic car and rally fans or those who want to become one. A visit is definitely worthwhile.

Info

What:
Revival of the 1972 Olympic Rally
6 stages
approx. 2,100 km
approx. 48 hours of pure driving time in 6 days

When:
08. - 13.08.2022

Where:
From Kiel to Munich
(Until the rally, the most interesting points for spectators along the route will of course be published here).

Classification:
The following classification groups will be started:
Classification 1: Rally cars 1950 - 1972
Classification 2: Rally cars 1973 - 1990
Classification 3: Vintage cars 1950 - 1972
Classification 4: Vintage cars 1973 - 1990
Special classification: Rally cars - vehicle types as at the Olympic Rally 1972

• Website: Olympia Rallye '72

Hello, I'm Andreas Thull, I'm 27 years old - a master car mechanic and the owner of this Volvo 740!

I bought the car in typical well-maintained pensioner condition and then rebuilt the car according to Group G or Original Cup regulations. After 3 years of experience in this condition, the will for more was also quickly there! In 2020/21, the Volvo was then converted to the higher Group F. Practically everything was turned inside out! In cooperation with my father Jörg Thull, everything was changed!

In cooperation with KW-Automotive, a chassis was built for this vehicle according to my drawings and measurements. The Competition suspension now uses Volvo 960 steering knuckles with S60 brakes and added camber adjustment. The steering trapezoid as well as the dynamic toe change of the axle was also corrected by modified struts and pivot points. Since many parts are not available off the shelf, we were left to our own devices. For example, the 4-way adjustable anti-roll bar moved from the Porsche 997 GT3 into the Swedish car! At the rear axle, the lock was revised and a short rear axle ratio was calibrated by my father. The gearbox is (still) an M90 gearbox from the last series in combination with a modified shifter from the BMW shelf.

The heart is now a 2.4L B230F with 8 valves. The engine block and head were bought with the components camshaft - crankshaft and pistons. This was already modified. The power is transmitted via a 180mm Sachs sinter clutch. The engine thus turns approx. 8100 revolutions with these also light components! There are many details that make up the car and are also technically well thought out. All in all, this is not an off-the-peg car, but one with a lot of character!

The main focus of our conversions - which we also do professionally - is the care and quality of the conversion. Every screw that has been touched has been galvanically re-galvanised to make the overall appearance as perfect as possible.

I would also like to thank the company SKANDIX, which has been our partner since the first hour of this vehicle!

• YouTube: Kranker Volvo, krasser Fahrer! Schneller als ein E36 Tracktool? Zeig den Hobel
• YouTube: Autospielen - Zeig den Hobel No. 5 - Andys Volvo 740 Rallye Cup Renner
• YouTube: Liebe zum Detail - Andis Volvo 740 Rally Car im Autospielen Tech Check
• Instagram: ASP-Thull
• Website: Auto Service Partner Thull

Peter Trippacher and his team were among the participants, who has provided us with a report on his participation in the Historic Ice Trophy 2020 below.

6-hour races from 1986 onwards

For this race we used our Volvo 740 2,3l 113 PS. After we had already noticed during comparison drives against my Mercedes 190 on the lung ring that the Volvo can build up a lot of grip and torque, it was not particularly surprising for us, in contrast to the competition, that we were able to keep up with the lap times of the Porsche 911 in the training and also in the race, and in part even undercut them.

But everything in sequence.

In free practice we occupied the 5th place out of 28. In the night qualifying we were able to work our way forward by one place and achieved the 4th starting position for the race the next day. The next day, punctually at 07:00 am the 6-hour race started. We could immediately put pressure on the Swiss 911 in front of us. The fastest laps of the race are driven in the first 3 laps, as the ice is still the most grippy at this time. We reached our fastest lap in the second round, which was only 5 hundredths slower than the Porsche.

Volvo 740 - Historic Ice Trophy 2020

Unfortunately, the Swiss pilot turned directly in front of us, so that we could not penetrate the inside of the curve and were overtaken by 2 cars.
After about 2.5 hours driving time, I handed over our speeding wall unit on P3 to Hannes, who, in contrast to some of his opponents, did his laps without a ride or accident.

In the 66th race lap we made our second of three compulsory driver changes and I took over the 740 again. In the meantime, in contrast to the starting phase, you had to find a completely different line to be able to drive fast laps. After another 21 laps we came to our last driver change and at the same time the only refueling stop at the pits. This had to be fast and without mistakes, because the team behind us didn't need to refuel.
So we got out of the driver's seat, Hannes got in, walked around the car and in the passenger seat back into our device, while the rest of the team fed the thirsty Swede with the petrol canister.
We got back on the track in time before the BMW in 4th place and in the last turn we were constantly 3 to 4 seconds per lap faster than our pursuers.
After 99 laps we steered our good 740 lying on the third place to the winner photo on the start-finish straight.

6 hour races up to 1985

For this race I have brought my completely new built Saab 99 16v Turbo T5 to the start, in which the experiences of the previous years have been incorporated.

We could already finish the training with the absolute fastest times on P1. Thus we were of course allowed in qualifying as the first car on the track. But the car felt completely different on the first few metres, it didn't build up any boost pressure, understeered and oversteered, it felt like a flat tyre. So I had to crawl around the track for the first lap and let the whole field overtake. Arriving at the pits it turned out that the handbrake was frozen on the left rear wheel during the time between practice and qualifying. After a few brave loosening exercises the chase went on to the pole position. But now I had over 30 cars in front of me. After a lot of overtaking manoeuvres we were able to fight for second place on lap 4.

Saab 99 16v Turbo T5 - Historic Ice Trophy 2020

Again at 07:00 in the morning the 6 hour race started. Already in the first turn I was able to overtake the pole setter and take the lead. Afterwards we were able to pull away from the field with about 4 seconds per lap.
After 43 leading laps and over 4 minutes ahead of P2 we took turns at the steering wheel for the first time. Hannes took over the car again and could immediately drive the required lap times. In the 70th lap suddenly a radio message came out of the car that the engine had stopped and was difficult to start again, first suspicion tank empty.
Car will come to the pits in the next lap, we fill up to the brim and do a quick check. I jump back into 99 and try to keep the lead, but the engine dies off in every left turn.

Technical failure after more than 70 laps at the top, similar to 2019 where we also stopped in the lead with a broken primary drive.

As we couldn't find the fault on the track and the afternoon was race-free, we loaded up the Saab and drove to our Saabspezis Sepp and Sepp Sticht Junior to find out the secret of the turbo with the help of the testers. Shortly before the two of them arrived I had an idea what it could be. The catchtank we installed is filled on the right side with the help of a pre-feed pump and canceled on the left side with a second pump. Since the engine ran straight ahead and in right turns without any problems, the fuel filter in front of the pre-feed pump had to be clogged. Promptly the suction pipe as well as the filter was so clogged that the first pump had only minimal gasoline flow and therefore could not fill the catch tank. The tank was cleaned in advance, but due to the stress on the track, it seems that still existing incrustations had loosened from the tank walls. Thereupon we cleaned the complete system and installed a 12 mm suction pipe, promptly the engine ran again without grumbling.
So we started again on the motorway and to Altenmarkt, because there was still one race to race for the 99.

4-hour races up to the year 1976

With a little bit uncertain if everything is 100% working again we could finish the training with 0,2 seconds behind last year's winner Käfer on P2. In the following qualifying we pressed everything out of the 2 litre turbo and could reach the pole position with almost 4 seconds ahead of the second placed car.

Saab 99 - Historic Ice Trophy 2020

On Saturday at 08:00 in the morning we started our third endurance race this week. Due to the somewhat milder temperatures during the night, the track was a bit more slippery this time from the beginning, which caused us a bit more problems in the fast uphill section compared to the rear-wheel drive cars with a barrier. But I was able to set the pace from the top and after 35 laps I handed over to Hannes again with a 35 second lead. On this day he had a bit more problems to find the necessary grip and did not feel 100% comfortable in the car. He finished his turn again safely and without failures and handed over our bike to me again on the 50th lap. Shortly after that I suddenly had to fight with a loose steering column while braking from the fastest passage (the lower retaining bar was torn).

After another 4 laps I made a driver change without driver change. (Driver gets out, runs once around the car). In the remaining time we were able to set much faster times than the leading Opel Ascona but it was not enough to catch up with the leading Opel Ascona. We finished this year's Historic Ice Trophy 2020 in second place in the 4-hour race.

• News: Historic Ice Trophy 2020 at Altenmarkt/Zauchensee

• Youtube: Historic Ice Trophy 2020 - 6 hours of Altenmarkt
• Youtube: Historic Ice Trophy 2020 - 1. Rennrunde beim 6 Stundenrennen ab 1986
• Youtube: Historic Ice Trophy 2020
• Website: Historic Ice Trophy

The participants start from Athens, Glasgow, Bad Homburg, Milan, Barcelona, Reims and Monte-Carlo for a rallye to Buis-les-Baronnies (Drôme Provençale). The actual rallye starts here on February, 1st. Numerous special stages are on the agenda. The route leads through the Maritime Alps to Monaco, where the finish will be on February, 5th.

Among the prominent starters is Walter Röhrl in a Porsche 911 from the 1970s, who has won the "big" Monte-Carlo Rally four times with four different automobile brands.

Some historic Volvos are also taking part this time. For example, SKANDIX customer Dan Alven from Sweden is facing this challenge with his Volvo Amazon. Despite good preparation, shortly before the start the race would nearly have been ended for him due to defective clutch parts - but SKANDIX was able to help and deliver the appropriate spare parts to Monaco within 24 hours, thus saving Dan's participation.

We keep our fingers crossed for a good placement and wish all participants a lot of fun and success at this unique event!

The results of the individual special stages and more pictures can be found on the official website of the rallye under the following links.

• 23e Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique
• Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique - Live Results
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The Classic HIT and Youngtimer Cup will be held on an icy circuit (without salt and gritting) as a regularity competition with training, qualification, pre-final, final and super-final runs. Over 6 days numerous competitions in the different vehicle categories take place.

Peter Trippacher and his team have already participated in the Historic Ice Trophy several times, who kindly provided us with a short report from previous years.

His team consists of:
Peter Trippacher
Hannes Fischer
Bernd Heller
Dominik Schmidt (son of Peter)

In 2017, Peter Trippacher's team changed from Porsche to Saab 96 for this event, with which they drove both the 4 and 6-hour races in 2017 and 2018.

2017
1st place 6 hours
2nd place 4 hours

2018
3rd place 6 hours
1st place 4 hours

In 2019 the team changed to a Saab 99 CC modelyear 1974 with 8V turbo engine. Since 2019 there are two 6 hour races (until modelyear 1985 and since 1986)
In the 6 hour race they took 2nd place.
In the 4 hour race they unfortunately retired after 1.5 hours with a 1.5 minute lead in 1st place with a technical defect (primary drive).

For 2020 Peter Trippacher has built a Saab 99 Sedan with 16V Turbo and Trionic5 control. With this the team will start in the 4 hour race and in the 6 hour race for modelyears until 1985. 7mm spike class he has still driven with his Porsche 944, 2020 he will start in this class with the Saab 99.

For the 6 hour race for modelyears from 1986 the team has made a Volvo 740 ready to start. This comes from 1st hand and has never been driven in winter before.

Already on 05.01.2020 the team starts with a Mercedes 190 at the 4 hours ice marathon at the Lungauring.

For these events there are strict tire regulations. For the long distance races, only commercially available road studs with a 2mm projection that are approved for traffic in Austria may be used.

Spectators are very welcome to attend the Historic Ice Trophy in Altenmarkt/Zauchensee and the Ice Marathon at Lungauring/St. Michael and can experience the feeling of racing on ice up close.

Perhaps you'd like to join us at short notice - Peter Trippacher and his team would be delighted to have a motivated audience on site!

Infos

What?
Historic Ice Trophy

Where?
Schlatterbergweg 5
A-5541 Altenmarkt-Zauchensee (Austria)

When?
20.01. - 26.01.2020

• News: Historic Ice Trophy 2020 - Race report