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Thousands of spectators will converge on Angoulême next weekend to see around 160 classic cars racing around the historic street circuit.

 

The annual Circuit des Remparts however, is not just about the racing.  There will be around 300 superb classic cars on view, as well as exhibition stands hosting some of the big automotive names.  Festivities get underway on Friday night at 9pm with the Concours d’Elégance, a parade of around thirty cars and their crews around the centre of town.

 

On Saturday, the Rallye International takes centre stage from 08h30, with over 300 crews setting off from Chais Magelis on the banks of the Charente River, and heading out into the surrounding cognac vineyards.  The Rallye returns to town at around 17h30 (pl Champ de Mars).  Many prestigious marques will be on display around the town hall, such as Matra and Bugatti.  From 15h on Saturday, around thirty cars manufactured by Jacques Durand between 1958 and 1991 will be on display at the Esplanade des Halles.

 

Sunday is reserved for a series of classic races around the famous street circuit.  Races were first held around the old city ramparts in 1939, but a change in regulations in 1955 meant that all street racing circuits in France had to abandon their sporting events.  The event was brought back to life in 1978 by a small group of enthusiasts, with the first classic car event.  Practice sessions are between 08h00 and 12h00, with racing getting underway between 14h00 and 18h00.

 

There is always a great atmosphere for this event, particularly for the Sunday races, and the events on Friday and Saturday are open to the public free of charge.  There is usually commentary in English over the loudspeaker system during races.  Tickets for the Sunday are 25€ or 35€.  The event takes place from 17 to 19 September 2010.  For further information visit the official website.

 

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