Village Hof near Salzburg gained worldwide popularity in the 1970s, as Austrian F1 hero Niki Lauda bought a house there. During a press conference for the introduction of the first historical 'Legends Grand Prix', the bust of the three-time world champion was unveiled.

An interesting day in the picturesque Salzkammergut began with a press conference by the organizer of the first "Legends Grand Prix", which will take place from October 3rd to 5th on the famous but in recent decades somewhat forgotten Salzburgring. At the Rosewood Fuschl Castle, Hans-Joachim Stuck, Lukas Lauda, Joachim Althammer, and Dr. Gerhard Kuntschik represented the organizers. "We want to connect the history and future of motorsport with this event. From Friday to Sunday, it will be a weekend that appeals to the whole family. In addition to the engines, fans can expect sports personalities, live concerts, a lot of culture, and for the younger ones, SimRacing in the paddock," explained Althammer, an experienced organizer of the historic Edelweiss Classic and Rossfeld Race. "On the track, around 130 racing vehicles will be divided into 5 classes. 

Everyone can drive at a pace they consider appropriate on this very safe track. There will be no races, but the owners have the opportunity to fully exploit their treasures. Here, I see the advantage of free driving compared to Monaco Historique or Goodwood: Many owners have concerns about using their historic vehicles in races - out of fear of accidents. With us, they can safely try out their originals." Despite the very tense economic situation, the group led by Althammer managed to gain support and participation from manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Alpine, and Škoda. These companies have thus far confirmed the participation of the following prominent drivers: Stuck, Danner, von Bayern, Schickentanz, Wendlinger, Oberndorfer, Lieb, Bachler, Kristensen, Demuth, and Habsburg. 

As a special treat, Althammer announced that Kurt Ahrens, the legendary driver who won the opening race at the Salzburgring in a Porsche 908 on September 23, 1969, will also be coming.Technology fans can look forward to an exhibition of Niki Lauda's vehicles or Elvis' BMW 507. On the track, among others, the Porsche 962, BMW M1, Audi IMSA GTO, Audi Quattro, and the 'red pig' Mercedes AMG will be on display. 'Our goal is to welcome 30,000 fans. The first event is meant to lay the foundation for the annual 'Legends Grand Prix'. We hope to attract participants from England, Italy, France, or the USA in the future,' summarized Althammer.

The event continued in Hof with the festive unveiling of the bust of Niki Lauda. Joining the participants of the press conference were the young artist Selina Kolm, political figures, Lauda's acquaintances, and eyewitnesses, such as Roland Ratzenberger's father.„I haven't been here for a long time and when I see the school building in the background, I feel uneasy. I wasn't a good student. But I like to think back to my childhood in Hof. We used to ride around the area with my father and my brother on off-road motorcycles, and when the motorcycle world championship took place at the Salzburgring, we of course went there with my father. That's where we met Angelo Nieto and Kevin Schwantz...,” recalled Lukas Lauda, who met old acquaintances from his childhood after many years. At the same time, he apologized for the absence of his brother Matthias: "Today is the first day of school in Ibiza - that's why he had to stay with the kids." 

At the "Legends Grand Prix," Lauda's eldest son will make his debut in the cockpit, as he revealed: "It will be the first time I drive a race car! With a helmet from Gerhard Berger, I will drive my father's Project 4-BMW M1. I'm really looking forward to it..." 

The author is also excited and highly recommends a visit to the Salzburgring on the first weekend of October!