Retirees to Race Buggies on F-1 Circuit (Watch out NASCAR!)

Reuters ^ | 7/13/04

[lowbridge]

Offbeat News
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Retirees to Race Buggies on F-1 Circuit

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Dozens of Dutch retirees will take to a Formula One track this month to race each other in battery-powered buggies to promote greater mobility for the elderly and infirm.

Eleven nursing homes will send five contestants each, all over 70, to compete over an obstacle course on the Zandvoort F-1 circuit on July 27. The victorious nursing home will be win a buggy as well as a trophy.

"Many people don't want to drive buggies because they think they look silly," Elke van Wageningen, one of the organizers, told Reuters. "We want to get rid of that image and show they are tough, and we are using a four-wheeled open model that looks tough."

Drivers will receive instruction ahead of the race although the maximum speed will be set at just 11 kph (7 mph). "It's more about skilful maneuvering than speed," Van Wageningen said.

[lowbridge]

bump

[sticker]

Has to be more interesting than a F1 race, the old farts might know how to pass somebody or gas or something

[camle]

lemme guess, its' sponsored by MAACO and Burt Reynolds is gonna wave the checkered flag.

[clintonh8r]

Zandvoort is a great track near the coast. It's actually built on sand dunes. There were some great races there in the 60s and 70s. I believe the Dutch Grand Prix in 1960 or '61 was the last time 100% of a Formula 1 field finished a race.

[Gaetano]

They are about as likely to beat the Ferrari's as BMW, McLaren/Mercedes, Honda, Jaquar, Renault .......

[Steve_Seattle]

The 1961 race was won by my hero, Count Wolfgang von Trips. I had the impression that Zandvoort hasn't been on the F1 circuit in 10-15 years.

[Max Combined]

I went to Zandvoort some years ago to watch a race in the summer. I had on a light leather coat and it rained that day. Other than when riding a motorcycle, it was the coldest I had ever been. The wind off the North Sea was miserable. I did give a darn which Porche won that day, I only wanted to get warm.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

At least they have to make left and right hand turns
and don't run for cover if it sprinkles.

[Benrand]

If they wanted to get crazy, maybe they should drive over to the Nordschliefe.

[Max Combined]

I did NOT give a darn, I meant to write.

[clintonh8r]

I think the last F1 race at Zandvoort was in the late 70s or early 80s. I don't really have any heroes in the sports world, but Phil Hill was and is the driver I admire the most. The 1961 season with Hill vs. Trips was a classic.

[clintonh8r]

Now that would be something to see!