Indianapolis Oerlikon: When the engines roar on the old race track

The 500 miles of Indianapolis - or as they are called for short: Indy 500 - is the holy grail of motor racing. The most famous car race in the world is held on the 2.5-mile oval (called the noodle pot) with four banked turns. 500 miles to motorsport heaven, speeds of well over 300 km/h, 300,000 spectators in the grandstands - and tradition to the max: the winner receives a bottle of milk. This year's winner Alex Palou raved: "It's the best milk I've ever drunk."

The velodrome becomes a car racing track"
Once a year, this exceptional event from the Midwest of the USA makes a guest appearance at the Open Racecourse in Zurich Oerlikon - at least in a figurative sense. The man who pulls the motorsport strings at the racetrack is Georg Kaufmann. The passionate racing driver (81) has been (co-)responsible for the organization since the first event in 2002. What many people are probably unaware of today is that the open cycling track, which was built in 1912 and is the oldest sports stadium still in use in Switzerland, used to host not only cycling races but also competitions for racing cars - as a poster from 1946 that Georg Kaufmann once bought at auction in London proves.

The special environment requires driving skills and timing. The strain on the equipment and riders on the steep bends should not be underestimated. This is why Kaufmann and his crew attach great importance to ensuring that only experienced drivers take part in the event: "We only allow drivers who race regularly and are used to such situations". After all, up to eight vehicles are on the track at the same time - and at speeds of up to 100 km/h.

Waiver as a condition
Race director Kari Marty keeps a watchful eye on all participants and their origins. In addition, each rider must sign a waiver stating that they waive any legal claims in the event of damage. If the event is held this year on July 22 (with alternative date on July 24) will take place for the 23rd time, there will be many historic vehicles on display that will make every motorsport heart beat faster. In 2024, for example, visitors will be able to admire various pre-war racing cars such as the Alfa Tipo B P3 from 1934, the Bugatti 37/35 B and T35 B from 1927 and 1929 and a Lagonda M-45 Le Mans from 1934, as well as many racing and sports cars from the post-war period and the 1950s and 60s. A total of 60 cars will be doing their laps - and this in three time slots (6.00 to 6.30 p.m.; 7.30 to 8.00 p.m.; and 8.30 to 9.00 p.m.).

In addition to the racing cars, there are also factory racing bikes on display, the oldest of which date back to the 1920s. Four of the nine groups consist of two-wheeled machines. Georg Kaufmann's younger brother - Jo Kaufmann - is responsible for this part of the event. He is also jointly responsible for ensuring that the timetable is adhered to exactly. The aim is to keep noise pollution in the neighborhood as low as possible: "After 9 p.m., the loud engines are over," says Kaufmann.

Cycling at the center
At the same time, he emphasizes that there will also be normal racing on this evening: "There will be bike tests and stand-up races - after all, the sport should not be neglected on this special occasion." Kaufmann is referring to the original idea of the Indianapolis meeting. Former TV reporter and great racecourse fan Willy Kym was once looking for a way to bring the slightly dusty sports facility back to the attention of a wider and new audience. Kym, a man with a broad outlook and a great affinity for sport, put forward the idea of a vintage car exhibition to the racing romantic Bernhard Brägger.

Important financial support
And the event was born. Kaufmann, who took part as a rider at the beginning, remembers: "1200 spectators came to the first event. Since then, the event has grown continuously." Today, with almost 6,000 spectators, it sets the annual attendance record at the racecourse. And because twice the admission price (CHF 20) is charged on this evening, the classic car show makes a decisive contribution to financing the racecourse throughout the year. And this is exactly what organizer Kaufmann wants: "Every franc we raise goes back to the racecourse." Kaufmann raves about the "magical atmosphere" of this place - especially in combination with the roaring engines of the historic racing cars: "The atmosphere in the oval is hard to describe. You won't find anything like it anywhere else in the world."

Taveri, Bugatti and the Junghans boss
This always includes prominent visitors: Swiss motorcycle legend Luigi Taveri was one of the regular guests with his old machines. In 2019, Caroline Bugatti, a granddaughter of the legendary car manufacturer Ettore Bugatti, did her laps in Oerlikon. And the local racing celebrities always do the honors on four wheels (Marc Surer, Marcel Fässler) and two (Randy Krummenacher). In 2025, Kaufmann and Co. also have a very special man on the guest list: Arturo Merzario. The now 82-year-old Italian raced in Formula 1 for eight seasons in the 1970s, although he was denied a victory. Nevertheless, his place in motorsport history is forever assured. Merzario was one of the drivers who saved Niki Lauda's life after his devastating accident at the Nürburgring on August 1, 1976. The Austrian was trapped in his burning car. Merzario stopped his car - and freed Lauda. This is another reason why he is the perfect guest of honor on July 22, 2025 at the Open Racecourse in Zurich Oerlikon. Solidarity, loyalty and a genuine sporting spirit are paramount here. Otherwise this magnificent place would no longer exist.