Hockenheim Classics 2026 // Racing legends back on the track
- The Hockenheim Classics bring over 500 historic motorbikes and cars back to the racecourse
- Motorsport history up close: the season finales of the DHM, IHRO and IG Königsklasse, as well as races from the VFV-GLPpro and the TLRC, ensure a varied racing programme
- A fascinating special feature in the pits and on the track: historic sidecars from 1920 to 1980
When the engines roar into life again at the Hockenheimring from 18 to 20 September 2026, motorsport history will come to life: At the 49th Hockenheim Classics, over 500 participants will come together with their historic racing machines and cars spanning more than seven decades. The event takes visitors on an impressive journey through time – from the Hockenheimring’s beginnings in 1932 right through to the 1990s. As a result, a wide variety of racing concepts and vehicles will come together at the Motodrom. From delicate motorbikes to powerful racing cars, the diversity of motorsport from days gone by is impressively on display.
The sporting organiser of the Hockenheim Classics is the Veteranen-Fahrzeug-Verband e. V. (VFV). Among other things, the event centres on the season-ending rounds of the German Historic Motorcycle Championship (DHM). Motorcycles built between 1920 and 1995 compete against one another in a total of 18 solo and five sidecar classes. The field of participants thus spans several generations of motorcycling and brings technical development and sporting tradition to life.
The final championship rounds of the International Historic Racing Organisation (IHRO) bring an international flavour to Hockenheim. The racing machines used there are modelled on the Grand Prix motorbikes of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The programme is rounded off by the season finale of the IG Königsklasse.
Lovers of historic cars will also find plenty to enjoy at the Hockenheim Classics. The VFV-GLPpro brings touring cars, GTs, formula cars and sports cars from bygone eras onto the track. Added to this is the TLRC – the ADMV’s Trabant-Lada Racing Cup.
The era of sidecars takes centre stage
A particular highlight of this year’s Hockenheim Classics is a racing class that has provided spectacular duels and a unique sense of fascination for decades: historic racing sidecars.
The VFV is dedicating the special exhibition ‘Historic Racing Sidecars 1920–1980’ to them. On display are, amongst others, early racing machines such as the NSU Bullus, Motosacoche and Horex, alongside British makes such as Triumph and Norton, as well as the legendary BMW RS sidecars, which defined the heyday of German sidecar racing.
The exhibition also pays tribute to the people who shaped this sport during its heyday. Names such as Deubel, Hörner, Luthringshauser, Fath, Enders, Engelhardt, Schauzu, Schwärzel, Steinhausen and Bohnhorst represent an era in which riders and pillions fought together for seconds and championships. Some of the former participants will be present in person at the Hockenheim Classics, bringing the history of sidecar racing to life as eyewitnesses to that era.
But it won’t stop at an exhibition alone: the historic sidecars are returning to the very place where they once sparked such enthusiasm – the racetrack. During a special race, these impressive racing machines can once again be admired in action.
At the Hockenheim Classics, historic vehicles meet sporting competition and a wealth of personal memories. It is precisely this blend that gives the event its special appeal, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary next year.
Tickets
Admission prices start from just 10 euros for a Friday ticket, whilst day tickets for Saturday and Sunday cost 20 euros each. If you’d like to enjoy the whole weekend, a weekend pass is available for 25 euros. Admission is free for children under 14. Tickets are available via the online ticket shop at www.hockenheimring.de or at the box office. Further information on Hockenheim Classics 2026 can be found online at: www.hockenheim-classics.de
