5 nostalgic videos of old Masaryk Circuit

by Michal Kašpárek on August 4, 2009

in Best of Brno,History

The Grand Prix of the Czech republic takes place at a modern closed racing track “Automotodrom Brno” but from the 1930s to the 1980s racers risked their lives at streets of Brno’s quarters Bosonohy, Žebětín, Kohoutovice and Lískovec.

I found some nice YouTube videos showing the old track, full of long and quick straights and sharp curves, often bordered by trees or old houses.

By the way, you can ride it in your car or on a bike — just don’t race on it.

Czechoslovak newsreel about the 1957 Grand Prix

A short documentary about Jarno Saarinen’s race in 1972

Jazz, hot girls and communist policemen – racing used to be classy! Too bad Jarno Saarinen died in an accident some time later.

German TV spot about the 1982 race

Note that the track goes more through new ugly suburbs than through the old villages.

1949 layout in Grand Prix Legends

Virtual drive through the old layout, including Žebětín (around 2:00).

Grand Prix Legends lap with commentary

One more virtual lap, this time with a commentary and without Žebětín.

Map

If you are interested in the old track, enjoy this map with links to photos.

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