Last year we had the lustrum of the MFN, this year there is a different lustrum. Namely the existence of the Schleizer Dreieck (in English: Schleiz triangle), as our German neighbors like to say, the "ältester Naturrennstrecke Deutschlands" (oldest nature circuit in Germany).

In 1922 Ing. Karl Slevogt discovered that the triangular connection of roads south of the town of Schleiz was ideal for testing sports cars.

Because the course consisted of roads that were adapted to the landscape, it was called a "nature circuit" (Naturrennstrecke).
The first ride on the circuit was an economy drive for cars on June 10 1923, and in 1924 the first real motorcycle race was held.
The first circuit was 7.631 km long and was ridden in a counter-clockwise direction, with a height difference of 60 meters. Quite comparable to Spa-Francorchamps. Except for the 3 connecting bends, all bends were smooth, in combination with climbing and descending parts.

After WWII, Schleiz belonged to the GDR (German Democratic Republic, the eastern part of Germany). Despite everything, racing fans managed to organize motorcycle races on the Dreieck again in 1948. Until 1955 these races were a purely German affair. It was only after that that regular drivers from Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Austria also came to Schleiz.
It was not until 1956 that motorcycle racers from other countries also took part, which gave the popularity a huge boost. Big names from that time include Ernst Henne, Frantisek Stašny and Jim Redman.

Despite frantic efforts by English and Italian brands, most races were won by the German brands MZ from Zschopau and NSU.

It was not until the late 1960s that this was broken by the rise of the Japanese brands Honda and Yamaha.

It would take until after the Wende of 1989 that racing drivers from the West would also participate in car races in Schleiz.

In May 1988 the circuit was shortened to 6.805 km. This was done by making a new connecting road, that made that the course no longer ran through the city of Schleiz.

In 1991 both Germanys were reunited, but the circuit was then rejected for car racing. In 1992 the track was restructured to make it safer, including the construction of gravel traps and the addition of a chicane. This also made that sidecar racers returned to the track in 1994.

Unfortunately, in 2002 the FIM license for motorcycle racing was lost due to the lacking safety of the circuit. However, it was still considered suitable for car races.
As a result, the organizers concluded that it was time for another radical change, and in 2003 the circuit was thoroughly renovated. Unfortunately at the expense of a large part of the old track, where you could nicely slide through corners.
A new connecting road with a new start/finish section was added about halfway of the old circuit, leaving a track of only 3.805 km. As a result it is now more a stop-and-go circuit.

The new circuit was opened on August 21 2004, so from then on the races on the old and fast circuit were a thing of the past. Personally, I think it's a pity that the character of this beautiful track has been destroyed in such a way. I have fond memories of the old track.
Because the Schleizer Dreieck consists of public roads, you can still drive the old round.

This year the circuit is celebrating its 100th anniversary, which is celebrated exuberantly. A special stamp and a commemorative postmark have also been issued on the occasion of this fact.

Thus some new nice items to include in your collection.

Hans Baartman

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