Since the “Yellow Angel” scandal, the ADAC has repositioned itself and noticeably realigned itself. Many a traditionally oriented member ensures that the largest German automobile club is now committed to cyclists and compares public transport ticket prices. Will motorsport soon have to fear for its right to exist within the ADAC?
Gerd Ennser, Sports President of the ADAC, reassured the motorsport fans and answered this question clearly in the negative: “The promotion of motorsport has been part of the ADAC statutes since 1905. The ADAC will always stand behind it. There is a clear commitment in the executive committee, in the board, that we will continue will support and promote motorsport in Germany, even if it costs us money.”
The ADAC enjoys a privilege that hardly any other racing series has: the motorsport platform does not necessarily have to make a profit. Fans therefore benefit from low admission prices, which is reflected in numerous attendance records in 2022.
Despite all the difficult circumstances, Ennser sees motorsport “by no means in a trough”, although there have always been waves in the 117 years. This underscores not least the fact that the ADAC GT Masters platform comes up with a large number of partners. “There is broad support for motorsport.”
“At the moment there is no doubt anywhere, in no ADAC body, that we will continue to pursue motorsport with great vigour, long-term and sustainably. I know it from many internal discussions: There is really no one in the ADAC who questions motorsport .”
Open to technology, but with fascination
However, it is important to keep up with the times. “It would be difficult if we said that we will continue motorsport the way it has always been. But nobody has to explain that to us. For example, there are no more Silver Arrows on the Nordschleife today.”
Of course, the general uncertainty regarding future drives in motorsport is a particular focus. Because the sport lives to a not inconsiderable part from the engine sound. Not least for this reason, the ADAC GT Masters is aiming for a completely climate-neutral fuel as soon as possible, which should replace the current petrol, which consists of 50 percent renewable components.
“We don’t know today which drives will prevail,” says Ennser. “It could be electric. We know that doesn’t radiate great fascination. Motorsport without fascination will be difficult. That means there will always be combustion engines.” Emphasis on also, because the ADAC, as he repeatedly emphasizes, is open to technology.
“Here the question arises: What fuels will we use? With synthetic fuel? Or are there possibilities with hydrogen?” The focus here is also on the subject of fuel cells, which, however, struggles with the same whispering problems as the electric drive.
ADAC does not want to close its eyes to the technologies: “When a manufacturer comes up with a new idea, we are the first to offer the manufacturer a platform on which to use these vehicles. We will always try to make it more exciting, more attractive, more fascinating Motorsport becomes. For this approach we have the complete support from the whole house.”