24 hour 2CV race - 2020
118At Snetterton motor circuit in Norfolk, England, 21 teams entered this annual quirky race.
The winner team 97 “Lion 1” completed 662 laps of the 1.952 miles (3 km) circuit. Bad weather characterised this year’s race, with driving rain from the start through to 8.00 am when the circuit finally began to dry out. The wet conditions meant visibility was a real problem throughout the night but surprisingly the whole field managed to complete this gruelling endurance race.
The race started at 5:30pm on Saturday afternoon and ended 24 hours later. In a hotly contested race, the lead shifted between Number 97 and 92 but after a night of thrills where both cars had mechanical failures “Lion 1,” number 97 (red and grey car) won the endurance race.
Aside from the 13 “2CV” cars, there were also seven (7) mini’s and one (1) 2CV/Hybrid car racing– neither the mini’s or hybrid car counted in the main race as they have larger engines than the Citroen 2CV, which has a standard 602cc engine, but the extra vehicles added to the atmosphere of the race and enhanced the experience for spectators.
Drivers regularly take corners two or three abreast and then slipstream the car in front before trying to overtake before the next bend. Concentration is key as well as a strategy for the long 24-hour time frame.