Pfarrkirchen sand track: Markus Eibl in his racing suit, from the podium straight into the wheel loader

The dirt track race in Pfarrkirchen was the last long-track event in Germany this season; the club was suddenly faced with a particular challenge in the middle of the year. As the Grand Prix in Marmande had to be rescheduled, the World Championship riders were no longer available to the club. “Uwe Hofbauer, as sporting director, had spent several hours on the phone, but we sorted it out quite well once the FIM was able to schedule an open race,” said chairman Markus Eibl, who himself competed during the race as Markus Venus’s passenger in the international sidecar class. “We hadn’t raced since Mühldorf, but we were then able to beat the German and European champions,” said Eibl, who emphasised that the track in Pfarrkirchen was quite demanding. “You really needed some strength in your arms there. Due to the long dry spell, the track had become quite deep, and as organisers, we needed a few more track marshals than we’d hoped.”

Martin Smolinski was unbeatable

Martin Smolinski also spoke of a challenging track; he dominated the international solo class and won with a perfect score, ahead of Dominik Werkstetter and the Briton Max Perry. “The organisers did a good job, even though you really had to hold on tight on the track. It was still a successful day of racing and I’m satisfied,” said the solo class winner, who also triumphed in the special race featuring the best riders from the international and national classes, ahead of Max Perry and Tim Widera.

For RSC boss Markus Eibl, the day’s racing wasn’t over after the prize-giving ceremony; straight from the podium, he headed straight into the wheel loader in his racing suit, as around 400 metres of air fences had to be dismantled and loaded before nightfall. “That was a massive achievement by everyone who lent a hand,” said the Bavarian, praising his team. “For many, the day had already started in the early hours of the morning, and it was far from over once the race had finished.”

Results of the Pfarrkirchen (Germany) sand track race:

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