Salzburgring legend Manfred Kessler is no more

Manfred Kessler had been passionate about motor racing since his youth. In 1970, on the last weekend in August, he met Jochen Rindt at the Salzburgring during a Formula 2 race – these were Rindt’s final races. Their conversation centred on safety and possible improvements. Shortly afterwards, the CDSF was founded by the two of them.

Rindt spontaneously gave training to 45 interested participants. In 1975, Niki Lauda and ski star Annemarie Pröll (Moser) helped with the purchase of the first safety car, a Ford Capri.

The club’s coffers were replenished by takings from various events. These included the celebrity kart race for the ‘Seekirchen Minor Prize’, which was popular not only with motorsport personalities but also with ski stars.

In 1973, Kessler secured Niki Lauda as honorary president; Gerhard Berger was later appointed to the role. The CDSF was initially subordinate to the SAMTC (Touring Club), but became an independent organisation in 1973 and was renamed the ISSC (International Track Safety Club) in 2000. Membership figures reached three figures as early as the 1970s.

Kessler also had good connections with marshals from other circuits, particularly the ACM in Monaco, where several Salzburgers often helped out at the Grand Prix. In addition, there were assignments ranging from the Nürburgring to Brands Hatch and even Malaysia, as well as at hill climbs. In his home in Seekirchen, numerous photographs document the CDSF’s assignments and his friendships with many racing stars.