Five Formula 1 Grand Prix. A place steeped in history. Anecdotes. But today almost forgotten. A few kilometers from Rouen, this circuit made up entirely of departmental roads was one of the highlights of motorsport.
Motors Inside without advertising :
Subscribe
In the 1950s and 1960s it was considered one of the best tracks in Europe. For four decades, it hosted automobile and motorcycle competitions, until it was erased. Completely. At the end of the 1990s. Jo Schlesser’s fatal accident in 1968 was partly the cause of the decline of this part of French automobile history.
No more traces
Today, only a few purists, true amateurs, remember this circuit which notably saw Jacky Ickx shine, for the latest arrival of Formula 1. No more stands. No platform. Few things allow us to know what was in Les Essarts. “Only the track remains, all the infrastructure having been razed”regrets Stéphane Démare, a lover of this circuit.
That could change soon. This Norman launched a petition at the beginning of January to try to preserve the memory of Rouen-les-Essarts. “To pay homage to him”he even believes. His idea is to recreate the old timing tower. An idea shared with many observers. On social networks, several enthusiasts are fighting to ensure that the soul of Les Essarts continues. “We find it so unfortunate that nothing says that we are on an old circuit, and what a circuit. »
“I want to keep the memory alive through my publications”
But like any project, there are difficulties. Today, the site belongs to the National Forestry Office (ONF) and the land is not considered as “buildable”. This parameter does not cool Stéphane Démare who has started discussions with the ONF and various elected officials to carry out his project. “I am exploring the subject to know and understand what would need to be done for this idea to come to fruition. »
This Friday, January 10, Norman’s petition collected more than 500 signatures. While waiting for progress in his project, Stéphane Démare continues to share his affection for Rouen-les-Essarts with the public on Facebook. “I want to keep the memory alive through my publications. It gives good vibes, it brings back good memories. And the audience is there, 8 million people having viewed my publications. »
Dear visitor, you can add Motors Inside to your favorite sources on Google News.
Related News :