A total of 103 keen hill‑climb competitors and many friends of vintage and classic
motorcycle sport gathered at the lower car park of the Grossglockner on the weekend of 2–3 July 2004.
The Grossglockner is Austria’s highest mountain, and the road that crosses its flanks has long been a
challenge for all who love high‑speed motor and motorcycle sport.
It was the second time that organiser Thomas Fritsch and the Motor Veteranen Club Zell am See
had invited two‑ and three‑wheeled racers to tackle the Grossglockner’s demanding 12.9 kilometres in
memory of the late Dr. Helmut Krackowizer.
To take on the 27 bends and the steep climb above the snow line, a large contingent came from
Great Britain, led by former multiple Trial World Champion and road racer Sammy Miller.
Miller brought a 1957 replica Gilera four‑cylinder 500 from
his museum in New Milton to Austria.
Thanks to the generosity of BMW’s “Mobile Tradition” museum in Munich, the well‑known English
road racer and long‑time secretary of the
TT Riders’ Association, Allan Robinson,
tackled the hill on a 1939 BMW R51 RS. One of only two surviving examples out of twelve built, BMW entrusted
Allan with a motorcycle valued at 500,000 euros.
True grit was shown by Englishman Keith Wakelin. The engine of his 1929
“Cotton Blackburne” refused to start. After a full day spent dismantling and restoring it, the engine finally
ran — just in time for the day’s final run, which he completed at 52.6 km/h over the 12.9‑kilometre course.
Two Morgan Super Aero tricycles from 1928 and 1929, each with 1,200 cm³, were real eye‑catchers
for the spectators. Geof Bloor presented the personal machine of Freddy Frith (World Champion
1949): a 1947 350 cc Velocette KTT Mk VIII.
Grossglockner Trophy 2004 Memorial "Mister Rudge", Helmut Krackowizer
Posted December 2012 by Peter
August Hobl (left) DKW 250 SS
Alfons Fischer
Porsche Alpenstraße Salzburg
© Lauxfoto Salzburg
Kurt Schwarzenbacher
Puch 500 sidecar, 1936
© Lauxfoto Salzburg
