The golden sixties were not golden years for Belgian sidecar racing. The Belgian public would remain hungry after the glorious years just after the 2de WO with, among others, Marcel Masuy and especially Frans Vanderschrick, 8 times Belgian Champion and bronze medal holder in the very first Sidecar World Championship.
But in the next decade the Belgians made themselves heard again thanks to the team of the Vanneste brothers. Michel was the flamboyant pilot and his brother Serge the technically skilled bakist. Once on a circuit, they felt and complemented each other perfectly. In 1973 they finished in 4th place in the World Championship after an 3th place in the Grand Prix of Austria in Salzburg and an 3th place in the Grand Prix of Hockenheim in Germany. The fact that they also immediately achieved an 4 place as vegetables on the TT of Mann was an unseen exploitation in international racing.
Their career started in 1969, but especially in the 70 years, the brothers broke through: at their first race on the Circuit of Mettet in 1972 they achieved the 6 place, in Avignon later that year they would end up as XNUM X. Their glory year 3 started with an 1973th place on the Rouen circuit and an 4th place in Mettet. They each ended 2de at the Salzburg GP and the Hockenheim GP. On the Circuit of Nivelles they crossed the finish line that same year as 3ste. Michel and Serge Vanneste would leave the sidecar racing at 1 September 13 with an 1981th place on the circuit of Jemeppes-sur-Sambre. Serge then decided to study medicine and is currently an emergency doctor.
Parking Oktoberhallen Wieze
Saturday
• free parking for motorcyclists
• from 09 am to 30 am: almost fully booked from 11 am to noon for cars
• from 12u: some places available for cars
• from 13u: several places available for car drivers
Sunday
• free parking for motorcyclists
• from 09u30 to 17u: always places free.
Free parking is also available in the side streets around the Oktoberhallen and behind the church towards Gijzegem.
Anyone who comes exclusively for socializing, wandering around and enjoying the drink at the bar should avoid the crowds on Saturday morning….
The fair opens on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September traditionally at 9u30.
The parking is always open for visitors at 8u. For those who come with the motorcycle, this parking is free. The stock exchange remains open on Saturdays and Sundays until 17u. The doors are closed to the public at 17u.
An entrance ticket comes to 9 euros per person. You can download "1 EURO" discount cards pro rata of 1 card per visitor on www.motoretrowieze.be. Children younger than 12 years can visit the fair for free