Serre-Chevalier: the beginnings of ice racing in France

Organized by Claude Laurent and Yves Dyon in January 1972, during the Monte-Carlo reconnaissance, the first Ronde Hivernale of Serre-Chevalier hosted a dream line-up and the spectacle lived up to the prestige of the drivers. In the final, the legendary Timo Makinen imposes his Ford Escort in front of theAlpine by Jean-Luc Thérier and the Porsche 911 S by Björn Waldegard, sorry!

The beginnings of a real winter season are already appearing, even if it is still only a duet (or duel?) with Chamonix. An Esso-winter Trophy, bringing together the two Rounds and the Rally Neige & Glace was also established in 1973. In “Serre-Che”, the Alpine dominate the proto Daf of Laurent, Darniche preceding Nicolas and Piot.

Andruet (Alpine) during the 1971 International Winter Round. © DPPI

While the event was not organized in 1974, then in 1976 and 78, Bernard Darniche became the specialist, winning again in 1975 on a Fiat X1/9 then in 1979 and 80 on Lancia Stratos. Only Jean-Claude Lefèbvre and his little one Peugeot 104 ZS interrupted this series in 1977.

In 1981, a Timo Makinen at the end of his career also imposed a 104 ZS, after which the Ice became a matter for specialists, like the three-time winner François Chauche.

In January 1990, it was Serre-Chevalier that would have the honor of inaugurating the Andros Trophy, with the victory of Alain Froment (Citroën Visa). Since then, the greatest Andros pilots have triumphed there: Yvan Muller, Alain Prost, Jean-Philippe Dayraut, Jean-Baptiste Dubourg or Aurélien Panis.

https://youtu.be/iTwQebBm1Bk

The defense of a circuit

On November 30, 2021, an interim order ordered the expulsion of the operators of the ice circuit. Indeed, the circuit is located on a plot of municipal land on which the municipality has approved the construction of a real estate project. A petition bringing together nearly 4 signatories as well asa fundraiser were launched by the Club des Amis du Circuit de Serre Chevalier association.

“At a time when the Serre Chevalier resort will proudly celebrate its 80th anniversary, the 50 years of a company that worked for the development and reputation of the valley are purely and simply erased from history. And this, without any urgency, since the real estate project is far from starting.

Today, as determined as ever to defend our rights, we wanted to tell you that this is only the beginning of a new legal battle. As many of you know, this is not the first time that we have been involved in an unequal and harmful battle, faced with real estate pressure and the blind decisions of local officials.

However, we we believe more than ever in the future of an eco-responsible circuit and proud standard-bearer of historic races. Around us active forces are organizing to support us in this ordeal, we need them more than ever, as well as all of you. »