Gallery & Report: the 5th TABAC Classic Grand Prix 2026

Submitted by Marcel Hundscheid on September 2, 2026

By Marcel Hundscheid / Speed-O-Graphica

During the last weekend of August, the engines of both two- and four-wheeled machines roared at the TT Circuit in Assen—also known as “The Cathedral of Speed.” The TABAC Classic Grand Prix marked its fifth edition, and although the weather was temperamental this year, visitors of all ages enjoyed a varied program.

Although Masters Historic Racing had previously been announced with great fanfare—featuring the arrival of historic Formula 1 cars, Group C, and Masters Endurance Legends—only four F1 cars were present for demonstrations over the weekend.

This did not spoil the fun, however; thanks to the presence of the Interserie F1, Klaas Zwart with his Jaguar R4, and the demonstrations, the crowd was still able to enjoy plenty of speed and roaring engines.

As for the race program during the anniversary edition of the TABAC Classic Grand Prix, Dutch historic motorsport was well represented by Super Sixties, the ETCC Seventies Revival, and Historic Monoposto Racing. Germany was represented by the ADAC Graf Berghe von Trips Pokal.

All in all, there was a diverse field of four-wheeled competitors, although the presence of nearly 200 iconic two-wheelers—presented by Team Motul UCR—was considered one of the weekend’s highlights.

The TT Circuit in Assen is inextricably linked to motorcycles. Although the first TT took place as early as 1925, the 25th edition of the Dutch TT was held at the Assen circuit in 1955.

The starting field for the ADAC Graf Berghe von Trips Pokal—open to Formula 2 and 3, Opel Lotus, and Formula Ford cars—was smaller than usual for this German series. Due to technical issues affecting various drivers, only 13 competitors made it to the grid.

Patrick Andriessen had a clear run in both races after the fastest driver in the field, Alexander Weiss, was forced to retire his Ralt RT35 just four laps in when his Alfa Novamotor engine failed. Andriessen went on to win both races unchallenged.

With a starting grid of forty cars, the ETCC-Seventies Revival was one of the best-subscribed series. Gerd Rijper came out on top in the first race with his Porsche 911 RSR. The second race on Sunday had to be red-flagged after just one lap due to a torrential downpour.

As soon as weather conditions allowed for safe racing, the lights turned green again. Jan-Willem Oosterhagen proved best at handling the wet track, driving his Ford Escort RS 2000 Mk.1 to a convincing victory.

Around thirty historic Formula Fords competed in the two Historic Monoposto Racing events. The contest turned into a battle primarily between drivers from the UK and Germany, who outperformed the Dutch competitors. In the first race on Saturday, Cameron Fenton held off his German rival Frank Färber by a margin of just over 1.5 seconds to claim the victory.

Fenton stepped up his game even further in the second race; in wet conditions on Sunday morning, the rest of the field could only trail behind him. This secured the Briton his second win of the weekend.

Although the field for the Interserie F1 was decidedly sparse—comprising just seven cars—they still delivered plenty of speed and the accompanying roar. However, a heavy downpour on Saturday prompted race officials to call off the race.

Consequently, the entered drivers were only able to entertain the crowd on Sunday. Victory went to Christoph Ulrich in the Dallara GP2, who narrowly managed to prevent Cor Euser from snatching the win.

The historic GTs and touring cars from the 1960s—competing in the Super Sixties series—always deliver plenty of excitement. The duo of Michiel Campagne and Allard Kalff dominated both races in their stunning Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, ultimately securing two resounding victories.

Despite highly changeable weather conditions, the spectators were able to enjoy a variety of historic machines on both two and four wheels. We are certainly already looking forward to the sixth edition of this magnificent historic event.

Results TABAC Classic Grand Prix 2026

ADAC Graf Berghe von Trips Pokal

Race 1