The Charade circuit could once again be in the spotlight
While the last major competition was organized there in 1974, the Charade circuit could regain a world reputation. Jean-Pierre Brenas, advisor to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, discusses ways to restore its former glory.
Charade. This simple word brings a big smile to Jean-Pierre Brenas’ face. And it doesn’t take much more for the counselor for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region to list the circuit’s glory days. The 140,000 people present at the last motorcycle Grand Prix in 1974. The anecdotes about the various races organized here. Or his memories on site. Charade holds a special place in his heart.
This son of a car enthusiast was able to attend the Formula 1 parade on this circuit, in the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes. We were lucky to have VIP passes. They weren’t called that at the time, but it was the same thing. We wandered between the stands and the Little Bridge turn, he says.
Continue the development of electric vehicles.
At that time, the greatest were facing off: Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, among others. The Scotsman is actually one of Jean-Pierre Brenas’ heroes. The two men were able to meet in 2018, during the Charade Heroes.
« He is endowed with incredible intelligence. That year, we had brought him in for a certain sum. He did not cash it and donated everything to an association fighting against dementia. » A disease from which the wife of the former Tyrrell driver is suffering. « It’s a great gesture.
Read also: The Charade circuit finds its former BP wall
But all this period is just a distant memory. Today, few major events are organized on the heights of Clermont-Ferrand. An aspect that the member of Rouge Passion Auvergne regrets. « Charade, it was impressive. It was the center of the world with television. Nothing to do with today’s broadcasts, but the races were broadcast worldwide. »
« Yes, I am the lawyer for the circuit on a daily basis »
So how to put the mountain circuit back on the world map? Jean-Pierre Brenas has a few ideas. One of them might surprise many, but it could turn out to be beneficial: continue the development of electric vehicles.
For a few years now, Green Cork Konnection (GCK) has been the on-site operator. This company specializes in sustainable energies. And plans to work in this field through the establishment of a technopole dedicated to decarbonized mobilities. The Region contributes to its funding, says Jean-Pierre Brenas.
The 24 Hours of Charade?
By continuing the development of electric vehicles, the site could attract manufacturers who would come to refine their creations. We would find journalists and cameras coming to take photos of all these innovations. Charade could be equipped with induction technology to recharge cars while they are driving. Energy would be recovered in certain areas and then distributed elsewhere.
The operators of the circuit could use this feat to embark on an XXL challenge. To get people talking about Charade again, something exceptional must be done. Why not organize a 24-hour race with this concept. If we create an event that has not been seen elsewhere, all eyes will be on us. We must set a record!
If in Auvergne we focus on electric cars, we must not forget the thermal heritage. The site still benefits from a few days to host so-called traditional competitions. So why not organize an event that would attract thousands of spectators? “We would like to create a French version of Goodwood,” confirms Jean-Pierre Brenas.
Not just truffade and bourrée costumes
The idea of a museum has even been mentioned. Here, if it were to come to fruition, the public could rediscover a part of the collection belonging to the former driver Louis Rosier, accompanied by some modern technologies. The idea is to tell a story. Clermont must become a European center for future mobility.
Charade and Auvergne in general could position themselves to develop tourism with vintage vehicles. We have a region linked to motor sports. The roads are also exceptional. We would like to become a real destination for this type of tourism. The idea is to show that in Auvergne, we do not only make truffade and traditional Auvergne dance costumes.
Preserving the heritage of the place also involves protecting its heritage. To achieve this, the association “Agissons pour Charade” is hard at work. All volunteers first restored the iconic BP wall. They are currently collaborating with a high school from Corrèze to reintroduce rescue stations along the former route.
We fully support what they are doing, ensures the one who is also elected from the opposition in the city of Clermont-Ferrand. They have a president, Jean-Paul Taillandier, who is very effective. The Region financially supports the projects of the association. The plaque placed on the wall was paid for by the local community.
To read also: Le circuit de Charade va retrouver son style d’antan grâce à un lycée corrézien
Jean-Pierre Brenas mentions another location of the historic circuit to preserve. The Gravenoire banking. « We really must preserve this place. We have contacted the Drac (Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Editor’s note). »
This will allow to determine whether the preservation of this part of the layout is of public interest. If the State representative gives his approval, then it will be possible for an association – Agir pour Charade or another one – to collect tax-deductible donations to carry out maintenance and restoration work. « The hardest part is to justify that it is a heritage relic. »
All that has been discussed here has only the status of an idea or a project. Nothing concrete yet. But if all of this were to come to fruition, Charade, Clermont-Ferrand and its region would once again find themselves at the center of attention. And would become once again a key location for world motor sports.
