Essen Motor Show Paying Tribute to Jochen Rindt

The Essen Motor Show, which is almost ready to open its gates to the public, will be dedicated to Jochen Rindt, a legendary racing driver who passed away 40 years ago. Rindt had a strong connection with the event, as the Formula One driver was contacted after the first edition of the show, which took part in 1968, in order to set up a special motorsport collaborations.

The F1 star made effrots to bring no less than six F1 race cars to the 1969 Essen event. One year later, the show’s organizers announced that this will receive the Jochen Rindt name.

“In a press conference held in Essen on 10 August 1970 the fair management and the founder of the ESSEN MOTOR SHOW, Wolfgang Scholler, together with Jochen Rindt, announced that the show would in future be called the Jochen Rindt Show,” stated the press release.

Unfortunately, the driver never managed to enjoy this succes, due to the fact that on 5 September (1970) he had a fatal accident in Monza, with the tragic event occuring during the training for the Italian Grand Prix. Rindt still remains the only driver in the history of Formula One to become world champion posthumously.

“Today's ESSEN MOTOR SHOW made the first major leap to success with the name of Jochen Rindt – from previously 68,700 to subsequently 124,800 visitors. His family held true to the Jochen Rindt Show: His widow, Nina Rindt, belonged to the closest team of advisors to the show for almost 40 years,” stated the press release.