Start your engines
Following a series of exciting races in the first half of the year, including the first TCR World Ranking Final, the MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix and the Superbike World Championship, the Algarve International Racetrack (AIA) still has plenty to offer motorheads for 2024, including the return of the European Le Mans Series.
Between October 4-6, AIA will host the Bentley Boys 24H, followed by the Fun Cup (October 11-13). October will also bring two of the calendar highlights. First is the European Le Mans Series, from October 17 to 19. Consisting of six 4-hour races on Europe’s most technical and demanding circuits, the competition will give fans in Portimão the chance to see some of the biggest names in the sport.
Another highlight is the Algarve Classic Festival, the biggest classic car event in the Iberian Peninsula. Between October 25-27, the AIA will set the stage for action-packed events and visitors will have access to the teams’ garages and can share their own passion for classics with the owners or drivers. The Classic Car Park is usually the stage for the most beautiful road cars, whose owners can sign up through their respective clubs to be able to drive two laps around the track.
Finally, in December, the AIA will cap off the year with another round of the National Speed Championship (CNV).
Over the years, the AIA has established itself as one of the most prestigious racetracks in Europe, having already hosted multiple F1 races and other major competitions, thanks to the efforts of CEO Paulo Pinheiro who sadly passed away earlier this year.
“Engineer Paulo Pinheiro dedicated his life to the development of motorsport in Portugal and to establishing the Algarve and the country as one of the major international stages for this sport, whilst also contributing to the growth of both the national and regional economy, leaving a unique legacy in Portugal,” said the AIA via statement at the time.
“With his tenacity and contagious joy, Paulo Pinheiro made a bold and clear-sighted investment in an asset that, in less than two decades, has achieved the role of ambassador for the region beyond its borders,” said the Algarve tourism board (RTA). “The loss of this unwavering motorsport fan, who made the dream of building an international racetrack in his hometown, Portimão, a reality, is a tremendous loss for us all.”
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