Pt2: Legacy at Speed: TABAC Classic GP: Saturday thrills

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Saturday – Thrills, Two-Seater Rides & Reverence

Saturday arrived with a harder edge, the weather bringing soft morning sunlight through a heavy blanket of fog. The day’s racing program came alive early.

Historic single-seaters jostled for dominance, while two-stroke Grand Prix bikes screamed down the straights. Every run, every overtake was a time capsule—raw, unfiltered, and gloriously loud.

Bromfiets Meets Racing Heritage: The JMPB BromfieTTs at TABAC Classic GP Assen

Every September, when the historic TABAC Classic GP unfolds at TT Circuit Assen—affectionately known as the “Cathedral of Speed”—one of its standout attractions is the unique celebration of the humble bromfiets (moped). Let’s take a closer look at how this two‑wheeled hero of Dutch youth culture takes centre stage amidst classic racing spectacle.

A Ride Down Memory Lane on a Legendary Track

On Saturday, 6 September 2025, the JMPB BromfieTTs transforms the TT Circuit into a nostalgic playground—thousands of enthusiasts gather to ride their beloved 50 cc mopeds, from vintage Kreidlers and Zündapps to Puch Maxis, back onto that iconic GP asphalt . It’s not just about riding—it’s about reinvigorating childhood memories and reliving the simple joys of youth 

Peter Baláž – A Vintage Motorcycle Legend

Peter Baláž (born 17 November 1945) is a towering figure in the history of Czechoslovak—and later Slovak—motorcycle racing. During his competitive years, he secured an impressive ten national championship titles across multiple engine classes, including 125 cc, 250 cc, and 350 cc

A factory rider first for Jawa (1976–1977) and previously for MZ (1975), Baláž also made his mark on the world stage. He finished 10th in the 350 cc class at the 1975 Yugoslavian Grand Prix and achieved a career-best 8th place in the 125 cc category at the 1979 Czechoslovakian Grand Prix—earning a rare World Championship point for a Slovak rider.

After stepping back from mainstream competition, Baláž embraced the vintage racing scene with renewed passion. He claimed three European Vintage Championship titles in regularity (measured rally) events, further demonstrating his continued prowess and reverence for classic racing

Beyond racing, Baláž has been instrumental in promoting and preserving motorcycle heritage. He’s served as president of the Classic Club Hlohovec, organized numerous historic racing events—including hundreds of races across Slovak venues—and has held leadership roles within the Slovak Motorcycle Federation and the vintage motorcycle commission of FIM Europe.