Legendary race of historic vehicles

The period of relative calm between the two world wars was enjoyed by all, and a handful of passionate motorists decided to use it to organize speed races. This marked the birth of the legendary speed races 500km SLOVENSKÝCH, which were held in 1937 and 1938.

To make the entire race even more challenging, it also included a climb to the famous Pezinská Baba, where the skill of the drivers of that era could be fully demonstrated. The organizer of the race was the Slovak Motor Club, and the start took place in front of the club’s headquarters, which at that time was located at Šafárikovo Square.

At that time, the open speed races were held on the Bratislava – Malacky – Baba – Pezinok – Bratislava circuit. The drivers completed this circuit five times, bringing the total race distance to 500 km. 500km SLOVENSKÝCH was held for the first time on June 20, 1937, and the weather was far from favorable. On the wet and difficult track, several accidents and crashes occurred in the treacherous corners of Pezinská Baba. But regardless of this, the competitors were again at the start in the following year, ready to fight for the championship.

Both cars and motorcycles could enter the race and the vehicles were divided into categories according to engine capacity. The fastest time was achieved by Jan Kubíček on a Bugatti, who covered the five-hundred-kilometers course in 5 hours and 12 minutes, including the difficult climb to Pezinská Baba – a respectable time even today.

The 500km SLOVENSKÝCH races began writing their modern history in the 1970s. The commemorative 500km SLOVENSKÝCH drive was held from 1974 and was the very first vintage car competition in Slovakia. Since 2021, the races have been revived in a modified form by a new organizer, and instead of five laps around the embrace of the Little Carpathians, the stages now take participants to various corners of Slovakia. The period atmosphere, filled with the scent of burning fuel, hot oil, and roaring engines, has a truly magical appeal for spectators, while competitors cannot resist the chance to test their skills and find camaraderie and new friendships in the competition.

A large number of cars participated in previous editions of 500km SLOVENSKÝCH, many of which had already had the opportunity to test their performance on the route from Tatranská Lomnica to Bratislava, and later from Košice to Bratislava. This year, however, will be exceptional – the 500km SLOVENSKÝCH races will be organized in cooperation with FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens), a global organization bringing together owners and enthusiasts of historic vehicles.

Each year, FIVA selects one country to host its World Rally, and in 2024, that country was Slovakia. The races offered breathtaking views of technical and cultural landmarks, presenting them this time to an audience from around the world.

OLDTIMER TROPHY 2026

The golden era of motoring is back

After the World War I, the automotive boom began and the development of cars progressed by leaps and bounds. Passenger cars tried to approach racing specials in performance and drivability, and this period lasted until 1950.

It was during this period that automotive industry was dominated by names that became legends and are still known today – Ettore Bugatti, Ferdinand Porsche, Enzo Ferrari, Hans Ledwinka or František Kec.

As in the 1930s, the biggest challenge for the competitors is to reach the finish line successfully. In addition to excellent driving skills, technical skill is also required. Here, too, the solidarity of the participants in helping each other is evident.

YOUNGTIMER TROPHY 2026

Young in spirit and by car

500km SLOVENSKÝCH Youngtimer Trophy 2026

The 2026 edition will see the continuation of the successful idea from the 2023 and 2024 editions. Alongside the veterans, the so-called “youngtimers”, i.e. vehicles with younger years of production, will also take to the track again. Although they will be competing against each other in their own category, the challenge facing them is the same and they must complete the same race.

Of course, technology has advanced a bit compared to pre – war vehicles, but even youngtimers are not immune to problems, and vehicle technical preparation is just as important as driver skills.

Competitors will be able to take part in the race in vehicles built between 1951 and 1972. We believe that these vehicles also deserve the opportunity to show their full glory and their crews the chance to compete for victory in the legendary race. And last but not least, spectators will get the chance to see a bigger piece of automotive history.

DREAM CARS FROM POSTERS

Modern specials at 500km SLOVENSKÝCH FIVA RALLY 2026

You know them from the walls of children’s rooms, from the screens of computers,

but mostly from your dreams. Iconic models
that have inspired debates,

passions and above all desires can be seen live.

Come and see for yourself how far design and technology

have advanced since the vintage cars that were typical for 500km SLOVENSKÝCH.