BRNO-MASARYK G. P.

                                          By  Emilio J. Lezcano  /  carsNtravel

The Czechoslovakian Grand Prix was first held on September 28, 1930 at the Masaryk
circuit (Masarykuv okruh) in the town of Brno in Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic).

The historical track led throught the streets of western part of Brno and neighbouring
villages, such as Bosonomy and Zebetin.  The track is named after the first president of
Czechoslovakia Tomas Masaryk.

Hans von Stuck Mercedes Benz SSKL 1930

Since 1935, the race was dominated by the german cars.  That year Bernd Rosemeyer
(Auto Union) won his first Grand Prix, at the Berno-Masaryk Grand Prix.  Whilst on the podium he was introduced to the youg famous aviatrix Elly Beinhorn.

In 1937 several spectators were killed or injured when Herman Lang skid off the track.
The spectator had been in a prohibited area but Lang was sued anyway.  Caracciola won the race driving a  Mercedes Benz.

Due to the german occupation in 1938, the race was discontinued until 1949 when the Masaryk circuit was shortened to 17.8km.  The 1949 Grand Prix, raced in the opposite direction that the pre-war races, drew a crowd in excess of 400,000 people. 

The race was won by Peter Whitehead (Mercedes Benz).  However, this would be the
last Czechoslovakian Grand Prix, and the race would never be part of the championship.