The place which is today called the Reims-Gueux Circuit in the Champagne region of France has surely been much special in history of motorsport. In 1926, this way became a reality by putting together rural public roads in a triangular layout that passed through the villages of Gueux, Thillois, and Muizon. Besides being extremely well known, it was also very snappy with regard to two long straights, 2.2 kilometers (1.25 miles) each. It ranked high as a circulation circuit for slipstream fights. Now, how did this once bustling circuit come to an end, and is it destined to hear the roar of engines again?
Opening of Reims-Gueux: 1926-1939
On this site, the first Grand Prix of the Marne took place in 1926 and moved the race away from the former Circuit de Beine-Nauroy. Early configuration counted no less than 7,8 kilometers; much straight sections plus few tight corners were very taxing on engines, brakes, and fuel. By 1932 the alterations took place and track length increased to 7,826 km (4.863 mi). The major widening while the straight Thillois-Gueux made it all the more fast in 1938. The French Grand Prix of 1939 marked the last time Reims-Gueux came into the view of the public due to World War II.
Postwar Renaissance, 1947-1952
Racing came to the newly reconstructed Reims-Gueux in 1947, but it took the 1950 Formula 1 World Championship for the site to gain fame internationally. Gradually, modifications occurred mostly throughout the raceway over the next decade, with the circuit adapting to the progress in speed and technology. By 1952, it had been made a little shorter from 7.152 km (4.44 miles) to bypass Gueux; but the character of the original layout remained largely unchanged. Again adjustments occurred to further develop the overall racing experience as F1 progressed.
The Golden Age: 1953-1966
Although some improvements took place at Reims-Gueux after 1953-the new section, the D26 extension, and a more sweeping Muizon corner-wears its crown as an infernally fast track, speeding up to well over 200 km/h (124 mph). Reims-Gueux became part of the Formula 1 calendar, hosting aforementioned legendary drivers such as Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. Not just that-even asmuch is this venue for F1 racing, the 12 Hours of Reims sports car race crowned this track as one of the major motorsport venues.
However, after 1966, the end of Formula 1 at Reims came about, following the conversion of the sport into modern circuits. The very last of sports car racing events held at the venue was in the year 1969; thereafter, the place continued to host motorcycle racing until 1972, when financial woes forced it into permanent closure.
The Decline and Attempts to Revive: 1972-2002
In the 1970s, the circuit was practically abandoned, but there still remained a certain amount of magic about the place. Revival for the track had been slated for 1997 with a historic race, yet that race never took place due to technical concerns. As of 2002, large sections of the circuit had been demolished, and what remained within those original tracks continued to vanish from view. There are a few remnants of the old pit lane and some parts of the D26 extension visible even today, but most of the track’s original splendor has succumbed to time.
Will It Ever Host Another Grand Prix??
All that remains of the complete race track and still an ounce of hope. These historic constructions include the famous pit buildings and grandstand sections. To save all such historic pieces of the circuit, Les Amis du Circuit de Gueux, a nonprofit association, are busy doing that along with their organizing meetings of classical automobiles and historical races where elements of the original circuit are still used-in particular the one from 1952.
True, it is improbable that the track will stretch to again host Formula 1 races. A possibility, though, for holding smaller events or gatherings of classic cars would still keep the spirit of Reims-Gueux alive. For motorsport enthusiasts, driving along parts of the original route is a nostalgic trip down history with reminders of the speed and spectacle that once defined this incredible circuit.
Legacy and Remembrance
The Reims-Gueux Circuit, abandoned to all intents and purposes, lives forever in the hearts of its racing fans. Fastest of its time and roaring machine with revved up drivers with little safety regulations, this track lives inside the hearts of every racing fan. What is left of the remaining risk-making circuit nowadays serves as a monument to the dreams and innovations of early days in the sport, leaving behind an indelible chapter in motorsport history.
