HISTORY OF PDV RACE

History of: “world championship PDV (Pont de Vaux) race”

The adventure starts in 1985 when a group of friends passionnate for motor sports supports

the Maingret Brothers in the organization of the first race in Pont de Vaux, their native town.

This first event was very successful among the riders of the time with 40 teams.

The trikes (ATC) the first machines to race in

Pont de Vaux were very unsteady 3 wheels machines, they brought great feelings for the riders. At the same time, the first quads are sold in Europa. Little by little quads will take the place of the 3 wheels, not very impressive on a such track. Very quickly one brand is distinguished from the other ones with a model which later will become emblematic : Yamaha and its Banshee 350 cm3, 2 strokes (a 20 years domination in Pont de Vaux with 14 victories).

For the organisers, the arrival of foreign pilots, Anglo Saxons (1990), and a few years later the venue and the immediate success of US teams will represent a watershed for the following events. Today more than 20 countries representing a 60 % of the riders are on the start line (110 teams are accepted).

If the machines have been modified at each event (frames, shocks...) for 20 years, Pont de Vaux has

been the favou- rite race of the 2 strokes (we still remember the high and angry sounds carried by the wind of the meadow)

Today with the 4 strokes adopted by the builders, the machines which are entering are very homogeneous

and it is very good for the competitveness between the riders.

New teams are pretending to the victory and very often the race is hanging in the balance at the last minutes of the last hour.

Today hyper sport models are marketed by the builders and several brands are able to shine at height of Pont de Vaux.

Every year, the organisers of the 12 Hours of Pont de Vaux are surpassing themselves with the event famous and loved all around the World.