The Automobil-Verkehrs- und Übungsstraße, better known as AVUS, holds a unique place in the history of motor racing and road development. Originally conceived as a racing circuit in Berlin, Germany, AVUS has undergone significant transformations since its opening in 1921. This article delves into the historical journey of AVUS, from its early days as a premier racing venue to its current status as part of the German autobahn network.
The Birth of AVUS
AVUS was born
out of a vision by the Kaiserlicher Automobilclub (KAC) in 1907 to create a fee-financed circuit that would serve both as a motor-sport venue and a testing track for the burgeoning motor industry. However, financial constraints and the onset of World War I delayed its construction. It wasn't until 1921, with the financial backing of businessman Hugo Stinnes, that AVUS was finally inaugurated during the first post-war International Automobile Exhibition.
The original track was a 19.569 km (12.160 mi) long circuit, featuring two long straights connected by large-radius curves. This design was quite unusual for a race track, as it resembled more of a dual carriageway than a traditional racing circuit. Despite its unconventional layout, AVUS quickly became a popular venue for motor racing, hosting several pre-World War II races.
AVUS as a Racing Circuit
In its early years, AVUS was a site of thrilling races and tragic accidents. The track hosted the first international German Grand Prix for sports cars in 1926, which was marred by a fatal crash involving Italian driver Enrico Platé. Despite the dangers, AVUS was a favorite among drivers for its high-speed potential, with streamlined cars reaching unprecedented speeds on its long straights.
The track underwent several modifications over the years, including the addition of a steeply banked north curve in 1937, which earned it the nickname "the wall of death." This banking allowed for even higher speeds, with Mercedes driver Hermann Lang setting a record average race speed of about 276 km/h (171 mph) in 1937. However, the high speeds and lack of safety barriers made AVUS increasingly dangerous, leading to its decline as a racing venue.
Integration into the Autobahn
After World War II, AVUS's role as a racing circuit diminished, and it gradually became integrated into the German autobahn network. The track's long straights and strategic location made it an ideal candidate for conversion into a public road. By 1998, AVUS had ceased to function as a racing circuit and was fully incorporated into the Bundesautobahn 115.
Today, AVUS stands as a testament to the evolution of roadways in Germany, from a pioneering racing circuit to a vital part of the country's transportation infrastructure. Its legacy lives on, not only in the history of motor racing but also in the design of modern autobahns, which were inspired by its innovative layout.
