Words: Peri Hassan-Zade

Photos: Kayadaek Photography

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The Steel Trophy is the Swiss Dirt Track Association’s two-day mini-festival of dirt track. Held near Orny, 20 miles (30km) north of Lausanne, it is a mixture of races, great people, food trucks and stands, live music, a pre-’75 car show and much more, in a relaxed, vintage US-themed setting.

 

The third edition took place in August 2021, and delivered proof that the interest for flat track continues to grow in Switzerland. Over 40 riders responded to the invitation to race, filling a healthy vintage class, and, for the first time, selling out the rookie/newbie category.

 

A great variety of bikes showed up: Triumph, BSA, Husqvarna, KTM, Maico, Gas Gas, Caballero, Honda, Suzuki, YCF Sunday, as well as a Harley-Davidson XR750 in the vintage class. Even a special Monnier XRF450 was prepared for the occasion.

 

Unfortunately, there are no speedway or flat track tracks in Switzerland, so the track crew worked hard throughout the weekend to provide a temporary oval with a surface that was consistent and grippy as much as possible, and all heats and finals ran without a hitch.

 

Many riders who are well-known on the European amateur scene made it onto the podium: the Bergeron family, #61 Philippe and #96 Antonin; #2 Sebastien Clément; #37 Christophe “Zaz” Crausaz. Marco Salutari #136, travelled from Florence, Italy to join the fun, and fellow Italian, Sami Panseri #85, climbed back on the bike after a small crash, and was the fastest overall on his Ducati Scrambler hooligan.

 

A great crowd watched intense racing, and enjoyed the show’s good vibes. Everybody happy to be a part of Switzerland’s flat track adventure. The sport is such a big and beautiful family, and we are proud to be part of it.

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THE SWISS DIRT TRACK ASSOCIATION

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Born from a group of friends who simply wanted to ride flat track, the Swiss Dirt Track Association (SDTA) is a non-profit association whose goal is to make the local flat track community grow, and to promote more races in Switzerland. Slowly but surely, we are getting there.

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The SDTA has been able to increase its reach and network of contacts through its participation in numerous events and competitions throughout Europe over the years, to support its development, as well as through the excellent results of its members, especially of our co-president, Michel Colaizzi #98, the best ambassador we could ever hope for.

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www.swissdirttrackassociation.ch

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BUY SIDEBURN IN SWITZERLAND

Sideburn has two loyal stockist in Switzerland.

Dee Cee Style in Zürich

Moto Candy in Baar

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The photos for this feature were taken by Kati Dalek. An interview and portfolio of her work is featured in Sideburn 46.