Today in Spain we have an impressive collection of circuits. But until 50 years ago (1974), when the Calafat Circuit was inaugurated, we only had the Jarama Circuit. And at that time, it was practically a recent creation. The backwardness of motor sport was evident at that time, and Jarama and Calafat were for many years the only two permanent tracks that existed in the vast territory that covers the country.
Unlike Jarama, which was created by RACE and is still owned by it; or circuits that came later and were and are owned by public entities, the creation of the Calafat Circuit was possible thanks to the drive of fans, drivers, brands and the efforts of the Mangrané Family, and a then little-known Carmelo Ezpeleta.
In fact, the initial support for the circuit was achieved thanks to 300 participations of 25,000 pesetas each, which made the construction of the circuit possible. Behind it were legendary names from both motor sport and brands: Antonio Zanini, Salvador Cañellas, Josep Maria Arenas, Juan Alonso de Celada and the Babler family, as well as important brands such as Seat, Bultaco, Renault or Derbi among others, who gave the circuit its first push.
In a country that loves racing, as could be seen in almost all the cities and towns that held their urban races, having a second national track made it possible for the activity to develop. Even in those days, racing on urban tracks was dangerous, and the need for permanent tracks where both motorcycles and cars could compete and develop was obvious.
The Calafat Circuit was a pioneer, more than 10 years passed until another circuit arrived but it was not private.
As for competitions, it has attracted the attention of various championships almost since its inauguration. And although it was not a track designed to host world championship competitions, it did host the Spanish Championship, the TS Cup, Formula SEAT 1430 and 1800, the Criterium Solo Moto and the International Superprestige, among others.
This allowed great figures of two wheels to pass through there. All the national drivers of the time were riding on the Calafat Circuit and many international ones too.
We cannot forget figures such as Angel Nieto, Aspar, Carlos Cardús, John Kocinski, Sito Pons, Loris Capirossi, Álex Crivillé, nor Alberto Puig, Dani Amatriain, Fernando González de Nicolás, Toni Gutiérrez, Juan López Mella and many other drivers who added to the legend of the track.
In fact, the Calafat Circuit brought to an end one of the most brilliant sporting careers in the world of motorcycling, although not in the way we would all have liked. Ángel Nieto, the 12+1, was going to run his last race. It was his farewell, his tribute, but a young Jorge Martínez Aspar was not willing to give in, nor was the Maestro and with that Derbi with the 12+1 on the fairing he ended up flying, ending his career with an injury.
Another page in the incredible history of the Calafat Circuit, which will surely be visited by more.
