Grand Prix returned to Česká Lípa after almost forty years
The year 2023 opened a new chapter in Česká Lípa's motoring story. The inaugural edition of Speed Festival recalled the local Grand Prix tradition, bringing historic cars, contemporary racing machinery and a cultural programme together for a city weekend.
The return of the Grand Prix after almost forty years was a powerful symbol of the festival. Classic cars, supercars and racing specials met under the city circuit's lights. Spectators also watched the final timed section of the precision rally, seeing the cars in the setting that gives racing in Česká Lípa its distinctive atmosphere.
Setinová rally – Memoriál B. Engeho honoured Břetislav Enge and tested crews' precision around the city. Picnic Race offered a more relaxed way to explore the Česká Lípa area and Mácha region. From the outset, two different expressions of the same joy of driving stood side by side.
The Cesta k dokonalosti exhibition traced the development of cars across generations, while the motorsport zone brought racing technology closer. Motorcycles, automotive-inspired art and historic trains rounded out the programme. The festival also welcomed those who wanted to enjoy a day together without owning a racing car.
The inaugural edition established an idea that Speed Festival keeps returning to: automotive culture belongs among people and in a living city. It is a showcase of beautiful machines and a meeting of their stories, owners and visitors. Photographs, video and results from 2023 remain in the festival archive.