DIRT RACING IN THE HEART OF NORWAY

PHOTOS & TEXT: CHRISTER LUNDEM

There is something special about seeing 30s hot rods and vintage bikes with heaps of patina driven like they are supposed to be. Every spring enthusiasts arrange a fantastic event that seems to go under most people’s radars. The name of the race is simply “Karla”.

The race is run around Karla, a horseracing site close to Sarpsborg, Norway. Participants from Norway and Sweden battle it out here. They run the event on dirt and this year it is thankfully dry. Previous years have had more than it´s share of mud racing. The drivers are not afraid to put the pedal to the metal. Especially the bikes: Norton’s, BSA´s and Harley´s really push the limits. And then there are the hot rods, most with years of wear and tear that present themselves so beautiful it hurts. After watching them race around the track, I understand that a lot of the credible vintage look is created here: Stones and sand are thrown up in into the air and rips up the paint in the process. Dust is everywhere, but it doesn´t matter, smiles are to be seen all around.

There is no snobbery here, and the owners are focused on go – not so much show. The dress code is casual, and most also wear their ride well. Fashion is absent, but style is very much present. I love the rockabilly look and here you have it in spades.
 
It is not about being the fastest driver. You compete against yourself. The point is to be equivalent to the time of your first lap. But this does not apply to Rolf “Roffe” Backevik from Grebbestad, Sweden. His A-Ford roadster from 1931 seems to be driven one way: Flat out. It is impossible not to be impressed by the people’s car control and the passion.

But it is not all about driving. There are prices given to the best machines parked on the grass and the whole atmosphere is electric and laid back. We are coming back for sure. That same night I travelled through the classifieds looking for 30s hot rods. This is grassroots racing at it´s best.