Press Release of the Jade Race UG – 15.07.2020

Since we have not received the promised support from the County of Friesland to this day, we are going ahead and launching the online petition “To preserve the Jade Race” at www.jade-race.de, with which we would like to enrich the calendar of events again in 2021.

On December 4th 2019, we received a message from the management of Jade-Weser Airport that the airport will no longer be available as a venue for the Jade-Race. This statement is in stark contrast with the fact that we had been informed that the continuation was held out in prospect at the previous shareholder meeting!

On December 9th 2019, the Jade-Race was put on the agenda of the meeting of the Committee for Economy, Tourism, District Development and Finance in Jever.

Source: https://buergerinfo.friesland.de/si0057.asp?__ksinr=1414

All parties present were in favour of preserving the Jade Race and emphasized how valuable the event is for the region!

Nevertheless, nothing has happened so far. Why?

The new asphalt

The reason for the discontinuation is not due to reservations against the race event, but instead due to the quality of the new surface of the runway. The surface of the runway, which was just renewed in 2019 by the operators (the County of Friesland and the city of Wilhelmshaven, each with 50%) with 1.8 million euros of taxpayers’ money, had reacted under load with subsidence damage and impressions. An effect that is clearly not attributable to the specific use by racing vehicles or the service fleet of the Jade-Race. This damage had already been caused by a road roller of the construction company, which had sunken into the new runway.

I would like to stress once again that no damage was caused to the surface of the runway by our racing vehicles!

The air traffic control authority checked the runway after the Jade Race event and according to management there were no complaints.

The use of heavy-duty recovery equipment could also occur during standard flight operations, for which the surface of the runway would also not be suitable for. In other words, a motorway or a road used by the public would certainly not pass the quality test with this kind of fault.

The point load of an airplane is much higher than that of our racing cars. In figures: According to the official statement of the airfield, the track is approved for airplanes up to 14 tons and helicopters up to 20 tons. Our competition cars weigh 800 kilograms – about 2.000 kilograms.

In addition, the rubber compound of the racing tyres is so soft that no damage is caused to the asphalt. After all, the “old” surface had be used for ten years without any damage!

Source: https://www.edwi.info/piloten/flugplatzinfo.html

Why did the asphalt sink in?

Upon request, we are faced with statements from the contractors, which are difficult for us to reconcile. On the one hand, the warranty for possible damage is denied if the race is continued. Even though everyone knew in advance that the Jade Race had been taking place at the airfield for 10 years and that the new surface should be able to cope with the demands!  Which is a bit like a roadbuilder complaining about cars using a road after the construction has been completed. And on the other hand, they tell us that the asphalt apparently has a very high compressive strength due to a high polymer content and thus be of a particularly high quality. Unfortunately, this has not been confirmed during practice. This naturally raises the question of whether the surface is at all of the required quality.

 Two temporary factors could also contribute to the subsidence of the surface: One, the temperature, which was well below the 50°C considered as critical during the Jade Race 2019. Two, the time, which is necessary for the hardening process. The surface was completed just six weeks before the event. So perhaps now, after one year, the surface may have reached its full load capacity – so that comparable damage might now no longer occur. If this is the case then the reason for the suspension of our race event could have therefore become irrelevant.

The CDU (political party) requested that a test be done by an independent and neutral inspection authority in accordance with ZTV Asphalt-StB.

Source: https://buergerinfo.friesland.de/to0050.asp?__ktonr=20737

Their results are the essential basis for acceptance and invoicing.

Source: https://www.asphalt.de/fileadmin/user_upload/technik/prfungen.pdf

If this examination is positive, then there is nothing stopping the Jade Race from continuing. The load-bearing capacity would be confirmed and the Jade-Race would then be covered by the organizer’s insurance as requested by District Administrator Sven Ambrosy. Unfortunately we have not received any information about the status.

Info asphalt : https://www.asphalt.de/themen/technik/9-pruefungen/

Alternative venues

The Jade Race does not necessarily have to be held at Mariensiel Airfield. Of course we have tried to find alternatives.  Within a radius of 300 kilometres we approached 4 airfields that have the potential. Unfortunately we did not receive a positive answer.

In fact, an alternative racetrack is actually available in the immediate vicinity. The Jever Airbase, which is no longer used for military air traffic, can be used for motor sports purposes due to what we call a central decree. The necessary approval from the DMSB (Motorsports ASN) and the ADAC (Automobile Club) has been obtained. If the commander of the object protection regiment agrees to the use, the Jade-Race could find a home at this location.

Several years ago, slalom races and other public events were held at the airfield even during the active period of the German Air Force. Today, public events are still held at the facility. So why not the Jade Race as well? The Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) could use the event for public relations and troop recruitment, as they have done before at the Jade Race.

It was a great honour and pleasure when the County of Friesland brought about the decision of the Minister to bestow the honourable addition “Friesland” to the ObjSRgtLw (Object Protection Regiment of the German Air Force) to express the special relationship and the great attachment to the region.

Source: https://www.schortens.de/leben-in-schortens/schortens/bundeswehr.html

This special bond would give the region of Friesland an international motorsport event!

But unfortunately no one want’s to talk to us about the mere possibility of an event.

Source: Annex cancellation BW  

Economic factor Jade-Race

The Jade Race is one of the largest privately organised events in the Friesland / Wilhelmshaven area. The event welcomes up to 10,000 visitors from all over Europe to our region, that use everything the region has to offer such as restaurants, hotels, supermarkets etc. thus generating considerable income for the area. Many visitors and racing teams combine the Jade Race with a vacation in our region. In view of the increased focus on the tourism business, an international motorsport event should also be of interest to the District Administrator and Chairman of the North Sea Tourism Association e.V. Sven Ambrosy and also Mayor of Wilhelmshaven Carsten Feist.

The Jade Race as a platform for tourism, economy, technical innovation, modern vehicle construction and exciting racing events is a unique entertainment program, which even with the increased environmental awareness is still politically desired and should be maintained. In the County of Friesland a lot depends on tourism!

Economically, the Jade Race is certainly not insignificantly lucrative for the airport and generates income that directly relieves the taxpayer. The airfield is operated by the County of Friesland and the city of Wilhelmshaven, each with a 50% share, and is financed by tax money. Landing and take-off fees average between €10 and €45 per aircraft – the Jade-Race UG pays several thousand euros to  rent the facility for three (3!) days.

The airfield also benefits from the Jade-Race in other ways. For example, we provide an airfield cleaning device for several thousand euros free of charge. A “Win/Win” situation!

We hope that with the continued support of the public, our fans, our politicians (District Administrator S. Ambrosy and Minister of the Environment Olaf Lies, Member of Parliament Siemtje Möller), the authorities, the administration and of course the press, we will be given the chance, to continue our race event, which has been so successful and profitable for the region.

We are ready to get together at the table with all responsible persons to discuss and design in an open and transparent manner the best possible version of the Jade Race for the future.

We are fortunate to have avoided the economic consequences of the Covid-19 crisis with only a black eye, so we are in a position to hold a Jade Race in 2021.

Press Release Jade Race UG, 06/12/2019

On December 4th we received the news that the Airfield in Mariensiel will no longer be available as a venue for the Jade Race 2020. Of course, after 11 years of successful cooperation with airfield management, all involved authorities and offices as well as the trades around the race, this was an unpleasant surprise that has caused great regret. Especially as the prospect of the continuation of the race event was made in the previous shareholder meeting (district of Friesland and city of Wilhelmshaven).

The reason for the suspension of the event is not due to reservations against the race, but rather due to the quality of the new surface of the track (runway). During the set-up of the race event in July 2019 the new surface reacted to the heavy loads, leaving indentations and imprints. An effect that was clearly not due to use of race vehicles or our service vehicles. After all, the “old” surface had worked without any damage for ten years.

A rectification of the defective surface is certainly recommended even if it is used exclusively for flight operations. Where heavy recovery equipment could also be used, which the surface will also not be able to withstand. Or to put it another way: the bad or faulty quality of a resurfaced motorway or a public road would certainly not be accepted. It is more than annoying that with the loss of the Jade Race the region will lose an attractive race event.

First and foremost, we are thankful for the long-standing trust in the potential and for the fascination of this race event., that has continued to develop into one of the most prominent events in the region of Friesland / Wilhelmshaven. Next to the Nitrolympx with the permanent drag strip at the Hockenheimring, the Jade Race event is the most renowned race of its kind in Germany and has increasingly attracted up to 250 teams from all over Europe. The high level of sporting professionalism and the perfect handling of the complexity of this race event makes the Jade Race attractive for race teams and spectators.

A brief look at the history of this event shows an impressive story: The event has grown steadily since 2007 and we have counted up to 8000 visitors on race days. Many hotels, guest houses and other holiday accommodations in the region were fully booked. Regional businesses have discovered the race event as an effective advertising platform for themselves and, according to their own statement, have gained new customers at the Jade Race. The race event is not only a successful engine and excellent advertisement for the tourist location Friesland, which has gained publicity beyond the borders of the region due to international participation. The technical solutions developed within the framework of the optimisation of our racing vehicles, for example in the field of injection technology, are finding their way back into the industry. In fact, motorsport is still a laboratory and testing ground for technical innovation.

Motorsport is undergoing a radical change in times when environmental awareness and climate protection are playing an increasingly important role. A development that has not left the Jade Race unaffected and which has long been taken into account with the use of clean fuels such as E10 or bio-methanol. In addition, we wanted to send out another signal in the coming year with the introduction of an electric drag racing class. A project for which renowned vehicle suppliers and power suppliers have offered support.

Our interest in e-mobility is also inspired by the world record that was set by students from Stuttgart at the Jade Race in 2015: The acceleration from zero to a hundred in 1.779 seconds with an electric racing car, which secured the track an entry in the Guinness Book of Records.

The Jade Race as a platform for technical innovation, modern vehicle construction and exciting racing events that is a unique entertainment program and that even with the increased environmental awareness is politically endorsed and should be maintained.

An alternative racetrack in the immediate vicinity may in fact be possible. The Jever Air Base, which is no longer used for military flight operations, is basically usable due to a central waiver for motorsports purposes.

The necessary approval by the DMSB (German Motorsports ASN) and the ADAC (Automobil Club of Germany) are available. Should the Commander of the Object Protection Regiment give consent then the Jade Race could have a new home in 2020.

We hope that with the continued political support (District Administrator S. Ambrosy and Environmental Minister Olaf Lies), the authorities and administration and of course the press and the public we will get the chance to continue this successful and profitable event for the region. We are ready to sit at the negotiating table with the responsible persons, to discuss in full transparency the best possible.

Pressemitteilung Jade-Race UG 06122019

Attention in the Pit – Sold Out

Many thanks to all who have secured their starting places in advance. We can announce this year that we are SOLD OUT!

There are no more starting places available. A Registration for the race is no longer possible because of the high number of participants this year.

Visitors and campers can of course purchase their tickets at the gates of the event. We look forward to welcoming you!

arrival information

Due to flight operations ceasing on Thursday 8pm, the setup of the race event will begin in the late hours of Thursday evening, therefore we recommend that race teams plan their arrival at one of the following times:

  • Thursday, 18.07.2019, gates open at 10 pm until ca. 2 am
  • Friday, 19.07.2019, gates open at 9 am until 12am (midnight)

On Thursday evening during the setup of the event the main entrance must be kept clear of traffic, therefore it is imperative for all teams to proceed to the collection site, which is on the car park of the Disco “Twister” in Sande (see picture below). The teams will be welcomed and pre-cleared at the collection site. On Friday teams can proceed directly to the main gate of the track. This year the number of participants again has grown significantly, so we must ensure that the pit area is well organized, therefore we will begin clearing the heavy trucks / lorries first to enter the pit area on Thursday at 10 pm, so they have sufficient space to manoeuvre. The teams with small trucks etc. will follow. We kindly ask for your cooperation and patience. After the teams have set up their pit space, they can proceed to the race office to sign-on for the event.  

Registration record and last starting places

Up until late last night we worked on the last entries. At this point we would like to thank all participants for putting their trust in us. We are thrilled to announce that this year we have a new record with over 200 entries. If you still want enter for the event, you can still register online until Wednesday. We would like to expressly point out that due to the number of entries we will no longer be accepting entries upon arrival at the front gate! The updated entry list is online and can be found here: Starter 2019

JADE RACE CREW

Yesterday we introduced more of our volunteers. Today we would like to introduce further volunteers:
  • Tanja Kuncke, Track Crew
  • Marcel Fitterer, Scrutineer
  • Rik Olschewski, Track Crew
  • Albina Kaiser, Volunteer Setup and dismantling
  • Rene Kaiser, Vounteer Setup and dismantling
  • Tobais Heilig, Scrutineer
One or two have been the crew since the begining 10 years ago and others have joined us over the years. Many Thanks for your contribution!  

JADE RACE CREW

Today we come to the conclusion of the introduction of our crew members. Unfortunately due to lack of consent we where not able to introduce all of our volunteers to you. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all our helpers, that make it possible to accomplish the Jade Race. This includes the responsible authorities that help us to implement the official requirements in order to ensure a safe Event. Finally we would like to introduce the next volunteers:
  • Heike Schuessler, Steward
  • Iris Behrens, Event Organizer
  • Andrea Kloss, Track Crew
  • Rene Kloss, Race Director
  • André Martens, Race Director
  • Michael Behrens, Event Organizer
  • Stefanie Lugner, Steward
One or two have been the crew since the begining 10 years ago and others have joined us over the years. Many Thanks for your contribution!

Preparation and birthday

Today the first crew members arrived for further preparations of the race event. This Weekend we will be preparing the Equipment. But first we will be celebrating Michael Behrens birthday with some good cake and a tasty Greek meal.

Speed record

The Jade-Race will have the following attractions: Dual reinforcement from France this year! Mr. Donald Pottier will attempt to break the track record of 450 km/h with his Jet Car “Armageddon”. Also David Pottier will Display the famous GREEN MONSTER from the USA, which has only just arrived in Europe! A Turbine Dragster that is not propelled forward by the jet stream but rather through a gearbox that drives the wheels Forward. It will be a spectacular fire Show; when both French Drivers heat up their turbines to get maximum Performance…. Join us – at the Jade-Race from 19. – 20.07. – in Mariensiel (in Wilhelmshaven) at the JadeWeserAirport.

New construction of the runway

For many years was talked about redevelopment of the runway again and again. This year it’s finally time, the construction starts on 15.04.2019. Follow the construction work live from the tower:

As of April 15, 2019, runway 02/20 will be renovated at JadeWeser Airport, Wilhelmshaven. The measure is expected to take 6-7 weeks. In order to minimize the restrictions on general aviation and local companies, authorities, clubs and private pilots, limited flight operations should be possible during construction. For this purpose, the renovation is divided into 5 phases, each of which is associated with its own flight restrictions / options.

204/5000 For the Drag Racing sport this means that the Jade Race 2019 will take place on a completely new level runway. The LineUp as well as the Returnline are not affected by the construction measure.