The Charade circuit will regain its former style thanks to a high school from Corrèze

The former Charade circuit is going to regain some of its glory days. After the renovation of the BP wall, running alongside the old Manson Curve, the association “Agissons pour Charade” wants to continue preserving the heritage of the Auvergne roller coaster.

« Our mission is to preserve the old circuit. The wall was just the beginning. Our goal is to raise awareness and show that this place was a major location for motorsports, including four Formula 1 Grand Prix races, “says Jean-Paul Taillandier, vice-president of the association.

Sensitive elected officials

Yes, a few years ago, some elected officials were not sensitive to Agissons pour Charade’s renovation projects, but the new departmental and regional councilors are more so. With Jean-Pierre Brenas leading the list. « We know each other well and he talks a lot about Charade. He is a true enthusiast. »

« And instead of doing a project over the course of a year that will then be thrown away, it will be highlighted. It has a rewarding aspect. »

So it is with the help and agreement* of politicians that the BP wall project was able to see the light of day. Just like the upcoming one, recently announced. Twelve security posts will be built all around the former route, which has now been transformed into a departmental road. They will be reestablished at their original locations.

With the Égletons high school

« Between the Manson Bend, where the first and last will be located at Champeaux, where we find the portal that leads to the current circuit, there were 12 of them. They will be in Shell colors, just like back in the day », confirms Jean-Paul Taillandier. And to apply the famous red color with the yellow shell, the association contacted the oil company to obtain its approval.

Thus, all the posts will be made of concrete by 24 students from the Bac Pro TP and CAP Constructeurs de routes et d’aménagements urbains classes at the Pierre-Caraminot high school in Égletons (Corrèze). « We approached the school because they specialize in construction. They have agreed to participate in the project. My idea is to involve the schools. We have many students who can create beautiful things. And instead of creating a project that will be thrown away after a year, it will be showcased. It will be uplifting. »

The Department provides financial assistance

Few photos of these posts still exist, but luckily, one of the posts buried in the huge brambles along the road has been found. This will serve as a template, with a few modifications. « Plans have been made and they must comply with road accident standards. »

The association will cover the cost of the materials, which amounts to 250 € per unit. The Puy-de-Dôme Department will provide transportation between Égletons and the old circuit. The construction will start in the next few days. This will give the association time to envision other projects for the future in order to preserve the past…

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The Departmental Council of Puy-de-Dôme owns the road.