A Norman tries to keep the memory of the Rouen-les-Essarts circuit alive
A petition was recently launched by Stéphane Démare. He wishes to rebuild the old timing tower of the Rouen-les-Essarts circuit. His goal: to preserve the memory of this iconic place.
Five Formula 1 Grand Prix. A place full of history. Of anecdotes. But today almost forgotten. A few kilometers from Rouen, this circuit, entirely made up of local roads, was one of the strongholds of motorsport.
In the 1950s and 1960s, it was considered one of the best tracks in Europe. For four decades, it hosted car and motorcycle competitions until it was completely erased. At the end of the 1990s. The fatal accident of Jo Schlesser in 1968 was partly the cause of the decline of this chapter in French automotive history.
No trace left
Today, only a few purists, true enthusiasts, remember this circuit that notably saw Jacky Ickx shine during the last visit of Formula 1. No more stands. No more grandstands. Few things reveal what was once at Les Essarts. « Only the track remains, with all the infrastructures having been demolished », laments Stéphane Démare, a lover of this circuit.
This could soon change. This Norman launched a petition at the beginning of January to try to preserve the memory of Rouen-les-Essarts. To honor it, he believes. His idea is to recreate the old timing tower. An idea shared with many observers. On social media, several enthusiasts are fighting to ensure that the spirit of the Essarts endures. We find it such a shame that nothing indicates that we are on a former circuit, and what a circuit it was.
« I want to keep the memory alive through my posts »
But like any project, there are difficulties. Today, the site belongs to the National Forest Office (ONF) and the land is not considered buildable. This parameter does not deter Stéphane Démare, who has started discussions with the ONF and various elected officials to realize his project. I am exploring the subject to find out and understand what needs to be done for this idea to come to fruition.
This Friday, January 10, the petition from the Norman has gathered more than 500 signatures. While awaiting progress in his project, Stéphane Démare continues to share his affection for Rouen-les-Essarts with the public on Facebook. “I want to keep the memory alive through my posts. It brings good vibes, it revives good memories. And the audience is there, with 8 million people having viewed my posts.”
