DTM and Chris Pfeiffer rock Munich’s Olympic Stadium.

Over the weekend of 16-17 July, over 54,000 motorsport fans travelled to Munich’s Olympic stadium to see some of the best racing drivers in the world go head-to-head in the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) special show race event. As part of the entertainment programme, Chris Pfeiffer was invited to perform streetbike freestyle tricks and stunts on his F 800 R, much to the delight of the huge crowd.



This was the first time that the DTM organisers had hosted this Race of Champions-style exhibition event in Munich’s Olympic Stadium and a 1.190-km asphalt track had been specially constructed that allowed spectators to see the stars of one of the world’s most popular international touring car series up close as the DTM drivers battled in head-to-head contests to see who could lap quickest on the tight, twisty circuit where concrete walls ensured that there was little margin for error.



The event attracted numerous VIP guests, such as Disney and Pixar Entertainment’s Creative Director John Lasseter (perhaps best known for his work on the ‘Cars’ and ‘Cars 2’ animated blockbusters), who was treated to a passenger ride in a race taxi. World Cup winners Andreas Brehme and Karl-Heinz Riedle from the all-conquering 1990 German football team actually took to the track themselves and participated in a Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup VIP race, which Riedle won. Ex-Formula 1 and DTM driver Mika Häkkinen also put in an appearance, as did actor Bettina Zimmermann and Germany’s number one goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who has just signed for ‘local’ team Bayern Munich. There was rock music from the likes of Mando Diao and Kensington Road, a MINI challenge, and motorsport legend Nico Rosberg even turned up to do some demo-laps in an F1 car.



TV presenter Christina Surer and comedian Atze Schröder hosted the proceedings in one of the most impressive stadiums in the world, and Christina was treated to a special ride on Chris Pfeiffer’s F 800 R, as he performed a series of manoeuvres with her on board. The former Miss Switzerland finalist is more than just a pretty face though; she has competed in the Swiss Rally Championship, Seat Leon Supercup, Alfa Romeo 147 Cup and various 24 Hour endurance races, which has certainly given her the right credentials to commentate on motor racing series such as the DTM. Riding pillion with Pfeiffer was a new experience for the former model though:



“I have seen Chris perform before, but it was the first time that I was actually part of his show and I have to admit it was an unbelievable experience,” she said. “Riding with Chris never felt unsafe and I didn’t feel at all at risk, which proves just how good he is at his sport. It was so much fun on the Saturday that I wanted to have another go on the Sunday! The DTM was a really fantastic event, with all the cool shows, the great atmosphere and the amazing driving. I enjoy racing cars but I’m happy to leave the stunt riding to Chris – it was unbelievable to be part of his performance and I never stopped smiling, even when he was doing the craziest tricks…”



Having announced that it will return to the DTM series for the 2012 season with the M3, BMW also showed its M3 DTM Concept Car to Motorsport fans, as well as unveiling the car on the Friday evening at Munich’s BMW Welt building. BMW Motorsport also presented the first two drivers confirmed as wearing the company colours in next season’s DTM – Brit Andy Priaulx and Brazilian Augusto Farfus.



For Bavarian-born Pfeiffer, performing shows on the Saturday and Sunday in front of huge, cheering crowds was another high point in a busy year for the 41-year-old stunt rider, who caught up with many old friends in the paddock, and spent lots of time signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans.



“I’ve done a lot of travelling this year, so it was great to perform shows a bit closer to home and to catch up with so many friends and fans throughout the weekend,” he said. “As well as my main shows, I was on ‘stand-by’ over the two days, ready to keep the crowds entertained if one of the DTM cars crashed and brought a halt to proceedings. The atmosphere was fantastic during my shows and it was great to take Christina on the bike and give her – and the crowds – a taste of what two-wheel freestyle riding is all about.”



In the end, after many head-to-head duels at the 1.192 kilometres long track, current DTM series leader Bruno Spengler won the overall event in Munich’s Olympic Stadium, beating 17 other DTM drivers to victory in this thrilling motorsport spectacle.



For highlights of Chris Pfeiffer in action at the DTM event in Munich, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt1DlDfC9do