Unleashing the Power of Vintage Scooters: A Thrilling Ride into the World of Drag Racing

In the heart of Europe, a new breed of custom builders is pushing the boundaries of what's possible with vintage scooters. Inspired by the adrenaline-fueled events like the Glemseck 101, these visionary enthusiasts are transforming humble two-wheelers into high-performance machines, ready to take on the challenge of 1/8th-mile drag racing. From big-bore beasts to hopped-up scooters, the custom scene is a melting pot of creativity and engineering prowess, where anything goes.

Redefining the Scooter's Potential: A Passion-Driven Pursuit

Embracing the Scooter's Racing Potential

The world of vintage scooter racing has long been perceived as a niche pursuit, with machines relegated to the role of practical transportation. However, a growing community of enthusiasts is challenging this notion, transforming these humble two-wheelers into high-octane contenders. Inspired by the thrilling atmosphere of events like the Glemseck 101, these custom builders are harnessing the untapped potential of scooters, creating machines that defy expectations and rewrite the rules of the game.At the forefront of this movement is Krzysztof Szews, an automotive designer by trade and the driving force behind the custom motorcycle workshop Man and the Machines, as well as the co-founder of the Rocket Race Club – one of the leading leagues on the European sprint racing scene. Szews' passion for vintage scooters has led him on a journey of discovery, where he has not only embraced the scooter's racing potential but also inspired others to do the same.

Unleashing the Power of a Rare Gem

Szews' latest project, a 1959 NSU Prima 3, is a testament to his dedication and engineering prowess. Stumbling upon this rare scooter by chance, Szews knew he had to transform it into a racing machine, despite the challenges that lay ahead. The NSU Prima 3, a lesser-known sibling of the iconic Lambretta, presented a unique opportunity to showcase the versatility of these vintage two-wheelers.Undeterred by the scooter's rarity and the lack of readily available tuning parts, Szews set out to create a custom racer that would turn heads and defy expectations. Drawing on his extensive experience with vintage scooters, he meticulously planned and executed a comprehensive overhaul, blending the NSU's original charm with cutting-edge performance upgrades.

Pushing the Boundaries of Scooter Racing

Szews' approach to the NSU Prima 3 project was nothing short of ambitious. Recognizing that he would be competing against seasoned scooter-racing enthusiasts, he knew he had to pull out all the stops. From stretching the wheelbase and lowering the center of gravity to redistributing the scooter's weight, every modification was carefully considered to optimize the machine's performance and handling.The heart of the beast, a stock NSU engine capable of just 7 horsepower, was transformed into a powerhouse, thanks to a comprehensive overhaul by Szews' trusted engine builder. The result? A staggering 56 horsepower, a testament to the team's engineering prowess and the scooter's untapped potential.

Embracing the Unexpected

As Szews prepared to take his creation to the track, he faced a new set of challenges. With the NSU's radically altered frame geometry and astronomical power-to-weight ratio, he had no idea how the scooter would perform. Would it drive in a straight line? Would it wheelie or spin the rear wheel unexpectedly? These were the questions that kept Szews on the edge of his seat as he readied the machine for its debut.Undaunted by the uncertainty, Szews approached the task with a mix of caution and excitement. He knew that the journey would be filled with surprises, both good and bad, but he was determined to embrace the unexpected and learn from every experience. As the NSU Prima 3 took to the track, Szews held his breath, eager to see how his creation would perform against the seasoned competition.

Celebrating the Scooter's Resurgence

The inaugural race at the Glemseck 101 proved to be a watershed moment for the vintage scooter racing scene. As Szews and his fellow competitors took to the track, the crowds erupted in a frenzy of excitement, captivated by the unexpected speed and power of these humble two-wheelers. For many, it was a revelation, shattering the preconceptions of what a scooter could achieve.Szews' NSU Prima 3, while not racking up the most wins, captured the hearts of the spectators with its unique style and undeniable performance. The "Best Style" trophy that Szews took home was a testament to the passion and dedication that had gone into creating this one-of-a-kind machine. It was a moment of triumph, not just for Szews, but for the entire vintage scooter racing community, as they celebrated the resurgence of these beloved machines in the world of high-octane competition.