Racing fever and surveillance at the Sachsenring, 1961–1989
In his book *Freiheit auf der Strecke* (Freedom on the Track), Dr Tobias Wunschik explores the motorbike races at the Sachsenring near Chemnitz (Karl-Marx-Stadt). These became part of the Motorcycle World Championship in 1961. When the international racing circuit stopped off there, it attracted up to 200,000 enthusiastic fans.
Image gallery
Cover_Freiheit-auf-der-Strecke
For them, the fast machines symbolised independence and freedom beyond the confines of the system, particularly in the GDR. Victorious riders from the West were particularly celebrated, as they embodied cosmopolitanism, a spirit of adventure and a go-getting attitude – qualities that were frowned upon under state socialism. A highly political struggle for social freedom ensued, pitting them against the People’s Police, the Stasi and the SED.
Book launch and discussion with Dr Tobias Wunschik (author) and Dr Florian Schikowski (moderator).
The book launch is part of the ‘Lesebühne’ series of events.
The series is organised in cooperation with the Robert Havemann Society e.V.
IN GERMAN
Additional information
Dates
December 2026
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
| |
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
