Racing History on Planinske Ride Zgodovina planinskih rid
Planinske ride (the road section between Planina pri Postojni and Postojna) is one of the most iconic winding stretches of Slovenian motorsport. Over the decades, road races, rallies, and later hillclimb races (GHD) have taken place in this area. After the last race in 2002, the tradition returns in 2026.
🎬 Video from 2002
Source: YouTube kanal DaniKal7
🏎️ Timeline
Road Construction
At the initiative of Carniolan Governor Baron Schmidburg, a road was built connecting Vienna and Ljubljana to Trieste. This engineering feat with moderate gradients and wide curves defined the characteristics of the track that remained unchanged for almost two centuries.
First documented automobile race
During the post-war reconstruction, the road section between Planina and Postojna hosted the first known automobile race. The fastest was Dušan Malerič with a BMW at an average speed of 68 km/h. This period marked the formation of Auto-Moto Clubs (AMD).
Rise of "National Class" and the Fičo Era
With the licensed production of the Fiat 600 (Zastava 750) in Kragujevac, cars became accessible to the masses. The "Fičo" was light, agile and easy to modify. The Ride became a proving ground for young drivers testing the limits of their vehicles.
Golden Era of Yugoslav Hillclimb Racing
Hillclimb races in Yugoslavia reached peak popularity. Planina was favored by drivers of powerful cars due to its fast configuration. BMW 2002, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Volkswagen Golf GTI and modified Yugo cars ruled the Ride.
Start of Rally Saturnus
The first edition of Rally Saturnus (organized by AMD Slovenija avto) took place on Planinske ride and Krim. Planinske ride served as an attractive speed stage.
Rallies and the Culture of the Ride
Planinske ride hosts Rally Saturnus and Rally Prijateljstva. A specific culture of the Ride develops – spectators gather in the curves, with the acoustics of the limestone amphitheater and forests creating the atmosphere.
New asphalt
New asphalt is laid on the section, significantly improving safety and competition speeds.
GHD Planina for National Championship
Hillclimb race for the national championship; organizer AMK Grosuplje. Planina is part of the broader Slovenian championship calendar.
Peak and Final GHD Before Hiatus
Race on June 22, 2002: 3 km track, 140 m elevation, 4.6% average gradient. Slavko Dekleva (BMW 320i ST) won with a time of 5:11.81 and average speed of 103.91 km/h. Tomaž Jemc (Ford Escort Cosworth) was second. 74 competitors participated.
Decline of Classic GHD at Planina
Due to stricter FIA safety standards and the shift to Ilirska Bistrica (European championship), official races are discontinued. However, the spirit of racing remains – the Ride becomes popular among motorcyclists and recreational drivers.
Return after 24 years
After 24 years, the race returns to the legendary curves. May 29–31, 2026 – be part of history!
🚗 Rallies and other disciplines
Planinske ride served as an attractive speed stage for rallies and other forms of motorsport throughout the decades.
Rally Saturnus –
AMD Slovenija avto; started 1978; Planinske ride + Krim
Rally Prijateljstva –
co-organizer AMD Slovenija avto (1980s)
Rally DP – most recently Rally Postojnska jama
📚 Sources
-
Siol (Gregor Pavšič), 12. 1. 2026
"Prve napovedi: po več kot 20 letih bodo oživele kultne Planinske ride"
siol.net → -
Žurnal24 (Gregor Pavšič), 25. 4. 2011
"Vse se je začelo že leta 1978"
zurnal24.si → -
YouTube
"GHD PLANINA 22.6.2002"
youtube.com →
Return after 24 years
GHD Planina 2026 – the hillclimb race returns to the iconic Planinske ride. Join us May 29 - 31, 2026!