Preluk – Opatija Race

An automobile and motorcycle track near Opatija. In 1940, the Italian championship was held in Preluk, and from 1946, a motorcycle and automobile race took place, which had various names: Opatija Race, Preluk Circuit, Adriatic Grand Prix, Grand Prix of the Adriatic, and Grand Prix of Yugoslavia.

The capacity of this track was recognized, and workers from Matulji, Opatija, and Rijeka gave it a new look. Over time, the terrain, buildings, and racing track gradually took on the appearance of a tourist-sports center that became an important factor in the development of motorsports. It eventually became an international testing ground for drivers and the world’s most famous motorcycle manufacturers.

The automobile and motorcycle Grand Prix of Yugoslavia was held from 1946 to 1977. Due to sponsors’ safety requirements not being met, two motorcycle riders tragically lost their lives on the track. After that, the race was moved to Rijeka.