Spa Classic 2013
This event definitely deserves a page all of it's own.
My first "Classic" and a damn fine event it was too. The whole place was so open with freedom to wander through the paddocks and mingle amongst some stunning cars. And then there was the opportunity to drive a few laps of one of the most iconic race tracks in the world. On the Friday we drove about half a dozen laps, I was led to believe it was a "Parade" but it was no such thing. The Daytona really felt weighty around those Spa bends and I was happy to get some great views of all sorts of other cars as they overtook. But it was an unforgettable experience.
My first "Classic" and a damn fine event it was too. The whole place was so open with freedom to wander through the paddocks and mingle amongst some stunning cars. And then there was the opportunity to drive a few laps of one of the most iconic race tracks in the world. On the Friday we drove about half a dozen laps, I was led to believe it was a "Parade" but it was no such thing. The Daytona really felt weighty around those Spa bends and I was happy to get some great views of all sorts of other cars as they overtook. But it was an unforgettable experience.
Getting there....
We travelled in a tour group consisting of about sixteen other lovely vehicles. We did not drive in convey but met for the train and were gathered together in a great spot on the circuit each day. The journey there was in some stinking weather, raining when we left for home and pouring down on lorry infested Belgium motorways for a good part of the journey. Thankfully and extremely luckily the sun was out at Spa by the time we arrived just in time for the "parade" laps.
Cars....
There were some lovely cars in our group and, not surprisingly, one or two other stunners sprinkled about the circuit. We had a few GT40's, which almost 50 years on still stop most people in their tracks, Ferrari's 458 and 355, Porsche 911 (various iterations but broadly the same!), Noble M12, etc. We also had what I shall refer to as four "Gentlemen Drivers", two in a Bristol 401 Special and the other two in a Jaguar E-Type coupe. Tim and I spent a good deal of time with these guys and they were incredibly interesting and enthusiastic.
About the paddock....
The whole of the paddock area was free to wander about. As we were driving into and out of the circuit we were crossing with race cars moving about. The whole thing is very casual and relaxed.
Some of the auction cars....
There was a Bonhams auction held on the Saturday, not surprisingly there were a few rather nice vehicles for sale.
The SPA circuit, "parade" laps and race cars....
One of the most iconic race tracks in the world surrounded by the stunning Ardennes forest, which can make for very changeable and unreliable weather. It all looks quite fantastic in a bit of sun (Friday afternoon and Saturday) and can be perfectly disgusting with rain, mist and fog as we experienced on the Sunday.
A couple of video clips taken from the Daytona
The first follows our attempt to get to the track for our laps. We got lost and ended up doing a lap of the paddock, which in itself is an interesting place. The second is our first lap. *Language warning - if you are offended by the occasional use of profanity, specifically the occasional sh*t and fu*k, don't go here.
Finally....
Views from our hotel room, the first on Saturday in glorious sunshine the second on Sunday as we were leaving. Wet and miserable in Spa, thick mist and fog up at the circuit but eventually it dried out the further west we travelled and we arrived home to glorious sunshine. The car was filthy!
