One evening a few weeks ago, a group of us were bemoaning the lack of a European trip next year, as the next Le Mans Classic isn't until 2006. Then it occurred to us that we could organise our own trip, preferably to a different circuit, possibly to include some lappery, at about the same time of year as the Le Mans Classic.
It so happens that RMA Ltd are just round the corner, so Dave Morton and I went to speak to the MD, Graham Clark about possibilities. RMA organise track weekends all over Europe - Hockenheim, Le Mans, Hungaroring, Nurburgring, Spa/Francorchamps, Magny Cours and a host of little circuits besides. They have the advantage of knowing the circuit organisers and local hoteliers, and are able to do special deals on Channel crossings, which a number of us had problems with when trying to get to Le Mans last year. Most significantly, RMA also carry £10m worth of liability insurance, which would protect the organisers and the Club should there be a claim. Graham is also able to organise marshals, medical facilities, track side lunches and, if required, track instructors for the more tentative among us.
Spa/Francorchamps is about 25 miles south-east of Liege, almost exactly 200 miles from Calais, nearly all on French and Belgian motorways. It is easily accessible in a single day from most places in the south of England. Additionally, the historic Nurburgring Nordschleif circuit is a mere 55 miles from Spa. But if you are planning track laps there, be aware that the old circuit was closed for racing because it was deemed too dangerous by professional racing drivers!
So, we are actively pursuing a trip to Spa/Francorchamps one weekend next Summer, hopefully to coincide with a Classic/Historic race meeting. We propose to give you a choice of:
• A Saturday and Sunday of Classic sports car or GP racing.
• A GT40 pitch, centrally on the circuit, from which we can base operations, though the centre of the circuit is full all weekend if we choose the LMES event.
• Parade laps á la Le Mans.
• Good quality hotel accommodation in Malmedy or Stavelot.
• A gala dinner on Saturday evening, in what is arguably the gastronomic centre of Belgium.
• A track day on the Monday, with a (light) 3-course trackside lunch, if required. Then possibly a visit to Nurburgring Nordschleif on Tuesday, returning to the Spa accommodation for a Wednesday return.
• A support vehicle to recover halt and sick cars and to carry baggage.
I have seen example prices for various elements of the package - Eurotunnel return crossings at just over £100, gala dinner at £50 a head, trackside lunches at £20. The cost of the track day will depend very much on the number of people who take it up, so we shall offer places to the GTD 40 Club as well as, possibly, to other clubs who might be interested.
Members will be able to choose from this list whichever events suit them. RMA are used to catering for up to 700 cars attending an event, all with different requirements and itineraries!
It isn't possible to be specific at this point, as the FIA F1 calendar has not yet been published, so all track bookings are on hold until the F1 circus' requirements are finalised. Then bookings will cascade downwards, and only then will we know what is available in the Classic racing calendar. Don't blame us, blame Bernie for being picky over Silverstone and Magny-Cours! We expect to be able to offer firm dates in February or March 2005.
If you like the idea of a trip to Spa next Summer, [email protected] . Don’t delay, DO IT NOW - before you leave the forum, as I need to form an early opinion of likely support and to start approaching other clubs to make up numbers.
It so happens that RMA Ltd are just round the corner, so Dave Morton and I went to speak to the MD, Graham Clark about possibilities. RMA organise track weekends all over Europe - Hockenheim, Le Mans, Hungaroring, Nurburgring, Spa/Francorchamps, Magny Cours and a host of little circuits besides. They have the advantage of knowing the circuit organisers and local hoteliers, and are able to do special deals on Channel crossings, which a number of us had problems with when trying to get to Le Mans last year. Most significantly, RMA also carry £10m worth of liability insurance, which would protect the organisers and the Club should there be a claim. Graham is also able to organise marshals, medical facilities, track side lunches and, if required, track instructors for the more tentative among us.
Spa/Francorchamps is about 25 miles south-east of Liege, almost exactly 200 miles from Calais, nearly all on French and Belgian motorways. It is easily accessible in a single day from most places in the south of England. Additionally, the historic Nurburgring Nordschleif circuit is a mere 55 miles from Spa. But if you are planning track laps there, be aware that the old circuit was closed for racing because it was deemed too dangerous by professional racing drivers!
So, we are actively pursuing a trip to Spa/Francorchamps one weekend next Summer, hopefully to coincide with a Classic/Historic race meeting. We propose to give you a choice of:
• A Saturday and Sunday of Classic sports car or GP racing.
• A GT40 pitch, centrally on the circuit, from which we can base operations, though the centre of the circuit is full all weekend if we choose the LMES event.
• Parade laps á la Le Mans.
• Good quality hotel accommodation in Malmedy or Stavelot.
• A gala dinner on Saturday evening, in what is arguably the gastronomic centre of Belgium.
• A track day on the Monday, with a (light) 3-course trackside lunch, if required. Then possibly a visit to Nurburgring Nordschleif on Tuesday, returning to the Spa accommodation for a Wednesday return.
• A support vehicle to recover halt and sick cars and to carry baggage.
I have seen example prices for various elements of the package - Eurotunnel return crossings at just over £100, gala dinner at £50 a head, trackside lunches at £20. The cost of the track day will depend very much on the number of people who take it up, so we shall offer places to the GTD 40 Club as well as, possibly, to other clubs who might be interested.
Members will be able to choose from this list whichever events suit them. RMA are used to catering for up to 700 cars attending an event, all with different requirements and itineraries!
It isn't possible to be specific at this point, as the FIA F1 calendar has not yet been published, so all track bookings are on hold until the F1 circus' requirements are finalised. Then bookings will cascade downwards, and only then will we know what is available in the Classic racing calendar. Don't blame us, blame Bernie for being picky over Silverstone and Magny-Cours! We expect to be able to offer firm dates in February or March 2005.
If you like the idea of a trip to Spa next Summer, [email protected] . Don’t delay, DO IT NOW - before you leave the forum, as I need to form an early opinion of likely support and to start approaching other clubs to make up numbers.
