Club Arnage

OK, as requested by Martini.....

A thread for useful info about Spa...

We camp at the Eau Rogue Campsite - which isn't near the Eau Rouge corner, it's a nice site, there tend to be a number of the same folk there each year.  It's very much a family campsite so not suited to all night parties  ;D   http://www.eaurouge.nl/ 

It's worth getting to the area for the drivers parade (which we think is Wednesday - check the old threads), where the race cars are driven on the open road from the circuit to Spa town - it's a fantastic sight.  Check out the pics here http://www.gtphotosport.com/spa24_06/index.html and look at the previous years as well. 

Hopefully Pieter can add some of his experiences from last year's 24 hour, as we have media access I don't know much about where you'd park at the circuit etc.

Oh and who, what, when, where......

Piglet & Keith K - probably from Tuesday/Wednesday of the week ahead of the 24 - Eau Rouge Camping. 

I might make it out for the weekend?

Just need to sort out some leave.

See you there.  We will try to find the right bar this year!

You're right Anita, the drivers parade is usually on Wednesday. Oddly enough, there's nothing about this on the provisional time table. Btw, the Spa24Hs web site changed to www.total24hours.com.
I hope to be there from Wednesday on. I very much recommend the drivers parade as you can actually follow the race cars via public roads from the Spa town center to the circuit.

This was on my list for last year (I even bought a ticket!) but unfortunately I never made it.... work n money n all that sort of thing got in the way.

Will give it a bit more thought this year!

I see there is a running race around the track - anyone up for that???   ;D

F

God no!!  Having walked round Spa there is no way on this earth I'd want to (or be able to!) run round it!   

Having just watched a lap on youtube, I think you might be right.   Whats that blimmin great hill doing there???   :o

F

Killing every muscle in your legs whilst walking round the circuit. Did that in 2005 during the LMS race, was a nice 7 km walk, Feeling kinda deadish afterwarths.

I will join Piglet and Keith on that Eau Rouge camping again this year. I hope to arrive a couple of days earlier than last year, to catch the parade to Spa. It's a brilliant event with a nice relaxed atmosphere and a must for everybody who appreciates GT racing.

Parking is not a problem at all, there are many places to park all round the track, so it's best to decide first where you want to be at the track and then decide what parking suits your needs most. I'm not sure if I paid extra money to get into the paddock area. If I did, it was worth the extra money. That's where the party is Saturday night and you can easily go from there to the (formerly known as) Bus Stop, Eau Rouge and La Source hairpin.

If camping isn't your thing, there are many very affordable hostels and hotels in the neighbourhood. Food is generally very good, unless you order the odd Mexicano. Stay away from that, ask Paddy for details.
And of course it's a great beer country. Try them all or give it your best shot!

It's hard to compare the event with anything, but if the words Spa-Francorchamps, Belgian beer, great food, relaxed atmosphere and top of the bill GT racing mean anything to you, join in!

I will most probably having major jetlag from my trip to Indonesia, so what better way to get rid of it by watching a race for 24 hours. So count me in. I won't camp however, I will just drive over on the saturday and drive back on sunday, with or without catching some zeese in the car.

If going to this event where would one fly into?
Also are there any other 24hr.races worth going to in Europe?

Going to Spa one would fly to Brussels (1 hour by car to the track), Amsterdam (app. 2 hours ), Frankfurt (app. 3 hours)

24 hours at the Nürburgring - one week prior to Le Mans - is also worth watching

As Werner says you could fly into Brussels, but much as I love Spa and the area around it, it's not anywhere near the "event" that LM is.  If I were paying for a transatlantic flight I'm not sure I'd use it for Spa, I'd save it for LM 24 or even the LM Classic next year.

2CV 24 hour at Snetterton last weekend - it's usually a good event  ;D

Spa is a real revelation when you see it in the flesh.  Nothing that you can see on the TV prepares you for the place.  It's the race I'd go to but then I haven't done the 'Ring (shadow of its former self?)

Randy, if you would come to Europe a week before Spa, you could go to the F1 race at the Nürburgring. Together with the Spa 24 that's a nice package within one week and very close to each other.

That should have read it is usually a WET event! I was there last weekend and now have a stinking cold! The rain was soo bad I decided against the tent and slept in the car on Sunday night! The rain at times was some of the heaviest I have ever seen and it did not stop for  a second during the entire 24 hours

Photo's are online at the very rushed update to www.totalsportscar.com

Rick, it's always cold and wet  ;D   I missed it for the first time in 4 years as we were at Brands (where it was also wet!)

Eau Rouge is a very nice camp site, I shall be using it again this year along with Belgian guys I will be marshaling with at the GP. The week before that I will be at the Zolder 24hr race, a round of the Belcar championship. 

Hi All thanks Anita for the posting, also Pieter for the info... I would like a bt more please.

How far, in walking (wobbling) distance is the campsite from the circuit

Is it ok for bbq or do most people eat out

What is the circuit camping like and amenities

Supermarkets - how close are they, any names for my navigator

How well is the circuit sign posted, does it have a system like LM, vert, bleu etc

Is petrol cheaper in Belgium than France

Any other info would be good

Thanks

>Martini...

It's about half a mile to the circuit, but that's at the far end at the Stavelot corner. Walking to the paddock is a nice walk if you're up for it, but knowing you a bit, you wouldn't want to walk.

It's ok for bbq but there's lots of good places to eat out as well.

Not sure, never tried it.

There's a big Carrefour in Malmédy, which is about a 10 minute drive from the camping. Not sure if they have fridges to talk to though.  ;D

Pretty good sign posted, but nothing like the LM system. Check the site www.spa-francorchamps.be (http://www.spa-francorchamps.be) for details.

I wouldn't know, but I don't think there's a lot of difference, if any.

In Stavelot, there's a race car museum that's supposed to be very good. For some reason I've never tried it, but I'll have a go this year.
My favourite spot is Bruxelles, the highest point of the circuit. Bring a comfy chair, a cooler with beer and a camera if you like. That's where I spend the day usually. At night, the best place to be is the paddock. You can walk down there, but remember you have to walk back up there as well and there's quite some height difference.

I think Pieter's covered most of it and I can't be bothered to quote!

As Pieter says, it's a fair walk through the rear (Karting) access to the circuit - I think it might be more than half a mile.  It is pretty flat though which is a novelty for this area!   Some of the guys on the campsite takes bikes to go to and from the circuit.   

If this works and you find Stavelot on the map, look to the right for the Masta Kink and the campsite is just about where the "M" of "Masta" is (it's on the old circuit).  You would then walk up the green road towards the chequered flag, the red line shows the entrance to the circuit and the wiggly road is the track into the rear of the circuit - it looks like around 4km including the wiggles!

http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/viamichelin/gbr/dyn/controller/mapPerformPage?strCountry=311&strAddress=&strMerged=stavelot&x=0&y=0

You can easily drive up to the parking area at Les Combes though (2 minutes from the campsite) - I don't know what the cost of parking is (they let us park for free with our media pass), probably 5 dingbats or so.  This gives you a very short walk to Les Combes and Malmedy corners and you can then walk down towards Eau Rouge (corner not campsite) etc. or the other way towards Rivage and Pouhon. 

If there is an option to get parking in the circuit (it will be in the carparks opposite the endurance (not F1) pit lane) then I'd go for it, this would give you a good base to walk around the paddock areas, up Eau Rouge and up to La Source and the area previously known as the Bus Stop etc. and then if you want to have a drive up to Les Combes on the Sunday it gives you some alternative viewing areas.

Viewing spots - For me there is nothing that beats sitting in the trees above the Bus Stop and Blanchimont in the dark seeing GT cars whizzing underneath you.   

Eau Rouge has to be seen to be believed and the back of the circuit Les Combes, Malmedy etc. is beautiful and you can look across and just about see the action through Blanchimont as they are at the same height! 

Circuit Camping - I think there was a discussion about this last year, there is camping at Les Combes on the side of a fairly steep hill.  The info last year was that there are no facilities here at all, no toilets or anything.  I think it's quite cheap and I doubt you have to book.   It's a bit hardcore for me though!

The Eau Rouge campsite has a bar on it which is quite lively and has decent toilets and showers.  BBQ'ing is fine (although the bloke running the kids archery complained that KK smoked him out last year!), they have some half oil drums on the overflow campsite and it's OK to have fires in these. 

Don't know about fuel prices - we run diesel and I'm not sure that there is much difference to France

Other things  Spa town is worth a bit of a wander round, treat yourself to lunch or dinner in L'Auberge, it's lovely!  In the old days of running races for the BRDC we used to stay there.   There is also a funicular railway in Spa that goes up to a Therme (thermal baths - can't do the accent!). 

Around the rest of the area, there are loads of little restaurants that serve good, reasonably priced food.  Stavelot is worth a wander round, the whole area has a lot of WWI and WWII history, there are lots of memorials around the whole Spa area - too many of them for civilians.  At the river at the bottom of Stavelot there is an American armoured car that commemorates a battle at the crossing of the river.  If that kind of thing floats your boat it's worth doing some research before you leave as there are lots of significant sites around the area. 

At Coo there is a cable chair lift thingie that takes you up to the top of a big hill (and brings you back down again!). 

We think we're leaving home on the Saturday ahead of the race, stopping off in Reims/Eppernay for Saturday night/Sunday night and then arriving at Spa on the Monday. 

Sign posting Niether the area or the crowds are big enough for there to be a problem. 

Supermarkets  There is a Lidl close to the campsite in Stavelot and another small supermarket that might be a Super U.  Neither are big but have the basics.  We also go to the Carrefour at Malmedy and they have a good supply of Jupiler beer!   There is a bread van that comes to the campsite in the morning, you just order bread/croissants the night before and then turn up and pay when the man turns up around 8ish. 

Can't think of much else!

Excellent, thanks very much.

I have noticed that on the Eau Rouge campsite you can book a pitch, is this advisable?

>Martini...

We've always booked, in fact we sent our booking via their web page today as their phone number was engaged. 

I don't think they ever get ful and they tend to put race campers on the overflow field anyway (I prefer the overflow field actually!) so I doubt it's a problem but I prefer to book.  The lady speaks OK English - enough to make a booking so either use the form on their website or give them a ring.

The nearest decent camp sites close to the circuit are at Francorchamps, also a good restaurant there " Le Relais de Pommard ". As has been said avoid camping at Les Combes, as there is NOTHING there, just a big field !!

Whatever you do, avoid the campsite behind the hotel in Francorchamps. The biggest rip-off on the planet.  The 8 euros a day which they quote is for the car space, plus 8 euros a day for your tent (16 if it's more than a tiny one) and a day isn't 24 hours so if you stay from Friday to Sunday - that's 3 days according to them.  It cost the 2 of us 144 euros for 5 nights last year. >:(

Blimey Termie that's steep - it's 14.50 dingbats at Eau Rouge by the look of their website.  We've certainly always thought it was good value there. 

One thing I've remembered - the campsite only takes Cash and not Cards. 

Hi
Is it worth bothering with a gazebo or just a garden/pub brolly... I am hoping for sun not rain...

Campsite booked... I think

>Martini...

Booked my spot today as well. A gazebo is always welcome, rain or shine. Always be prepared for rain in the Ardennes, although we were lucky last year with great weather.

[we really don't have a decent ROFLMA smilie]  ;D  We'll get both, usually in the same ten minutes ;D.  Spa is notorious for it being beautiful and sunny one minute and then chucking it down the next and then the sun shining again! 

On the campsite it's worth getting in the habit of putting chairs etc. away whenever you leave the site - last year we got half a mile up the road (having left the tent doors canopied open) and drove into really big raindrops, we turned round and raced back to the campsite where, it was still beautiful and sunny and it didn't rain for the next 2 hours - it's very strange!

We usually take the dayroom (posh gazebo) to Spa for cooking and getting shade/shelter - it's well worth having something along those lines, although you'd want to watch cheap gazebos there when the wind blows! 

Last year we had some really manky weather, wet, cold and horrible but also some days where (having not taken the dayroom!) I struggled to get shade. 

Oh, and I forgot to mention, the great bit of this con is that when you arrive they wave you through with a cheery smile and say "pitch your tent first, we'll come and sort out the money later" so you think "how nice" but discover the rip off too late. The year before, we camped on the little bluff above the circuit entrance - were five minutes from the track and the 8 euros a night really was just that.  We're going back there this year.

Sorry, can you exlain this... I have been out on a do read this three times and do not really understand... sorry... where are you

>Martini...

The rip off campsite is the one directly behind the big bar (the Spa hotel?) in the middle of the village.  The decent campsite is in the trees above the main entrance on top of the bluff.  Head towards the circuit, take the second exit off the roundabout just before the entrance and it's the first campsite on the right.  Great because you can see the cars in about 6 different places on the circuit from there.

Ferry booked ;), camp site booked ;)...... Get the next two weeks out the way :D and start packing for Spa!!!!! ;D ;D

The Spa 24 Hours is an excellent race, very different from Le Mans though, despite similar cars being involved.

It's not as extravagant as Le Mans can get in terms of the drinking and partying etc. but we still manage to have a good time!

I would reccomend the Eau Rouge campsite myself, particularly if you are going for a few days, which I also reccomend! It has decent facilities, showers which are a godsend, and very friendly. In contrast, the Les Combes one has nothing like that and is fairly inhospitable. We stayed there in 2005, luckily only for one night. I wouldn't want to spend a week there!

In 2006 we moved there on the Saturday morning, as we weren't planning to sleep much, so didn't want to pay for another night. We never went back there until about 6pm on the Sunday, when it was very bleak and empty, and chucking it down with rain. Not ideal for trying to take down a tent!

This year I think I'll be in a hotel though...

I would reccomend the bar behind the pit buildings (if it's still there!) on Saturday night as well. Also, visit it on every other night, morning and afternoon. You know it makes sense!

Le Mans is over, long live Le Mans. So to Spa, a couple more questions.

Is it worth buying tickets online?

Should I include the paddock and what does this involve?

Any other info welcomed

Condor ticket booked (with a refund of £39 for overcharge for early booking!)

Eau Rouge campsite booked.

>Martini...

I like the paddock because you can get inside Eau Rouge woops, sorry, La Source, as well as poke around some of the cars - it's not that much more expensive.  Advance booking's not really neccessary, just might save a bit of queueing time.

edited

Deff have Paddock access, it's easier to get around plus you can get to "the bar" behind the pits and Spa wouldn't be Spa without that  ;D

I've never bought a ticket so can't help there!
If booking allows you to park in the carparks just outside the tunnel then I'd go for that as it makes getting around easier, you may just be able to drive in and pay though.  Pieter might know.

Advanced booking didn't give me any cp advantages last year, and none are mentioned this.

Termie do you know if you can drive into the main circuit carparks and pay to park or whether they are carpass only?

They seem to be for passes only - we mere mortals have to use the public ones and walk.  I guess there's just a space shortage.  I've tried the on-line booking to find out if parking is available but with no luck.

After minimal humming and hah-ing, we've booked into Eau Rouge campsite from Tuesday night, having decided that the circuit sites are a bit basic for a longer stay.  See you there. :)

Will not get there until the thursday sometime, I am arriving in St Malo at about 1645 on the Wed then driving up over wed/thurs. Arrive late afternoon I guess.

Looking forward to the drive though.

Still no info about the support race timings/days.

>Martini...

I am still having a bit of a dither about this one... quite fancy it, but such chaos on my return to work today I am a bit hesitant asking for more days off just at the moment.   ::)

F

We're booked  ;D   Can't wait... I love Spa  ;D

Campsite is booked.  Well at least I think it is.  All that Dutch had me very confused...  ;)

It looks remarkably like I'll be bringing an old friend with me.  Amazingly he got a pass from the wife to have a weekend away.  I think he nearly died of shock when she said, "Yes, you can go."

Anyway it's only going to be a short trip as will be travelling Thursday night and arriving at some ungodly hour on Friday morning.  Still it beats staying in England!!!   ;D ;D ;D

See you all there soon. 8)
Dx

http://www.total24hours.com/pictures/upload/2007%20Provisional%20Timetable%20Spa%20-%20Draft%209.pdf

 ;)

It looks like i will only be able to make it on sunday! Huge cocktail party on the Saturday in Maastricht. Then again, I might not make it at all ;D

Hmmm, so maybe I need to go to Spa via Maastricht??  ;)

We're going to Spa via a Champagne House at Epernay  ;D   

Well, you would miss most of the race then! Tell you what, go to spa, watch the start, come to Maastricht, drink cocktails and drive back to watch some night racing. It has taken us about an hour at some points to get to carrefour at Le Mans and an hour back, so going from Spa to Maastricht would be the same, but with cocktails ;D

You'd need a designated driver though. I'll ask Spot (Julian) if he has any plans.

Don't tell me you are not drinking Pieter  ::)

>Martini...

Hi
Does anyone know what time the office at the campsite closes as I might drive it in one go getting in around midnight then setting up or do you think this would this not be acceptable to them, or other campers.

>Martini...

Martin, the office is the bar (and the bar is the office  ;D) so they'll probably be someone around.  At worst their is a parking area outside the gate of the overflow field and you could probably kip in your car if it was a problem. 

The field is normally very dark and very quiet at midnight so you might well struggle to pitch anything more than a pop up without pissing everyone else off with your lights and engine! 

It's just occured to me that the event now appears to be sponsored by Total so no more "PPPrrrooooxxxxiiiimmmmmmuuuuuuusssssssss" from the commentator presumably?   

Still does anyone know if we've still got Jaaaammmmiiieeee Cammmmpppbeeellllll-Walllllttterr in the entry list - that one always makes me laugh!   ;D

Of course I'm drinking! That's why I don't qualify for taking anybody back and forth to Maastricht.

There might be a drinking problem... my brother is probably making the trip on his Blackbird (M/Cycle) which means he might drink your (anybody's) beer, as he is not that keen on my vodka. Unlike me he is very keen on raw spirit, Calvados, brandy, whisky, whiskey etc. so hide your bottles! Oh and the odd, or even G&T.

Nice fella though.

>Martini...

I'm sure he'll fit in nicely!  ;D

Could be a 'Vette fest this year.  I've just read that the 2 Ollies are racing a Luc Alphand car at Spa.  That should be fun.... ;D
At least five, and possibly as many as 7 will race.

[/quote]

... my brother is probably making the trip on his Blackbird (M/Cycle) which means he might drink your (anybody's) beer, as he is not that keen on my vodka. Unlike me he is very keen on raw spirit, Calvados, brandy, whisky, whiskey etc. so hide your bottles! Oh and the odd, or even G&T.

Nice fella though.

>Martini...
[/quote]

Martin,

Your brother sounds like a candidate for S******, bring him along next year ;)

... my brother is probably making the trip on his Blackbird (M/Cycle) which means he might drink your (anybody's) beer, as he is not that keen on my vodka. Unlike me he is very keen on raw spirit, Calvados, brandy, whisky, whiskey etc. so hide your bottles! Oh and the odd, or even G&T.

Nice fella though.

>Martini...
[/quote]

Martin,

Your brother sounds like a candidate for S******, bring him along next year ;)
[/quote]

Funny enough, he owns a place at Cocoa beach, although he is trying to sell it.

>Martini...

For anyone planning to be there earlier in the week the parade of race cars into Spa town on Wednesday is not going to happen  :(   Apparently their engine restrictions this year mean the competitors don't want to run the engines for this type of drive.  Apparently they are trying to put together a parade of drivers and for the leading cars to go into Spa on trucks so they can be seen in the square.

A great shame, this was one of the best sights around. 

That is really to bad, as I'm having that week off anyway, and was planning to at least visit the parade on Wednesday. :(

It was always part of our trip, eating lunch next to the road waiting for the cars and then sitting along the top road waiting for them to come back  :(

Think we'll have to spend an extra day in the Spa Baths to make up for it  ;D

Bow locks.  The first year we've been able to leave early enough to catch it too. :(

That's a bummer, we were getting there Tuesday specifically for this.  May need a day on de pannenkoekenboot in compensation  ::)

Where did you get the info from, just curious  ;)

The info was from Jackie Groom the FIA Media delegate so it's pretty good info.  She was waiting to hear confirmed details of what will now happen.

Just had to google de pannenkoekenboot!

Looks nice but I think we'll stick to a day at the baths and then KK's crepes back on the campsite  ;D

Seeing as we are sailing to Rotterdam, it seems our duty to have some pancakes - a 2.5 hour cruise with an 'all-you-can-eat pancake buffet' sounds perfect (http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Smilies/snack.gif)

Right I now have checked, I have enough holiday to make it, going to try to rope in another couple of people to join me in the car. Probably out early friday and back on monday. Anyone intersted in car sharing?

Not sure of my travel plans yet Rick but I'll keep you informed!

The pannenkoekenboot lies in front of my flat. If you want more info let me know.  ;)

Well the ferry is booked!

Going out V.Early on Friday morning should be with you at about 2pm. Staying on Eau Rouge. Heading off on Monday morning for the 4pm Norfolkline crossing back.

My Brother and a mate of mine are coming. Plus two tuns of camping gear again I think!

See you there.

When we were there last year, the pannenkoekenboots were moored by the Euromast - is that where you board or are there other boarding points?

We'll have the kids with us this time, so they will definitely want to go up the Euromast, plus we'll probably try to get to the old harbour as well, although this will be a weekday so maybe a lot busier than when we were there last....

Also parking may not be so easy  ::)

Just heard today that Mogie a.k.a. SonofSebring will join the party as well! He'll be touring Holland and Germany for a two week's pre and after Spa piss up. Some of you may have met him last year at Le Mans or Sebring. Here's a picture!

(http://static.flickr.com/134/320552933_06abfad9a3.jpg)

Brilliant, good to meet sebring buddies all the time!

I pass the Euromast twice a day because the office is just around the corner. I don't know if il Cav might have moved, but every time I drive by the Euromast the pannenkoekenboot is moored there, right next to the 'Gouden Wok' restaurant. Just checked the website of the pannenkoekenboot, you deffo board at the Euromast.

Hi all
Is anyone coming over to Spa from the Orlando area or a Bass Pro shop area... I would like a favour... which will involve about 6 kilos of baggage...

>Martini...

Surely you would only buy goods by the kilo in cuba and BTW you can get Vodka in Belguim.

This involves gossamer thin plastic...

(read above if you are in USA)

>Martini...

Well, Mogie's from Boca Raton, so yes. Don't know if you've met him though (he's the guy behind the moonshine at Sebring). I'm also trying to get more people over from there but it's been awfully quiet lately.

Glad you mentioned this Pieter - I can now get my own back with the French version my friend makes...

Sounds interesting!  ;D

So thats the guy to blame for my destroyed brain cells !

Yes he is!  ;D

The look on your (and Termie's) face after having some was unforgettable.

It's also possible to get on here. But that's not every day. You probably have to book it then. So probably the euromast is easier to just get on.

I passed Francorchamps yesterday on my way to Trier and couldn't resist stopping by and having a look around. There was the 24 hour Fun Cup... boring stuff which pulled an astonishingly amount of people. I was interested in the circuit changes. They are horrible to say the least. They double fenced the path outside the circuit from the kart track to La Source which is now 50 meters shorter. The first fence is right at the path. No more camping at Blanchimont. Then they changed the layout of the bus stop and the entry to the pit lane. Unfortunately, I didn't have more time but I actually had enough anyway. I'm actively considering to skip the 24 Hours at Spa and instead doing Silverstone. Spa is a pure television circuit now and I have the feeling that they don't want people visiting the track. It's all very sad.

See link for picture of what's the new bus stop chicane:
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/?action=view&current=what-used-to-be-the-busstop-chicane.jpg (http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/?action=view&current=what-used-to-be-the-busstop-chicane.jpg)

Well, the double fencing has been in pain in the butt for years now, but there's one big upside: the height difference. If you know where to look, there's always a good spot for an unblocked view. I mean, it's still way better than Le Mans fencing wise. And Silverstone is even worse: it's flat!

Hi
Provisional entry list. I do not think this has been posted yet, sorry if it has.



>Martini...

Thanks, looks promising!

Thanks!! No Diesels!!! Except the one I will be coming in!

Looking good and really looking forward to it!

Wasn't there a Zonda floating around during the test day, not that it would be likely to last more than a couple of hours  ???

That was the Zonda of the Czech team Rock Media Motors which was entered in GT1. According to the lap times they didn't rock, really.  ;D

By the way, the driver parade on Wednesday in the downtown of Spa is not yet clear. I received this mail from R.A.C.E. yesterday:

dear sir,
We have not yet finalized the organization of this drivers parade on wednesday 25th of july.
We will keep you informed in due time.
Best regards,
F. P.
RACE SA.

In the  supplementary regulations,  (http://www.total24hours.com/pdf/Regl-Part-V.2.8-13072007-GB.pdf) only just posted on the official site, it lists a parade to & from Spa town on Wednesday.  Whether this is just carried over from last year or intended to be a watered-down version of the car parade is anyone's guess  ;)

If anything happens it will be a bit like LM, drivers on road cars.  It will deff not be race cars (so I'm told...).

I'll try to find out more...

Just checked, the wording (and times) on the schedule are the same as last year.

Bump  ;D

Can we have a short refresher 'cos I can't be bothered to read all of the thread...

Piglet & KK - leaving Saturday morning for two days in Epernay (mmm Champagne :P) and then onto the Eau Rouge campsite on Monday.  Driving: black Saab 93.  Probably flagless unless I can bear to buy yet another bleeding fishing pole  ;D

Mrs & Mr Termite leave LM Tuesday morning.  Camping Eau Rouge from Tuesday night to Sunday night incl.  Grey Micra or Fabia 72 reg.

Leaving Holland on Friday with american Sebring friend Mogie to go to Cologne first for some first class debauchery. Next morning to Spa (only an hour drive), camping Eau Rouge, travelling in a dark green Lancia Delta.

Muz, Mrs Muz, Muz Jr and Muzette leaving blighty Monday, arrive Camping Eau Rouge Tuesday.  Yellow Seat León.  Still not received tickets from ticketnet.be  :(

Nor me.  I seem to remember it was last minute last year.  Is it a speciality of motor racing venues to do this to punters?

Would you believe it, Muz, 10 minutes after posting the above, they arrived!  There may be a nice surprise for you when you get home.

Mrs Muz is under strict instructions to phone me immediately the post arrives - they promised they sent them last Friday, no doubt third-class via Botswana  ::)

Our team t-shirts haven't arrived either, they were posted last Wednesday from Gloucester.

Might have to dig out all the old beermountain shirts and 'Yes' tour shirts from yesteryear  ???

Hmmmm, seems the lure of the shops was too great,  >:( on her return Mrs Muz informs me that there are two letters undelivered and requiring signatures - I have a reasonable idea what they may be....  ;)
But they can't be collected until tomorrow.  If it's not the tickets, it's panic-stations!  ::)

Hi all

Leaving Guernsey wed lunchtime, arriving Eau Rouge thursday staying until sunday, leave after the race.

Being joined by my brother sometime on friday as he is riding up on his bike thurs/fri.

As far as the tickets go I had forgotten I had booked them, where the bloddy hell are they?

See you soon...

>Martini...

Edit: I have checked the order and it says I will get them soon.

There is a slim chance I might be joining the Brady Bunch. Arrival Saturday though, and will bring the van to sleep in (can't be bothered with tents n stuff for once). Will keep in touch with Pieter where to park up.

It would be nice to see you Paddy  ;D [Piglet makes mental note to buy more beer  ;D]

As a reminder to all (especially those staying a few days) the campsite doesn't take credit cards, so for us Brits that means having cash to pay. 

From ticketnet.be I now have 8 vouchers which are to be exchanged on the gate, is this right?  Pre-booking was supposed to get free stand tickets as well.

I was rather hoping they would just send the tickets.  ???

That's all I've got too - and I also booked stands.  Last year I was sent wristbands (access all areas!).  My guess is that they want to put the wristbands on themselves this year!

....so you don't know in advance what colour to buy from your local printers?........  ;D ;)

I just got one of each colour, to be safe...

I discovered at the GP that the Brands Hatch wrist bands that I had lurking round my briefcase were the same colour as the Saturday Marshal's guest wristbands!  

Now being a genuinely honest person I didn't do anything dodgy but the temptation was quite strong!!

Muz, Termie, it does appear that some of the race cars but not all will make the run to Spa along with all of the drivers (presumably on the Saabs that they usually use for the circuit parade?).     It doesn't appear to show on the timetable but we'll try to confirm when we collect media stuff - I'd imagine it's still on the Wednesday as the drivers briefing is held at the Casino then.  

I still have some orange wristbands left, would it be worth taking them? ;D

On the official site there seems to be no starting time mentioned. Anybody knows? :-\

It looks as if you will be getting better weather than us.


http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/BEXX0029.html

Have a good one

It's a real 24 hour race Paddy so a 4pm start usually.

It's Spa, so don't trust any weather station on predictions! ::)


Thanks Piglet :)

Allegedly it was 30degrees in Spa yesterday so I might actually put the suncream back in my bag....

Normal Spa weather:

10.00 - hot sun
10.10 - heavy rain
10.20 - hot sun
10.30 - heavy rain
and continue...... ;D

We're off in the morning  ;D

See some of you next week! 

Tickets arrived and in order, if you read the letter it tells you how to get your wristband etc. Thanks for the tip on the cash Piglet.

See you guys at Eau Rouge, let's hope for a dry one.

>Martini...

For those unable to make it, Men and Motors are covering quite a bit of the race on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

OK, so who is going? and where are you staying?

Piglet and Keith [Eau Rouge]
Rick Cutler [Eau Rouge]
Peter Cutler [Eau Rouge]
+1 (Surprise Guest) [Eau Rouge]
Martini [Eau Rouge]
Pieter [Eau Rouge]
Knetter/Roy (Not Camping)
Doris  [Eau Rouge]
Mogie  [Eau Rouge]
Gordonwr
Muzorewa

Mike H (Hotel)?
Paddy?
Fran?

Would love to go, but think I will have to put it off for another year.   :(

On the bright side, it gives me another 12 months to train for the jogging lap!!

F

Oh well, guess we will have to wait until Silverstone then, I will try to get a few shots of the Saleen and ask the team why you were not offered the drive!

As for DfH:
Roy is not coming, has got other obligations. Martijn (Man Behaving Badly) is going and so is Mogie (Turn 1/10 Sebring). Looks like I have the go ahead for the weekend. Marc QV is going. Yvonne is going. I thought JPC was coming too? And LangTall?

Ahem!

OOPs, went throught the list and thought, well can't forget TermieTermite, it is obvious she is coming.

JPC is away on Holiday with the kids I believe.

I will add the others.

List of People Going to Spa:

Piglet and Keith [Eau Rouge]
Rick Cutler [Eau Rouge]
Peter Cutler [Eau Rouge]
+1 (Surprise Guest) [Eau Rouge]
Martini [Eau Rouge]
Pieter [Eau Rouge]
Doris  [Eau Rouge]
Mogie  [Eau Rouge]
Gordonwr
Muzorewa
Martijn (MBB)
Paddy
Mark (QV)
Marius (Langtall)
Yvonne
Rowena [EAU ROUGE]
Esther

Mike H (Hotel)?

Edited: Added TermieTermite as I seemed to be incapable the other two times even after being reminded!

Er, Rick....

Bugger!!! Happened again!

 ;D

Esther and I are coming too, staying on Eau Rouge

Rowena

OK, Does Eau Rouge know what it has let itself in for!

Nice to hear you and Esther are going, what day are you arriving?

catching the 9.30am ish ferry from Dover, neither of us have ever driven abroad before so god knows what time we'll get there - if ever!

It is a easy route. We are on the 0600 Dover-Dunkurque Ferry, I have PM'd you my number if you get stuck.

thanks, see you there  :)

Hi

My bro is on the list riding up on his Blackbird bike (not a CA member as he normally does bike stuff although he came with me to LM in'90 and '05.

It took him that long to get over my snoring...

>Martini...

Rick, we're on Eau Rouge as well, from Tuesday  ;)

List of People Going to Spa:

Piglet and Keith [Eau Rouge]
Rick Cutler [Eau Rouge]
Peter Cutler [Eau Rouge]
+1 (Surprise Guest) [Eau Rouge]
Martini [Eau Rouge]
Martini's Brother [Eau Rouge]
Pieter [Eau Rouge]
Doris  [Eau Rouge]
Mogie  [Eau Rouge]
Gordonwr
Martijn (MBB)
Paddy
Mark (QV)
Marius (Langtall)
Yvonne
TERMIETERMITE [Eau Rouge]
Rowena [Eau Rouge]
Esther [Eau Rouge]
Muzorewa [Eau Rouge]


Mike H (Hotel)?

Lima Foxtrot! ;D

Regretably I'm unable to attend much as I'd like to, although I will be staying on Eau Rouge for the GP.

Swap for the GP you know it makes sense!

I'd love to ,but not possible, had a good week there in 2003 when they cancelled the GP and gave us a 1000km race instead!!

Off first thing.  See you all soon.

Have fun.

Try and see if you can find out the lap times for the jogging race on Friday evening - so I can sort the training prog for next year.

 ;)

Long time no me...  ::) Has anyone heared anything about the drivers parade on Wednesday. I haven't had a reply from R.A.C.E. yet. Also, it looks like it's going to be wet on Saturday, brrr.  ;D  I'll be there Saturday and Sunday, in the tent at the Les Combes camp site. I take it I'll see you all at the paddock bar on Saturday night.

Does this mean we have to buy paddock entrance tickets too? :-\

Where else ?  ???

The bar on top of Eau Rouge? But I'll go with the flow, as long as I know... where to go...

;D

did not even know you were going?

Got away with the fact that "She at home" will be in Dublin the following weekend ;D

Ahhh, that explains.

For those who are still leaving for Spa, don't forget your rain cote! >:(

(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/SpaWeather.jpg)

I might be there as well thanks to paddy :)

I won't be there, am trying to be in Cologne fridaynight for some cold ones with mogie, MBB, knetter and Pieter, and will get killed at home if I stay away for the whole weekend.

Well Marius swap Friday night for the rest of the weekend, as most of them will be in Spa for the whole weekend!

I' might able to pull off the fridaynight, but won't be able to pull off the whole weekend. ;)

Bye Bye, from Rick and special Guest!

See some of you die hards there!

Safe Travelling.

The start
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7402.jpg)

Roaming the track...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7439.jpg)

Hot air ballons. This one nearly didn't make it over the trees...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7443.jpg)

Eau Rouge bar on saturday night...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7484.jpg)

Continued...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7499.jpg)

ohh... ahh... the fireworks...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7595.jpg)

More Eau Rouge bar...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7642.jpg)

Continued...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7646.jpg)

Full moon...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7701.jpg)

From anopther angle...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7715.jpg)

Meanwhile constant ignoring of the race line on the other side of the fence...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7728.jpg)

Pretty dark and loud...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7738.jpg)

More from the bar...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7788.jpg)

Continued 1...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7803.jpg)

Continued 2...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7805.jpg)

Bikes...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7817.jpg)

And finally: passed out...
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/sIMG_7830.jpg)

 ;D  ;D  ;D

I left early on sunday after nearly drowning in my tent in the morning at Les Combes. What a wet, wet sunday.  :-\

Tough luck for Eric in the end. He should know his way around, though. Congratulations to Carsport Holland.

I hope everyone got home savely.

More pics here:

View from Eau Rouge:
(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/beenthereseenthat.jpg)

Enjoying the race at the fence:
(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/atthefence1.jpg)

(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/atthefence2.jpg)

(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/atthefence3.jpg)

the same balloon as hgb
(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/balloon2.jpg)

Pieter enjoying Doris' massage
(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/dorisrubbingpieter.jpg)

We did the usual stuff...
(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/drinkandtalk1.jpg)

(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/drinkandtalk2.jpg)

(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/drinkandtalk3.jpg)

(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/Mogieandtherest.jpg)

RockerRiert was looking serious!
(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/seriousrockerriert.jpg)

Johnny Kane lost it at Eau Rouge, so all at the fence...
(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/woohooaccident.jpg)

Let me take your picture...
(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/letmetakeapicture.jpg)

more fire works...
(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/fireworksatSpa.jpg)


I had no rain trouble, as I slept in my van ;D

Apparently, it wasn't Jonny Kane in the tyre wall at Eau Rouge/Raidillon but Tomas Enge. Tough time for him at the moment.  :-\

Oh dear, Tomas is in enough trouble at ALMS as it is...

Wow, great shots guys, thanks for reviving vague memories. It was one of those nights where Vegas rules come in handy.  ;D

I had a great weekend.

What happens with DFH stays in Vegas.  :angel:

what a great weekend. spa really is a spectacular circuit. wet, but spetacular. lots and lots of drinking and walking. full report and some of my pics will be posted soon.

How much do you want to remove that awful pic' Paddy?
Home safe and sound - hopefully Piglet and KK are also, after an eventful departure; last seen in Stavelot awaiting the breakdown service but had got on their way by the afternoon.
Great weekend guys - see you in September. :)

Blimey! That's tough luck for Piglet and KK. Glad to hear they got going again.

Happily just a loose intercooler pipe, but there was a moment when it was suspected that the Spa rats had made a bee-line for Swen-the-Saab again!  You should have seen the tunnels they'd been digging all weekend under KK's matress.  Last heard from mid-afternoon en route for the ferry.

To all the guys we met on Camping Eau Rouge (otherwise known as Camping a F*cking Long Way Away!)

Thanks for looking after us, we had a great time  :)

Rowena and Esther

Good seeing you girlies joining the party again!

Hi all, we've just made it back.  I love my Sven the Saab dearly but that's the second time in three years he's had to be recovered from Spa!  Plus the recovery from Silverstone earlier this year - I think the breakdown insurer is going to put on a race circuit exclusion! 

Luckily a nice man from St Vith came and picked us up in his big truck- I practiced my german on him with my sister on standby on the phone to translate if I got stuck!   It was a detached inter-cooler hose and he was able to stick it back together and with no bill!! 

Nice pics....

How's the tent Pieter  ;D

It's in better shape than your car.  :-*

LOL!!  ;D

Done, termie :)


Probably just as wet as after Donington last year. Not to worry, even in the storage bag it dries (even though it takes three months) ;)

Pieter found a good way of stopping his tent from blowing away in the wind....

So, who won? I've got eerie deja-vu - I can remember asking the same question, about the same race this time last year. No mention of it at all in US....... 

1. Carsport Holland - Hezemans/Fässler/Gollin/Deletraz - Corvette C6R (you can be proud)
2. Vitaphone - Bartels/Biagi/van de Poele/Lamy - Maserati MC12
3. Peka Racing - Kumpen/Longin/Mollekens/Bouvy - Corvette C5R

The Dutchies won! Team Carsport Holland took their Corvette C5R to the victory after Eric van de Poele made a huge error 1 hour before the end and went off in his Maserati. Since the battle was pretty close, the Corvette passed him and secured the win.  :D

I have to say a big thank you to:-
Rick for getting me out there. Tink for the Chilli on Sunday eve, KK (CA's own mole catcher) and Piglet ("I think it is getting brighter over there") for the lamb, coffee and champers, bad luck about Sven.
Great to meet up again with Doris, not so long next time. Paddy the look of surprise on your face was worth the trip, ta for the beer beer beer and more beer.
Termietermite and Mr Termietermite thank for the Sumure on Friday, added nicely to the hangover on Sat. And hi to Martini and his brother (Tonic?). Rowena and Esther, happy to look after you , have you stopped giggling yet? Family Muz, who are on there way to the Nuburgring, for the use of the gazebo. Seb, your a dude and Pieter brilliant parking. ::)

I had a really horrible time and dont recomend that anyone else goes next year  ;)

It was good to finally meet up with you, Bobblehat... and of course everyone else for that matter.

We successfully managed to avoid each other for such a long time now. Good to see that tradition being broken.  ;D

Thanks for the reminder about Friday nights drinking, I haven't felt that bloody awful in a long time  ;D

Was great to finaly meet you too, thank you for taking us to great place to view the racing. Next time I will bring cakes......!

Hi All,
   Nice to meet everyone at the weekend.  I have uploaded some pictures to one of our systems in the office.
     
          http://demo.t-point.co.uk

Click on enter and login as clubarnage with a password of spa2007.
Click on the folder to browse the pictures and video clips.

Feel free to download any you want.
You can add them into a basket or click on the custom order icon to zoom in or crop the image and change the file type.

Enjoy!   ;D

AJ

Thanks for the pics!

That's a good picture of Paddy doing an impersonation of JPC   ;D ;D

Del

 ;D

nice pics (everywhere)

Indeed I didn't know you were coming, and it was a nice surprise. Remember, last time we met was at S'stone LMS '05. Don't leave it so long next time, will 'ya! ;D

Except for one thing, JPC usually doesn't make pizzas up against the fence :-\


Thanks for the pics AJ, looks good 8)

It was good te see you could still run a bit 

be thankfull that nobody had a waterproof marker with him, remember Spa 2006 ;D

I suppose I've missed that bit. ???
Tell me a story!

Ufck you bitch! >:(





;)

Pictures to be found on drinkingforholland.com, look in the lms gallery 2006, spa 1000 km

I've heard that one before.
Its my FAVORITE !

I was there, but I mean the "making pizzas up against the fence" bit. I can't imagine what that looks like. Is it perhaps an expression I'm unfamiliar with?

making pizza
(http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/profiles/38/187238/16844f5992661bf0_p.jpg)
against a fence
(http://tuinplezier.stophier.nl/images/hek_lanei.jpg)

Clear!  :-\

No problem Piglet, but you have remined me to thank Mrs Muz for the pain killers on Sat morning..........................

Usual 2000-odd pics to go through (and off to the UK on Thursday) but here's the parade to be going on with - thanks to K&P and Swen for the lift.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/97986095@N00/sets/72157601119735662/

Those cars on the 'normal' road look very impressive. Thanks Termie :)

I did the drivers parade at Spa once many years ago. That was 2002 I think when Shorty entered the slime green Cerbera. You can do some impressive shots when you pan against the house fronts. I remember having done some great photos that day. I'll see whether I can find them somewhere.

I've got some video footage of the parade (forgot the monopod so might be a bit wibbly wobbly!).  I'll try to get it edited and publish it somewhere. 

It's a fantastic sight!

WOW! Fantastic shots Termie. So it looks like I will (not) have to go out earler next year then.

Piglet I do rember that you had the video camera out on Friday night as well ::)

Liked the pics, but a bit dark.  I have this problem too - the shiny bits of the cars must fool the camera

 ???  Did I?  sh*t, I'll review the footage.

Most of Friday night is quite vague  ;D

Haven't found the pictures I was looking for yet but look what I stumbled across. Do you know that gentlemen on the left ?

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/hgb/P8040430.jpg)

He looks a bit familiar  ;)

Hi,
  Somebody mentioned at the weekend, that it would have been good to have a map to the circuit.

So, here it is. Useful for next time!

http://www.total24hours.com/pdf/how_reach.pdf

 ;)
AJ

Shame the map is a bit too small to get camping eau rouge to fit on it ;)

That one will do...

(http://www.spa-francorchamps.be/fr07/circuit/acces/new_circuit_acces_grand.jpg)

It is!! Only just tho, where the cheneu name tag is.

As a public service announcement to our fellow Spa campers.....

DON'T FORGET TO DRY YOUR TENTS OUT  ;D

I'm actually trying to do so after the nice wake up kiss on sunday morning (fat drops coming through the roof of my tent and a stream a water flooding it when opening the "front door" plus stuffing all the wet crap into the car... nice feeling being wet to the bone. The coffee afterwards at the Les Combes bar was a real treat, though. I still very much enjoyed the weekend. It's the people and the party... :)

Going to be difficult, I am in Oslo, tent is not here.

Oh yeah, we used Pete (Tink)'s tent, better remind him!

Tent dry and ready for the inevitable soaking it will get at Silverstone.   ::)

Dx

My van is dry now, thank you ;D

Finally found a map where both the Circuit and the campsite are on! :-\

(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/SpaCamping.jpg)

 ;D ;D

Blimey!  I didn't know I was fit enough to walk that far in an hour.  That must be why walking up Pouhon on Sunday nearly killed me.  I was knackered from the walk to the track.... ::)

Dx

We're back, thoroughly enjoyed the whole event, even in spite of the rain.

Cheers to Piglet, KK, Mr & Mrs Termite, Rick, Bobblehat etc. Nice to meet a lot of you guys and enjoy a few drinks in a relaxing atmosphere.

Over 1000 photos to sift through, will post some when I get the chance.  Some here to get you started....

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf4709.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf4669.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf4701.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf4845.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf4817.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf4893.jpg)

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf4919.jpg)

Just a few images from Spa

http://www.gtphotosport.com/spa24_07/index.html

Ok, we're onto it......

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/Muzorewa/Dscf5237.jpg)

LOL  ;D

The weather didn't get any better for you then?

We chickened out on the camping from there onwards, three nights of luxurious B&Bs with real beds and waterproof rooves  ::)

Sorry for the poor quality, only had a cheepo disposable camera

But could someone explain what is going on here ???

Are they about to walk ten paces, turn and fire?  ???

LOL!!!  I'm not sure what to say.....

I think Doris is saying, "You go that way, I'll go this, First one to find a dry camping spot whistle"

Dry???!!!! :o  We've have been in bleeding Turkey before we found dry  ;D

Just to prove that the rain did stop.......................for a short while

Thanks for the pic, mr. Bobble! 8)

(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/Paddy1001.jpg)

I am going to try to edit the Spa video (and maybe last year's as well!) this weekend - I'm stuck for inspiration for a backing track - sensible suggestions please?   Presumably something rain related!

"Riders on the storm" by The Doors.

"Rain" by The Beatles.

For something different. "Gotta see Jane" by R Dean Taylor.

Anything by Wet Wet Wet ;D

Eruption - I can't stand the rain  ;D

The Cult - Rain

The Weather Girls - It's Raining Men  ;)

Now that is one of my favourite songs from my miss spent youth!  ;D

I think that might be the winner - I don't think I've got a copy of it anymore though....I can't find links like that at work so any pointers would be fab  ;D

I have an mp3 version if you want it e-mailed....

You have mail  ;D

Finally got the pics up
http://www.flickr.com/photos/97986095@N00/sets/72157601601746917/
Sorry Catchpole, all cars!

You wouldn't want it to rain if you had one of these...

http://www.rinspeed.com/pages/cars/exasis/pre-exasis-flash.htm

Although I wouldn't care if did, such a cool car. 0-100kph 4.8sec !  ;D

150hp 750cc Turbo charged engine, weighs in ay 750kg!

Great pics Termie (http://www.dervhead.com/xmb/images/smilies/thmbup.gif) not tooo sure what the last one on page two is though  ;D

Me neither, but I liked it anyway!  Sometimes total c*ck-ups appeal to me. :-\