RE: Future Of Belgian GP In Doubt

RE: Future Of Belgian GP In Doubt

Author
Discussion

///Mike

862 posts

208 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
quotequote all
There goes the best circuit on the circuit imo. frown

Incorrigible

13,668 posts

262 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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Riggers said:
Jemco Andy said:
Ahonen said:
I couldn't give two hoots about the GP.

The most important issue here is that one of the greatest circuits in the world could be about to close. This is extraordinary.
Does this mean no Spa 6 hours this weekend? Am I understanding the ruling correctly?

Andy
That's how I understand it - will try and find out more...
following an appeal in Brussels a temporary license has been granted for this weekend....

I've been told, No details I'm agraid

Incorrigible

13,668 posts

262 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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Sorry for the dodgy Yahoo translation

someone in Belgium said:
We have just had some news about the exploitation permit of the Circuit. It was a problem with the residents of Francorchamps, but now they agree to drop their complaint and they aren’t opposed to the exploitation of the circuit. So it is good news. But the finale decision pertains to the minister and he will adjudicate at 7pm today normally. xxxxxx will send an email this evening to announce the finale decision that we hope in our favor.
So, we'll get a proper answer in an hour

Marcia

5,099 posts

191 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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PompeyM3 said:
Was really hoping to go for the first time to next years GP, hope I still can.
Me too yesfrown

Rude-boy

22,227 posts

234 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
quotequote all
Ahonen said:
I couldn't give two hoots about the GP.

The most important issue here is that one of the greatest circuits in the world could be about to close. This is extraordinary.
Me too.

One of the best parts of the year is the Spa rounds. There is a fantastic little hotel a few miles away we always stay at with excellent food and a breath taking view, which is also a highlight.

Was there for the 1000kms this year and just can't imagine the place closing properly.

Given that this is Belgium though I expect it will all be dealt with in a few months.

Benny Saltstein

644 posts

214 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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Fingers crossed - without Spa I don't really so any point to Belgium, other than moules, frites and beer.

Alex

9,975 posts

285 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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topless_mx5 said:
This sort of thing really pisses me off. Its happening at circuits worldwide. Houses are popping up and then residents feel it reasonable to complain about a race track that was there BEFORE THEY BOUGHT THE HOUSE. Ffs.
I think you're being a bit unreasonable. The F1 meet is 3 whole days EVERY YEAR! There are only 362 days of the year that it is not running! It is unfair to expect nearby residents to put with that!

Gillet

639 posts

210 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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Belgium - NO!!!!!

Surely the circuit is the major source of income for that region? what is wrong with these people, don't move near a circuit if you don't like noise! GGGRRRRR!!!!

I agree with whoever said they'd pay MORE to live near a circuit, i certainly would.

This is the greatest circuit on any calender, and i don't believe for a second this will happen, it just can't!

thatone1967

4,193 posts

192 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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time to invade Belgium...

Ahonen

5,016 posts

280 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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Racing in the BTCS, Belcar, LMS, CER and GT Open means I'm there quite a bit (I think last weekend was my 10th trip there this year alone), so the mere thought of the place being shut down is something I can't really comprehend.

Common sense will, I'm sure, prevail. We have worse problems in Zolder with whinging locals, but a decent compromise has been reached.

Tony*T3

20,911 posts

248 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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Sadly I'd suggest that the growing popularity of track days, corporate events and experience days is a direct cause of many of these complaints being raised.

For example. Someone buys a house near Castle Coombe in the 1980's. They can handle the fact that as a race curicuit its used 15-20 days a year for race meetings.

Roll on to 2008. Its now being used 240 days a year by a company running track days, experieces and testing, as well as race meetings. Complete change in usage profile. Attracts lots of 'noisy by racers' to the locality also.

Residents then feel agrieved about the raised noise levels, and see an impact on their house prices, so complain.

I dont agree with them doing this, but I see their side of it.


Ahonen

5,016 posts

280 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
quotequote all
Alex said:
topless_mx5 said:
This sort of thing really pisses me off. Its happening at circuits worldwide. Houses are popping up and then residents feel it reasonable to complain about a race track that was there BEFORE THEY BOUGHT THE HOUSE. Ffs.
I think you're being a bit unreasonable. The F1 meet is 3 whole days EVERY YEAR! There are only 362 days of the year that it is not running! It is unfair to expect nearby residents to put with that!
It's not F1: it's everything. Until recently we've all run unsilenced there, so every race is a 'noisy' day, compared to only a few at UK circuits each year.

Again, F1 doesn't matter as it's only a sideshow to what goes on at Spa.

Rude-boy

22,227 posts

234 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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Ahonen said:
Racing in the BTCS, Belcar, LMS, CER and GT Open means I'm there quite a bit (I think last weekend was my 10th trip there this year alone), so the mere thought of the place being shut down is something I can't really comprehend.
yes

A mate of mine was born just outside of Stavelot and until he recently moved to Spain had a running tab at the paddock bar who sent him a monthly account hehe

bosscerbera

8,188 posts

244 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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I've just heard that the circuit has got permission to run this weekend's Six Hour event.

The transporters already there should be let in shortly. I'll be heading off in a few hours time to compete over the weekend.

burman

355 posts

214 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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Brands has a similar problem with the GP loop, how many meetings is that used nowadays since the bloody housing estate was built out the back?

TheRoadWarrior

1,241 posts

179 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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Just adding to the comments already posted really.. what a shame to lose such a brilliant circuit, lets hope the ruling gets revoked/overturned whatever.

Agent Orange

2,194 posts

247 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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PompeyM3 said:
I'm sure I wouldn't be alone in thinking I'd pay more for a house if it was near a circuit, let alone what is one of the best on the planet.

Was really hoping to go for the first time to next years GP, hope I still can.
Matty I've been putting it off for years and like you hoping to get there soon. Would love Spa 24hr or the GP.

Hopefully the circuit will continue under appeal and it'll all be sorted.

Mini1275

11,098 posts

183 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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Bernie out! Bernie out! Bernie out!...or Shorty out! Shorty out! Shorty out!

sparkey

789 posts

285 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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Crikey ! I'm heading off first thing tomorrow for the 6 hours which will be my first time at Spa - I hope it's open...

ApexJimi

25,001 posts

244 months

Wednesday 23rd September 2009
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This makes me absolutely livid rage

The existence of the circuit pre-dated the complainant's term of residence. How can the complaint possibly be upheld? and not only upheld but measures as drastic as complete closure?

This could set a very dangerous precedent.