Monday 7th April 2014

Just nipping to Spa! PH Blog

What, you thought we were going out for a pint of milk? No, the other Spa...

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So in Pic Of The Week on Friday I mentioned something about going to Spa in a Lotus. Which I am on Saturday.

PH in his mirrors this time next week? Possibly...

This stems from a phone call from Peter Ternstrom of Gran Turismo Events calling us up a couple of months ago and waxing lyrical about the high roller track days he runs at circuits all over Europe, including Spa, the 'ring and more. 'You should come along to one!' was the basic gist. My arm didn't need a whole lot of twisting, it has to be said.

Now, you'll see from the promo video below that the standard of vehicles attending Gran Turismo's events is somewhat toward the exotic end of the spectrum. Presenting a problem; what to take.

Much as I loved the giant-killing abilities of my little Mazda at Goodwood Spa is a fast, fast track and it'll take more than orange wheels and a loud exhaust to make much of an impression. Though I quite like the absurdity of turning up to a supercar track day in a £1,200 Mazda.

Plucky underdog spirit is the plan of attack...

No, I'll need something much more serious. A GT3 would be perf- ... oh. McLaren? The 650S's are all busy on the launch event in Spain and, somewhat inconveniently, they've sold all the P1s. A Speciale would be nice but the press cars haven't left Italian soil yet. A Huracan would be good - indeed, our man Peter has one on order - but we're a bit soon for that.

The trouble with taking a supercar on a track day, besides mere trifles like trying to find someone who'll underwrite it, is the burden of expectation to properly 'see what she'll do'. Which is fine. But inclined to make those approving insurance request forms rather jumpy. Something quick enough to justify presence but with a pricetag more likely to slip under the radar of the suits responsible for signing such antics off.

I did consider nicking Matt's Caterham. But he needs to get it stickered up ahead of his first competitive outing. In a Lotus frame of mind and meditating on the fact I've not yet driven the Elise S Club Racer I put in a call...

Exige spotted among exotica in vid offers hope

I like to think a supercharged 220hp, sub-tonne Elise will do us rather well. There'll be no shame if I'm being overtaken by Ferraris on the long straight to Les Combes or fast run through Blanchimont to the chicane. But I like to think in the twistier sections between the Lotus might show a bit of plucky underdog spirit and snap at a few exotic heels. Plus, as explored in POTW, little Lotuses have some Spa pedigree, which affords opportunity to reminisce on some past glories with essential pilgrimages to the Masta Friterie and other iconic spots from the 'old' Spa on the roads surrounding the modern circuit.

Final preparations are being made, Eurotunnel is being booked and the excitement levels are rising. And I'll be blogging from the trip as I go at the weekend. Stay tuned!

Dan

Gran Turismo teaser vid here
 

[Sources: Gran Turismo Events]

[Roma101]

Good luck. I am sure you will be fine though - I spotted a red Clio 200 early on in the video. Having said that, we all know Clios are about as quick as anything on a track Interesting to hear what the prizes are awarded for!

[suffolk009]

Nice vid.

Reminds me of happy days there with my Caterham.

[chelme]

I have to say, the Enzo is ageing gracefully...

[I WISH]

I'm SOOO jealous. SPA is such a beautiful circuit. The location is gorgeous set in a deep valley and the circuit itself is really interesting.
Eau Rouge has to be the most epic part of any circuit in the world. Great atmosphere .... and from a spectators point of view you can see most of the circuit from top of the new pit complex building whilst having a beer or a meal.
The classic weekend in spring is great! Recommended. Wish I was going!

[GTR Owner]

I'm going along with my 13 year old son whose talked about nothing else for days. I just hope the weather is good. I'll post some pics when I get back.

[giblet]

That video was fricking awesome. I went to Spa for the first time last year for the F1. Despite having watched the race for years on TV nothing quite prepares you for just how insanely steep Eau Rouge really is. I can only imagine just how mental it is to drive the track in a supercar.

I'm going to have to look into regular joe trackdays there as my rustbucket wouldn't cut the mustard with the exotica.

[mikebradford]

superb vid, and nice to have a decent soundtrack for a change
especially as it complimented the engine noises

[robm3]

My brother and I did Spa with RSR in those very cars...

Thrashed them to within an inch of their lifes although I suspect they have detuned them slightly.

If you can manage it, get a hold of a datalogger. Because it takes the level of enjoyment to another level (especially if you're racing your brother).