Spa Trackday 9/11/18
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm looking at getting myself to Spa for a trackday at the end of the year - does anyone have any up to date top tips? I've seen recommendations for hotels, I'm also reading on the trackdays.co.uk site it says no fuel, is that right? I'm only running a Focus ST170 and it's not terrible on fuel, but would be handy to have that convenience. Anything else worth bringing aside from the usual track day bits and bobs? I've done a few in the UK so have a good idea of what's needed.
TIA!
I'm looking at getting myself to Spa for a trackday at the end of the year - does anyone have any up to date top tips? I've seen recommendations for hotels, I'm also reading on the trackdays.co.uk site it says no fuel, is that right? I'm only running a Focus ST170 and it's not terrible on fuel, but would be handy to have that convenience. Anything else worth bringing aside from the usual track day bits and bobs? I've done a few in the UK so have a good idea of what's needed.
TIA!
Fuel is usually available on site but it's also only five minutes away to the nearest one outside the circuit..
Can I suggest that you should look for the actual organiser of the event and NOT book through a broker site for any trackdays but especially ones abroad. Always know which organiser you are going with so you can see who suits you and research what they are like in advance if necessary.
Can I suggest that you should look for the actual organiser of the event and NOT book through a broker site for any trackdays but especially ones abroad. Always know which organiser you are going with so you can see who suits you and research what they are like in advance if necessary.
We stay in Malmedy, about 6km from the circuit. Hotel St. Gereon is a lovely little B&B very near the town square which has a number of great restaurants. It is a lovely part of the world.
You can stay at La Source, the hotel at the circuit, but that is a lot more expensive.
Some B&B's and hotels in Stavelot which is about 8km from the circuit.
You can stay at La Source, the hotel at the circuit, but that is a lot more expensive.
Some B&B's and hotels in Stavelot which is about 8km from the circuit.
Fury556 said:
Cheers guys - yeah I've looked at plenty of vids and driven loads of laps in simulators so have a good idea of layout.
I normally go through Javelin or MSV, but this was all that I could see available on a date that suited. Looks like it's all being organised by Circuit days.
CD are a good choice, book direct.I normally go through Javelin or MSV, but this was all that I could see available on a date that suited. Looks like it's all being organised by Circuit days.
First hand experience here, from an experienced uk tracker, from this monday........cracking track but my god, do you need power. I have a well prepped MX5 turbo with 230bhp but i was in the 10% of slowest cars. Something im not used to in the shorter, twistier uk circuits. The day was also run with an overtaking anywhere rule, either side, corners, it didnt matter, so if yours is the same keep your wits about you and stay clear of fast moving stuff. I was out there with GT3's, McLarens, Ferraris, lambos etc ans it was incredible. Lack of HP slowed me on the uphill straights which was a bit frustrating but there are plenty of corners to entertain yourself. Id say as a circuit it sits in the middle of Cadwell and the Nurburgring, in fact, if yoy treat it like the Ring and be aware of fast traffic then you wont go far wrong. I believe you need about 300-350 bhp/tonne to be properly competent at Spa.
On saying that, throw on a novice sticker as i did and all the cars on the day will show you respect and courtesy..........hopefully.
Fuel was available at the circuit and no more expensive than up the road, though it was a card pre pay set up.
Have fun and hoon hard.
D
On saying that, throw on a novice sticker as i did and all the cars on the day will show you respect and courtesy..........hopefully.
Fuel was available at the circuit and no more expensive than up the road, though it was a card pre pay set up.
Have fun and hoon hard.
D
A Circuit Days event will be UK overtaking rules so should be a bit more civilised than some days there.
I don't entirely agree with the comments about it being a power circuit though, for sure there's places where high powered stuff will just fly past but that's not a problem on a trackday and everything from Les Combes to Stavelot is fair game for a decent handling car even without too much power.
I don't entirely agree with the comments about it being a power circuit though, for sure there's places where high powered stuff will just fly past but that's not a problem on a trackday and everything from Les Combes to Stavelot is fair game for a decent handling car even without too much power.
I'm glad it'll be UK rules (hopefully) but I'm used to being in one of the slower/slowest cars on track days so i'm generally very aware of what's behind me - I took a Fiesta 1.25 round Snetterton 300 for a laugh and found it would happily keep up with much more competent cars in the twisty bits, but 75bhp doesn't get you very far 
According to research I should be hitting about 120 down Kemmel - it feels like a healthy engine so possibly slightly higher. I'm also going to pop out the fog lights and set up some brake ducts just to help with the heavier braking zones. I'm going to run yellowstuff pads, they seem to stop it reasonably well.
According to research I should be hitting about 120 down Kemmel - it feels like a healthy engine so possibly slightly higher. I'm also going to pop out the fog lights and set up some brake ducts just to help with the heavier braking zones. I'm going to run yellowstuff pads, they seem to stop it reasonably well.
A tackday at Spa that late in the year can be a great leveller between big power and a nicely setup car with a lot less power die to the potential forcthe weather being slightly inclement.
Circuit Days run great days at Spa, but then I am biased as I along with some other great guys do the instruction there for them. Friendy atmosphere amongst the entrants is always pressent. Should anyone flout the very simple guidelines we have no hesitation in excluding people that overstep the line of safety.
You will have a great day, just make sure tge car is in good shape prior as it is a track that can take a toll if you skimp on prep.
If you want any instruction email Circuit Days and get on the list early as we always have a lot of first timers to Spa on all events there.
Oh yes fuel, always available atvthe on-site station with a credit card. It can though at time be temperamental so have some cash in the glovebox incase it dont work. Many times have had people with cards refused so bung another user a few bucks and fill on their card.
Enjoy
Circuit Days run great days at Spa, but then I am biased as I along with some other great guys do the instruction there for them. Friendy atmosphere amongst the entrants is always pressent. Should anyone flout the very simple guidelines we have no hesitation in excluding people that overstep the line of safety.
You will have a great day, just make sure tge car is in good shape prior as it is a track that can take a toll if you skimp on prep.
If you want any instruction email Circuit Days and get on the list early as we always have a lot of first timers to Spa on all events there.
Oh yes fuel, always available atvthe on-site station with a credit card. It can though at time be temperamental so have some cash in the glovebox incase it dont work. Many times have had people with cards refused so bung another user a few bucks and fill on their card.
Enjoy
Was a great day - fantastic circuit and weather held out nicely. I was almost certainly the slowest thing out there (which is frustrating more than anything), but the Focus did all I asked it to do and didn't complain. A couple of people seemingly didn't understand the no overtaking on curves or in braking zones - I had a clio cup car outbrake me into T11 which meant I had to drastically change my line at the last second to avoid turning into them. I mentioned it to the organisers and they promptly had words, otherwise behaviour was good and I'd definitely go back.
I loved my first trackday at spa last month... and yes had the same problems being underpowered! 230bhp means we were maxed out in 4th up the kemmel straight, just about topped 120mph and all the quick stuff was blasting past. however, it was damp/ raining/drying throughout the day, which was a great leveller - plenty of 911s not so keen on the wet track!
cant wait to go back, so much better than any UK track. loved it.
cant wait to go back, so much better than any UK track. loved it.
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