Motor racing holiday for big birthday
Discussion
So its my 50th next year and the Mrs has suggested that for a present she could take me on holiday to a race somewhere. Now i'm not really sure where to suggest. I don't want to do Silverstone so WEC and F1 out there. I have done Le Mans loads with my dad (who has now passed) so I'd prefer something else.
I can't imagine she will be up for camping and knowing her it will turn into more of a holiday with a motorsport event in the middle (which is fine!). So really looking for some ideas of what might make a good holiday with a race event in there too, budget, not really sure but ~3/4 k maybe then if I have to chip in for something really good could do that.
So suggestions from the well travelled PH motorsport fans!
I can't imagine she will be up for camping and knowing her it will turn into more of a holiday with a motorsport event in the middle (which is fine!). So really looking for some ideas of what might make a good holiday with a race event in there too, budget, not really sure but ~3/4 k maybe then if I have to chip in for something really good could do that.
So suggestions from the well travelled PH motorsport fans!
I used to follow MotoGP in the Rossi era. Did a couple of Euro races but by chance was out in the US San Fran) seeing a mate when the Laguna Seca round was on. Hired a Shelby Mustang and we drove down for it and it was an amazing spectacle. Like a cross between a motor show and a bike race.
Laguna put on a brilliant spectacle.
Laguna put on a brilliant spectacle.
My son did his A-Levels last year and as a celebration we went to Spa Francorchamps for the 24hrs.
We camped, but there are many ways you don't have to with AirBnBs seemingly quite numerous in the area. If you've more of an attraction to older stuff there's the Spa Classic as well.
Just be prepared for two things: 1. extreme weather - we were there in a heatwave, and it was 42 deg C on a couple of days, then rained very heavily one night. It's a beautiful circuit though, with plenty of shade all round if you need it (it is, literally, in the middle of a forest). 2. It's big, and although you can walk almost the entirety of the track, it's quite a long way. And hilly.
It's 3.5 - 4hrs from the Eurotunnel on toll-free Belgian autoroutes, and on the quiet Thursday afternoon we took a trip through Germany to Luxembourg and had a wander round - well worth a visit. They even parade the cars through Spa town, which is quite a spectacle.
We camped, but there are many ways you don't have to with AirBnBs seemingly quite numerous in the area. If you've more of an attraction to older stuff there's the Spa Classic as well.
Just be prepared for two things: 1. extreme weather - we were there in a heatwave, and it was 42 deg C on a couple of days, then rained very heavily one night. It's a beautiful circuit though, with plenty of shade all round if you need it (it is, literally, in the middle of a forest). 2. It's big, and although you can walk almost the entirety of the track, it's quite a long way. And hilly.
It's 3.5 - 4hrs from the Eurotunnel on toll-free Belgian autoroutes, and on the quiet Thursday afternoon we took a trip through Germany to Luxembourg and had a wander round - well worth a visit. They even parade the cars through Spa town, which is quite a spectacle.
When faced with a similar opportunity we flew to Atlanta , Georgia , hired a Mustang and spent three days at Charlotte for the Bank of America 500 NASCAR race. It was an extraordinary experience in every way. We than spent the next 10 days and 2500 miles driving through the Carolinas , Tennessee , Missssippi , Alabama and back to Georgia . Nothing booked apart from the NASCAR seats and hotel.
It was an unforgettable experience, and highlights were visiting the places where the great Blues guys lived , the variety of accents , scenery and food and the inescapable feeling that we were in a road trip movie
Recommended .
It was an unforgettable experience, and highlights were visiting the places where the great Blues guys lived , the variety of accents , scenery and food and the inescapable feeling that we were in a road trip movie
Recommended .
Edited by coppice on Friday 6th November 10:22
I would do lots f different things, depends how much you want to travel.
Go out the comfort zone, you might find something you really like.
Motocross. Enduro, ELMS, hillclimbs, rallycross, there are rallies in stunning locations in Europe, tgere are dine great, cheap historic events in Spain, France, Germany.
Depends on entirely where yiu wsnt to travel, could do similar even in the UK,some great stuff in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, IoM.
Go out the comfort zone, you might find something you really like.
Motocross. Enduro, ELMS, hillclimbs, rallycross, there are rallies in stunning locations in Europe, tgere are dine great, cheap historic events in Spain, France, Germany.
Depends on entirely where yiu wsnt to travel, could do similar even in the UK,some great stuff in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, IoM.
Best motorsport trip I’ve done was the Singapore GP, two I’d like to do are the Indy 500 and the Japanese GP.
These would work with a missus in tow who might prefer there to be a regular holiday as well as racing cars to watch.
Most of the larger European events are somewhat camping-orientated unless you have a crazy budget, but can definitely recommend the many events at Goodwood, Spa 24. WEC are at Monza this weekend which is very close to Milan.
These would work with a missus in tow who might prefer there to be a regular holiday as well as racing cars to watch.
Most of the larger European events are somewhat camping-orientated unless you have a crazy budget, but can definitely recommend the many events at Goodwood, Spa 24. WEC are at Monza this weekend which is very close to Milan.
I'd go for Imola for the WEC race. I haven't been to Imola itself but in 2018 I did go to Bologna and Modena so we went to the Lamborghini museum and factory and also the Enzo Ferrari museum and Maranello for a drive in a Ferrari 458 to and around the Autodromo di Modena.
A left field choice but, how about Japan? You could tie it in with F1, WEC or even Super GT? For Super GT you have got a choice of tracks too. Suzuka is sort of in between the cities of Osaka and Nagoya, or a train ride out of Tokyo will take you to Fuji or Motegi a bit further north. This website is good to plan a trip to any of them. https://www.racingcircuits.info/asia/japan/
A left field choice but, how about Japan? You could tie it in with F1, WEC or even Super GT? For Super GT you have got a choice of tracks too. Suzuka is sort of in between the cities of Osaka and Nagoya, or a train ride out of Tokyo will take you to Fuji or Motegi a bit further north. This website is good to plan a trip to any of them. https://www.racingcircuits.info/asia/japan/
Long Beach Grand Prix in California. April time.
You'v got Indy Car, Trophy Trucks, and IMSA/Endurance racing all in one.
Something a bit different but its a really cool event, right on the seafront, walking distance from all the hotels etc, theres loads to do in the area other than the race.
Easy transfer from LAX so loads of options for getting there.
You'v got Indy Car, Trophy Trucks, and IMSA/Endurance racing all in one.
Something a bit different but its a really cool event, right on the seafront, walking distance from all the hotels etc, theres loads to do in the area other than the race.
Easy transfer from LAX so loads of options for getting there.
johnnyreggae said:
Maybe something like one of the European Classic meetings eg Portimao end October ? More races interesting cars & possibility of better weather plus improved accommodation options
Good shout. I was up at Portimao last weekend for the Classic. 24C & cloudless skies.None of the crazy Goodwood crowds, wander the paddock at your leisure. £20 for entrance/grandstand or splash out £45 for the VIP tower & (what I consider to be the) best view in motor racing.
Shoulder season so £3K would get you a 3 bed Villa with a pool in Portimao/Lagos/Carvoeiro. Flights to Faro are generally cheap ish.
..although, to be honest, the Estoril Classic a few weeks earlier should give you better weather & a stronger & more varied entry list. A quality hotel in nearby Cascais will do very nicely…
Edited by moffspeed on Friday 6th November 16:37
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