Spa info needed please

[longers]

Hi Everyone,

As a change to Le Mans and F1 this year I fancy going to the Le Mans Series 1000km race at Spa on 14/05/06.

I familiar with a very limited bit of the track and the area; I went to Spa several years ago for the F1, camped at the local football ground (VERY hot showers!) and sat at the top of Eau Rouge. Because we had a great view and there were thousands of people everywhere around the track we didn't venture far from our seats.

I've done a quick search on the forums for info but can't find what I'm looking for.....

If I go to the 1000km race I'd like to walk round the whole circuit - is this possible? If it is, is it best to walk round the inside or outside of the track?
I'm also interested in photography - are there many viewing areas where the fencing does not get in the way?
Does anyone know when tickets go on sale (nothing on Spa website yet) and how much they are likely to be?
Also if camping is it necessary to book in advance - if so where / how? I may decide to stay in a hotel anyway depending on costs, availability and location - are there any recommendations?

Thanks in advance for any answers to the above questions, plus whatever other info you think may be useful!!

Longers

[racefan_uk]

longers said:

Hi Everyone, As a change to Le Mans and F1 this year I fancy going to the Le Mans Series 1000km race at Spa on 14/05/06. I've done a quick search on the forums for info but can't find what I'm looking for..... If I go to the 1000km race I'd like to walk round the whole circuit - is this possible? If it is, is it best to walk round the inside or outside of the track?

Yes you can, the path that lets you changes from outside to inside as you walk round, there isn't one that does the whole length of the circuit on one side.

longers said:

I'm also interested in photography - are there many viewing areas where the fencing does not get in the way?

You should find plenty on the way round. Use the practise days as a scouting mission then use the 5-6 hours of the race to get what you want.

longers said:

Does anyone know when tickets go on sale (nothing on Spa website yet) and how much they are likely to be? Also if camping is it necessary to book in advance - if so where / how? I may decide to stay in a hotel anyway depending on costs, availability and location - are there any recommendations?

Tickets will be on sale sometime in the New year I should think. They've only just confirmed the calendar for the LMS, so having tickets ready will be a bit early yet. Don't know about camping, but there are some good little hotels and B&B's all around the area.

[Piglet]

There are lots of small hotels and B&B's locally - try a web search - I don't have any links to hand.

We camped last year for the 24 hours at the Eau Rouge Campsite which isn't very far from the rear entrance to the circuit (would be better with a bike if you haven't got a parking pass/don't want to pay for parking). Third one down on this link http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/belgium/li%E8ge/">www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/main.html?searchpage=http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/belgium/li%E8ge/ The site was great, nice other people. If you're planning to camp at Spa make sure you've got GOOD camping gear including a decent shelter to cook under as the chances of it raining lots are VERY high!!

Spa is a fantastic place - I'd be tempted to go for the 24 hours rather than LMES (actually I'm planning to do both ), sitting in the woods at the side of the track before the Bus Stop at 2am is magical - even in the rain!

Be aware that there is very little to "do" at the circuit compared to Le Mans - having said that the locality is fantastic.

[flemke]

For an alternative with loads of personality, local colour and craziness, how about the 24 Hours race at the Nurburgring/Nordschleife? This year it will be on the same weekend as Le Mans.

[john75]

If you want something different try the 2CV 24 Hours I crewed last year for a team running Edd Straw and Jez Clark among others

[Piglet]

john75 said:

If you want something different try the 2CV 24 Hours I crewed last year for a team running Edd Straw and Jez Clark among others

John I've done the 2CV 24 hour for the last two years and whilst it's a cracking event....I'm not sure I could advocate Snetterton over Spa!! Although thinking about it the weather in 2004 was pretty Spa like - wet, wet and even wetter !!!

[longers]

Thanks for the info everyone.

As good as the 2CV racing sounds, I think I'll stick to the GT's at Spa for the timebeing!!

I can't wait for the "racing year to start".....

Longers

[kevin ritson]

A lot of the general admission areas are a few feet above the track so the fencing is rarely an issue - the run towards Pouhon is particularly good for this, as is the Rivage hairpin.

[longers]

kevin ritson said:

A lot of the general admission areas are a few feet above the track so the fencing is rarely an issue - the run towards Pouhon is particularly good for this, as is the Rivage hairpin.

Thanks Kevin
Longers

[Rufus]

there's also a "knocking shop" up the road from LaSource... in case you get bored looking at cars all day