Spa-Classic celebrates its 12th edition!
Created in 2011 on the drivers' favourite circuit, Spa-Classic has grown steadily to become one of Europe's leading historic racing events. In 2023, the Belgian meeting attracted over 22,000 spectators, making it one of the most popular events of the season. A renowned track, winding through the heart of the Ardennes massif, considered by drivers to be the most beautiful in the world.
In the Historic Racing by Peter Auto season (*), Spa-Classic certainly holds a special place. The circuit is undoubtedly the most challenging of all and the weather in this magnificent corner of the Ardennes is often capricious, forcing the drivers and their teams to constantly challenge themselves.
This year, alongside the traditional grids so popular with the public, two new grids are joining the Series by Peter Auto: The Gentlemen Challenge, combining the former grids The Greatest's Trophy and Fifties' Legends; and the brand new Classic Touring Challenge, broadening the range of models on track.
Spa-Classic will feature the following grids this year:
* 2.0L Cup - Porsche 911 2 litres short chassis pre-1966
* Classic Endurance Racing 1 - GT 1966 / 1975 & Protos 1966 / 1971
* Classic Endurance Racing 2 - GT 1975 / 1981 & Protos 1972 / 1981
* Classic Touring Challenge - Pre-66 touring cars
* Endurance Racing Legends - GT & Protos 1990 / 2000
* Group C Racing - Protos from 1982 to 1993
* Heritage Touring Cup - Touring cars from 1966 to 1984
* Sixties' Endurance - pre-63 sports cars & pre-66 GTs
* The Gentlemen Challenge - GT & Protos 1950 / 1960
FOCUS ON... HERITAGE TOURING CUP AND CLASSIC TOURING CHALLENGE
Spa-Classic gives pride of place to touring cars from the 50s to the 80s! The Heritage Touring Cup (HTC for those who are used to it) will bring back to life the great era of the 24h of Spa and the 1000km of Spa. It will feature cars that competed between 1966 and 1984, both day and night. Cars such as the Ford Capri 2600 RS and the BMW 3.0 CSL will be on show, recalling the intense battles and fierce competition of that era.
New for 2024, the Classic Touring Challenge grid will pay tribute to the cars of the Spa 500km. A shorter race, but just as emblematic, which contributed to the history of touring car racing. This line-up offers a variety of classic touring cars, recreating the diversity and intensity of the pre-1966 era, which saw some impressive and astonishing battles, pitting the brave and agile Mini Cooper or Lotus Cortina against the powerful and imposing Jaguar Mk2 or Ford Falcon.
NOT TO BE MISSED
• Exceptional exhibition of Porsche 917s
A never-before-seen display of Porsche 917s at the event promises to be an unforgettable experience for motorsport enthusiasts. Among the gems on display will be the long-tailed 917-043, sporting a psychedelic green and purple paint scheme that will captivate visitors. The legendary 917-023, famous for its victory at Le Mans in 1970 with its red and white livery, will also be present, recalling glorious moments in motor racing history. Fans will also be able to admire the 917-021/12, and the 917-025 as well as the 917/10-002, a red Can-Am Spyder, and a white 917 Spyder Interserie, whose chassis number has yet to be revealed, add a touch of mystery to this exceptional exhibition.
However, the attraction is not limited to the legendary cars, as the exhibition will also play host to some renowned drivers. The presence of Brian Redman, Gérard Larrousse, Richard Attwood, Jürgen Barth, Rainhold Joest, Mario Casoni and Philippe Siffert Jr, who will be representing his late father, promises a unique encounter with iconic figures from the world of motor racing. These seasoned drivers will be providing not only their expertise, but also fascinating anecdotes, offering visitors a total immersion in the vibrant history of the Porsche 917.
• Exhibitors' Village
Confirming the success of previous editions, the Exhibitors' Village will remain at the heart of the paddock near the Eau Rouge. It will offer artists, dressmakers, booksellers and other shopkeepers the opportunity to show off their marvels to a public of enthusiasts.
• Entertainment throughout the weekend
Spa-Classic will be offering a wide range of entertainment for all ages, including concerts, an exhibition and parade of vintage scooters, dancers from the 40's, 50's and 60's, vintage make-up artists, an ephemeral tattoo, a mini funfair and a photocall, all in a festive, musical atmosphere with a Vinyl Disc Jockey.
THE CLUBS
Clubs and collectors will once again be out in force. After the presence of around 1,400 cars and almost 45 clubs at the last editions, the aim this year will be to bring together even more classic cars. Club 914, with its hundreds of cars, will be the European event of the year.
Seven track sessions, each lasting between 15 and 20 minutes, will be on offer over the weekend to help them discover and enjoy the fabulous Francorchamps track.
Tickets are already available on the official Peter Auto website.
INFORMATION
See you on the weekend of 17 to 19 May 2024 at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps!
More info on : https://www.peterauto.fr/evenements/spa-classic/
Race timetable : https://files.peterauto.fr/v/Fed7GXZigM2Aad3Rmpbx
(*) Historic Racing by Peter Auto 2024:
o Mugello Classic (5-7 April), the first stopover in the homeland of the finest sports car brands
o Spa-Classic (17-19 May), on one of the most beautiful circuits in the world
o Grand Prix de l'Âge d'Or (7-9 June), a great classic on a famous circuit
o Dix Mille Tours (30 August - 1 September), a sunny start to the new season
o Estoril Classics (4-6 October), the grand finale in sunny Cascais.
It's worth noting that new events will take place at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, where the Series by Peter Auto cars will compete on this legendary circuit, adding an exciting dimension to this already exceptional season.
Relive the 2023 edition:
