spa-francorchamps march 21st 22nd 2009

Post by **Stuart** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 5:35 pm

Having seriously looked into this trip, I am gutted to be unable to go along. I am sure that you will have the most memorable experience.

The very best of luck guys

Have a great time

Post by **Stuart** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 6:20 pm

I saw Jason log on a moment ago and I couldn't resist............I had to find out how they'd got on

He sounded like a very happy man. Blown away by the drama of the place, his opening words were 'it's worth knocking five UK trackdays on the head, just to come here'

Bastard :lol: I knew he was going to say that too. I know the Fletcher's will be online on Monday at some point with their thoughts, feelings and photo's. In the mean time I will let on that Jason did have a little moment going through Eau Rouge. In fairness to him I'm sure he said it was his third lap full stop and he was flat out :thumb:

Mr Fletcher · Post by **Mr Fletcher** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 11:46 am

it has been to foggy to go this morning now waiting for lunch to finish and should be starting sighting laps at 1 cet. 8)

cheers

jason

Bealo · Post by **Bealo** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 7:17 am

Good on you mate, i hope you had the time of your lives, look forward to a report....

Mr Fletcher · Post by **Mr Fletcher** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:16 pm

Our trip to Spa-Francorchamps .part 1

As is the norm when we do a trackday I am always leaving car preparation and related jobs until the last minute, this one proved to be no different I was down the workshop at 6 am on Friday bolting the mirrors back on the car , removing tyres from rims and loading all the necessary tools , fluids and spares that may be needed for an epic journey to possibly one of the finest race tracks in the world.

Departure from Soham was about 9.20 am heading for the Eurotunnel as our chosen crossing but we managed to miss our train slot due to refreshments and customs stops .

The journey through France and Belgium was relatively uneventful motorway miles but being the first time I had driven abroad I was somewhat focused . The hotel which we had chosen in Spa was round the corner from the race track which was very good , clean rooms and superb food .(not the cheapest I hasten to add ) Fed and watered we turned in for the night and tried to get some sleep for the challenging day which lay before us .

http://www.roannay.com

I threw open the curtains to be met by a layer of frost covering everything but it was bright and the sun was coming up nicely so the weather looked like being on our side for Saturday at least . Breakfast was a quick affair as it was an 8am sign on and an 8.30 briefing .Upon arrival at the circuit we located our garage for the weekend and unloaded the cars . In the briefing it was made very clear that it was important to do the sighting laps in whatever you could so we did!

The very nature of the place attracts a calibre of cars which are absolutely stunning, there are also no noise limits at Spa which only adds to the character of the place . I was more than happy to soak up the sights , sounds and general atmosphere but oh yes we have come here to DRIVE !

Most noticeable once driving the circuit is the massive gradients which you encounter, going up through Eau-rouge is truly awesome, there where some seriously quick cars out there which made you keep an extra eye on your rear view mirror as a spec in the distance was instantly behind you which sometimes just broke you rythmn being built up but that just comes with the territory . we had some great track time on Saturday and the only slight issue I had with the car is the diff running rather hot .

cheers

jason

Mr Fletcher · Post by **Mr Fletcher** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:17 pm

here's a taster vid

cheers

jason

AdrianP · Post by **AdrianP** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:38 pm

Excellent pics & video 8)

I saw you had been doing some work on the car but wow it looks & sounds awesome :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:

Video makes it look like you weren't hanging around either...

Tk · Post by Tk » Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:40 pm

you lucky lucky boy , track looks superb.
good to hear you had a good time and i wish someday i can go play
:thumb:

Mr Fletcher · Post by **Mr Fletcher** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:30 pm

Spa-Francorchamps .part 2

After talking of the days activity

mikeb · Post by **mikeb** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:30 pm

Pics and vid looks amazing on the way back from the ring last year popped in to spa on the way home and stood at the bottom of eau rouge and couldn't believe how steep it was. mike