A kind invitation from the organisers, Patrick Gassmann and Jan Luehn brought me to the Circuit of Spa Francorchamps and the Abbaye de Stavelot on 13 March '09.

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This event was joint organised by Alain Defalle, whom we all know from his appreciated 'Spa Summer Classic' and the 'Spa Six Hours' in September.

Saturday 14 March

The event was called 'Open Pitlane 2009', meaning that drivers could go out on the track as they pleased, rather then offering allocated track times. A very convenient way for testing your car, whether it be professional or hobby. As a result some serious pre-seasonal testing was underway by different racing teams, amongst them Racing Team Holland with Jan Lammers and Hans Hugenholtz in their newly acquired Ford Mustangs.

Participants were welcome as from 07:30 and the track opened as from 09:00 to 18:00 without interruption. Each driver could use the track as long as he wished. Registration fee only € 300,- for the day.

A great variety of cars is accepted, from vintage to historic, classic, youngtimer and modern road and competition cars. Of course the organizer reserves the right to refuse access to the track should a vehicle not provide the minimum safety standards. All road legal tyres are accepted. Slick tyres only if a suitable roll-over protection is fitted. Important to know that there are no noise restrictions at this event.

Cars must have a towing-eye, as different towing cars were present. No marshalls around, but instead the monitoring TV system and warning lights were on. I also spotted an ambulance at the pitlane entry. In order to get an impression of the day, you best visit the > slideshow <, afterall pictures say more than a thousand words.

The film 'Grand Prix' from 1966 was on display in the Abbaye de Stavelot and gave a good impression of the old circuit and the dangers involved to race on it.

Abbaye de Stavelot

A visit to the circuit is a great chance to visit the 'Musée du Circuit de Spa Francorchamps'. I took the route from the bottom of the paddock to the Stavelot corner, a route which lorries have to take, when leaving early from the circuit. The back entrance/exit brings you on the way to the little town of Stavelot, using part the old circuit. Looking down the mountain, into the many backyards, it gives you the shivers, using this road and realising that GP drivers were travelling at very high speeds at this section. Great cars on show and you get a very good impression of the circuit's history. A 'must do' if you're in the area.

Friday 13 March

Enjoy your racing,