Spa Classic sets a record

At first glance, Spa-Classic could be compared to a “ Le Mans Classic version Belgium”: races galore, accessible paddocks, cars on display, club parades, entertainment, shops and a large audience.

In reality, the Ardennes event stands out greatly from the Sarthe model… if only because of its capricious weather! More seriously, if Le Mans Classic retraces the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in its entirety, Spa-Classic commemorates the 24 Hours of Francorchamps by focusing on the “Tourism” era from 1966 to 1984.

HTC, the age of maturity

For the occasion, two Heritage Touring Cup races are organized (compared to only one at the other meetings), including one at night on Saturday evening... Magical atmosphere! The HTC was also created specifically for Spa-Classic in 2013, before becoming a regular venue for Peter Auto meetings the following year.

In five years, the quantity of cars entered has increased from 27 to 51. Above all, the preparation of the mechanics has been refined: lap times have fallen (by 5 seconds for pole position) and reliability has greatly improved (72 % of cars arriving in 2019, compared to 39% in 2014).

Proof of the benefits of competition on historic cars! As for the diversity of models presented, it has also expanded with six different manufacturers – and ten models – on track this weekend.

A seventh will soon be added with the announced arrival of a Jaguar XJS, an extraordinary coupe released in 1981 from the workshops of the formidable Tom Walkinshaw Racing and powered by a monstrous 12 liter V5,3.

Novelties

Another novelty, theEndurance Racing Legends performed this weekend for the first time in competition on this circuit. The opportunity to (re)see three emblematic rivals from the 2000s, all victorious in GT at the 24 Hours of Le Mans: the Chrysler Viper GTS/R (1998-1999-2000), the Ferrari 550 GTS Prodrive (2003) and theAston Martin DBR9 (2007-2008).

Among the new arrivals in the Peter Auto grids, let us also mention theAlfa Romeo TZ2 (chassis AR10511 750109) of which only 12 examples were produced during the winter of 1964-1965.

Clubs and entertainment

In addition to the action offered by the eight competing fields, spectators were able to leave the track for a few minutes – or even a few hours! – to admire the collector cars on display.

Exotic automobiles like the Datsun Z, 100 of which were brought together to celebrate its 50th anniversary, or more popular models like the Peugeot 205, 35 years old this year… Already!

In the Village, spectators were filled with emotion with the Slot Car Circuit and the Rétronettes dancers. The exhibitors (miniatures, ready-to-wear, books, etc.) attracted a large audience.

Next meeting

Building on the success of this edition, Patrick Peter is already looking forward to seeing you in spring 2020 for the 10th Spa-Classic. In the meantime, the competitors in the grids by Peter Auto will meet in three weeks for the Grand Prix de l'Age d'Or held on the Dijon-Prenois circuit.