The Chimay circuit gets a makeover

In the landscape of Belgian motor sports, Chimay holds a special place. A non-permanent road circuit, it cultivates its history and the specificity of its route from another age (straight lines mainly interspersed with very fast curves) through some equally anachronistic events.

Modern car races no longer find their place there since the circuit no longer meets current safety standards. On the other hand, the site still hosts a big event where old motorcycles are the stars (Classic Bikes from July 19 to 21), a meeting of modern motorcycles the following week and, closer to us, the European Bug-In (28 -June 30), a gathering of Ladybugs.

But Chimay does not intend to live only from his past. Thus, a budget of 4,5 million euros (including 2,5 million from the Walloon Region and 1,5 million in own funds) was recently released for the construction of a new structure to replace the currently a bit outdated.

« The idea is to create a space that different sports clubs can share, explains Jean Yernaux, the man at the head of the circuit. In addition to meeting rooms, changing rooms and a cafeteria, sports associations will be able to have equipment for the organization of their events. »

The first shovels are planned for the fall. The new structure should be ready for the celebration of the centenary of the circuit in 2026. Chimay does not intend to stop there. Thus, from next year, a regularity race for historic cars (Historicar) will be set up again. At the end of the paddock, an off-road section will also be enhanced by a circuit dedicated to off-road driving while the RACB intends to use this area to create a permanent track where cross-cars will happily race around.

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