Spa Francorchamps is a very special place. Imagine the best bits of Oulton Park and Brands Hatch GP circuit together, only bigger at over 4 miles, and faster. I have been fortunate enough to enjoy the circuit on many occasions, and yet it still impresses.

Various circumstances, largely out of our control, meant that the overseas races for Open and classic were scheduled for a far from ideal mid-October. As Open continues to be poorly supported the two series were combined, with the classics starting 15 secs behind the Open racers. This can only work safely with a large circuit and even then does detract a little from the classic race. The timetable looked even worse than the date, Quali 1 at 9.00am on Saturday (that’s 8am UK time!) and Race 1 on the Sunday also at 9.00am. A combination of these factors, plus the normal end of season maladies, meant that the entry level was low for both series. Viv and I were very unsure ourselves about making the trip. But we did, and this is how it went…….

There had been testing arranged for Friday and most took advantage of this. It was a general test day and cost around £130. No briefing, no rules, no vehicle checks and dozens and dozens of cars in two groups. They also recovered stranded cars from the circuit with transporters whilst the session continued! As someone closely involved with our Club Track Days it made me shudder. Quite what our Evers would have thought....

There were interruptions and the weather at first was not ideal. By late afternoon however it started to get quite good fun. There was one Stig wannabee in a modern AMG Merc who was making me look pretty stupid at first . By the end of the day however the tables were turned – quite satisfying that. Unfortunately John Shirley did not get through Friday unscathed. His 355 came a cropper at the top of Eau Rouge on cold tyres. The car was not repairable for the weekend and that could have been end of play for the Scot. However Team Cartwright had brought a spare car (as you do) in the shape of the ex. Mike Spicer / Sam Whitman 328 GTB. Suitable arrangements were made for a loan and it was “game back on” for Saturday.

On Friday evening most of us met up at the excellent Roannay for a posh dinner; at
£40.00 per head this was superb value for what is a very classy joint. Given the large numbers involved, around 44 of us which must have given many problems to the chef, I thought that the food was excellent. The social side of our overseas races is always special and it was a good night, even though the early start the following day was on everyone’s mind. An 8am briefing on Saturday meant leaving the hotel at 7.30am and it was dark, very cold and icy. Yes, icy! Oh, and did I say foggy? Yes foggy as well. The briefing was a joke. Nice man I am sure, but goodness me!

Race 1 was late afternoon and off we set on the formation/green flag lap behind the safety car. Entering the circuit at La Source we were driving down the hill past the old pits and my 328 cut out! Nothing, nix, nada, silence. Arm out the window to gesture the laughing pack through, and pull off to the side. She’s never done that before. The old girl was a bit heavy for the two attending marshals, so out I get and help push the thing behind the old iron gates into the Paddock. “What happens if I get it started” I asked. “******** if I know” came the reply in Belgian, at least that’s what I think he said.

Whilst matey boy got on the radio I opened the engine cover – yup, still there. I must have slammed it just right though as the engine started at the next time of asking. It hasn’t missed a beat since. It has taken me a lifetime with Ferraris to be able to achieve this trick. “You can join in after they have gone” came the message from the organisers. So past they go with Graham Reeder in the lead from Culver and I’Anson. Blimey they look quick through Eau Rouge when you are that close to the action! Fifteen seconds later there go the classics, and then the safety car. “Come on chaps, let’s go for goodness sake!” After what seemed like an age they finally waved me on to the track.

I had a lonely race at the front of classic, but I had decided to go for it anyway; this wasn’t a track day after all. I really enjoyed it and was delighted to take the win. Next up was Richard Moseley from Chris Butler and Peter Moseley. Fastest lap again fell to me – 2.59.853 (new record). After a quick prizegiving in the paddock, goodbyes and back home to Dear Old Blighty.

When Gary Culver and I speak to prospective competitors the question “What does it cost” is always asked. The race entry was (a subsidised) £395. Viv and I tow the 328, not because it requires it, but just for the convenience and the security of knowing we can get home if the car has a problem. The Dover-Calais ferry was £214 return including Club Class passes both ways. Total door-to-door mileage (from Aylesbury) was around 765 return by the way, which includes a bit of running around at Spa. Total fuel bill for the event, tow car and race car was around £300. We stayed at the excellent Le Relais De Pommard, which is just up from La Source. Nice room, nice people, nice restaurant, recommended.

So, was it worth it? With no transport or track side assistance I reckon we spent around £1,500. Some may have spent less, many would have spent more. This does not include wear and tear of course. Is that a lot? I don’t know really. "What did you do last weekend?" "I raced a classic Ferrari hard with a group of friends on one of the greatest circuits in the world. I enjoyed their company in the evenings and dined well". I have memories that will stay with me forever - early morning and late afternoon autumn light in the Ardennes. Up over Raidillon, climbing to well over 130 mph up Kemmel straight before hitting the brakes at 150 metres and diving into Les Combes. Heady stuff.....

Just a quick note of thanks before I go. Without the enthusiasm, dedication and support of John and Anne Swift I doubt if I would ever have enjoyed this experience, let alone done so on and off for nearly twenty years. Thank you both.

Click here for a slideshow by Stefan Eckhardt.

Click here to return to the Ferrari formula classic page.