Spa-Francorchamps for a beginner

[P. ONeill]

I’ll be in Rotterdam at the end of June and as it’s only a couple of hours away I quite fancy a few laps of Spa. I’m not looking to break any records and while I’m a pretty competent driver, I prefer the open road to a track usually, but Spa is definitely on my bucket list. The run from La Source up through Eau Rouge and Radillion to Les Combes has to be one of the greatest stretches of tarmac on the planet.
I’ve checked and there seems to be availability during my stay. Any advice from anyone who has been would be greatly appreciated. I’m assuming the price per lap obviously includes an out lap and an in lap?

[doogalman]

I regularly instruct at spa. It is a great track that many brits make their first foray into European trackdays at.
50% of my clients are novices, they all come away happy.
One of if not the best tracks for anyone to drive.
Who is the day organised by?

[BertBert]

If it was me, I'd get some tuition from the organisers of the track day to maximise the fun and not trip up.

Also I'd find a sim to get some laps in to learn the circuit and lines. Not in order to get any mega lap times, just to make the experience more enjoyable.

From what you say it's a pay per lap day. I didn't know that was a thing at spa.

Bert

[Tyre Smoke]

Unless I'm missing something there's no public driving days at Spa at the end of June.

And I'm pretty sure they don't do Nordschleife style pay per lap.

It's also 3 hours from Rotterdam. More with traffic problems, obviously.

[P. ONeill]

Tyre Smoke said:

Unless I'm missing something there's no public driving days at Spa at the end of June.

And I'm pretty sure they don't do Nordschleife style pay per lap.

It's also 3 hours from Rotterdam. More with traffic problems, obviously.

My info was second hand, looks like you are correct. It’s either early June, which I can’t do, or 21 July. I’ll get it booked and it’s an excuse for a few days away.

[nebpor]

That's interesting, I've driven Spa a bunch of times but it was always full track days.

Thinking of a run to the 'ring next year to take my son. Now I can possibly take in Spa as well ...

[Tyre Smoke]

I was thinking that too. Only 80 miles apart. Maybe a sort of organised PH thing?

[nebpor]

The triple-header was the best trip - Zandvoort, then Spa and finally on to the 'ring!

Ah bookatrack how I miss those days ....

[doogalman]

The pde (public driving experience) days can be good fun. Make sure you are there early to get into the waiting area prior to your sessions.
Instruction is allowed but it’s not provided by Spa themselves. Contact me if you want anyone as I have local contacts that could be there for you.

[Kswap]

On the way back from the Nurburgring about four years ago I stopped off at Spa on the way back. I had booked a full guided tour of the whole facility, two laps in an instructor car (Megane RS250 iirc) and two parade type laps in my own car. Obviously id rather have gone flat out but it may scratch the itch for some people.

[RSbandit]

Going to Spa for first time on Jun 29th for the RSR trackday, instruction too so hopefully will learn the lines quickly...Ring with Circuit days on Jul 1st also so a nice combo!

[mrfunex]

BertBert said:

If it was me, I'd get some tuition from the organisers of the track day to maximise the fun and not trip up.

Also I'd find a sim to get some laps in to learn the circuit and lines. Not in order to get any mega lap times, just to make the experience more enjoyable.

From what you say it's a pay per lap day. I didn't know that was a thing at spa.

Bert

Totally agree with this. A small amount of tuition will really help your confidence on track (some UK circuits even offer this for a couple of laps for free) as will driving a few laps on a console/PC game. It won’t be the same as actually being there, but having half a clue about what type of corner is coming up can really ease some nerves!

[P. ONeill]

Looks like I’ll be there in July, can anyone recommend an instructor? Also wouldn’t be averse to having the instructor do a fast lap in my car.

[doogalman]

P. ONeill said:

Looks like I’ll be there in July, can anyone recommend an instructor? Also wouldn’t be averse to having the instructor do a fast lap in my car.

Who’s trackday are you on?
I instruct at spa normally working direct for the organiser but most operators have instructors available if need be.
As for the instructor doing a fast lap for you, generally nowadays as instructors it is slightly frowned upon as things can go wrong and many of us are not prepared to put out house on the line. BUT, there again most good instructors are able to help you without jumping in the hot seat. Some will do it just for the kick of driving someone else’s expensive toy, if you know what I mean.