Spa Six Hours event preview: a historic racing triumph

Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, September 25-29

Late September and it’s the first flush of autumn. The nights are drawing in, leaves are turning russet shades, Blackpool’s Illuminations have been switched on and… is that a Christmas ad on the radio?

Before the nip properly sets in, grab your gilet and sally forth to the Ardennes Forest for the Spa Six Hours – one of the finest gatherings of historic racing machinery on the planet amid the famous, dare we say ‘iconic’, yellow and red curbs of Spa-Francorchamps. Its categories are typically mouthwatering: F1 Cars 1966-1985; Pre-66 Touring Cars; F2 and F3 Classic Interseries; GT Trophy; Sports Car Legends… oof!

There will be several hundred post-war competition cars in attendance, all thundering around the undulating four-and-a-half mile circuit. Wednesday is open practice, allowing the drivers to familiarise themselves with the track’s turns and gradients. It’s qualifying on Thursday. A flurry of races follow through Friday and Saturday before the climax on Saturday afternoon – the Spa Six Hours endurance race itself, starting at 3.55pm.

Sunday is more a let-your-hair-down end to the proceedings – a track day and a chance to admire the cars close-up before they’re packed up for home.

Last year’s 30th anniversary event – which was mostly dry; it often isn’t – attracted some major racing names including Franchitti brothers Dario and Marino, seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, five-time Le Mans winner Emanuele Pirro and thrice WTCC champion Andy Priaulx.

Among the highlights was a debut win for local lad Antoine d’Ansembourg at the wheel of a 2002 Dallara SP1 LMP900 Prototype in the Masters Endurance Legends, followed later in the day with a victory for brother Werner, driving a Brabham BT49 in the second Masters Racing Legends race. “I’m very happy with the result,” Werner mentioned. “What a weekend for the family.”

For 2024, entrance is from £25, under-12s free. Parking £10 a day. Camping is available: £41 for the weekend.

IndyCar – Music City GP
Nashville Superspeedway, Nashville, September 15

If you didn’t know that Nashville’s nickname is ‘Music City’, you do now. The capital of country will be in the spotlight as the IndyCar season draws to a close here on the 1.3-mile tri-oval.

BTCC – Silverstone
Towcester, September 21-22

While F1 fans are dancing around their TV remotes because seven different drivers have won races this year, in the British Touring Car Championship you can add a few extra drivers to that figure. Silverstone is BTCC’s penultimate round. In ’23, Ash Sutton started a run here of three wins in five, landing him his fourth title. Another this year will put him in a league of his own.

BHC – Loton Park
Alberbury, Shropshire, September 28-29

The third-longest course of the British Hillclimb Championship (1475yds) hosts the season finale. Wallace Menzies is the series’ Max Verstappen but he has his work cut out to win a fifth successive crown. He missed May’s Harewood ascent following an accident in qualifying the week before at Craigantlet – which was abandoned due to adverse weather.

CSCC – Snetterton
Snetterton, Norfolk, September 28-29

It’s always a bonus when the public has access to the paddock – as is offered at this Classic Sports Car Club event. Track action includes the MG Trophy, Midget & Sprite Challenge, Magnificent Sevens and Jaguar Championship, all on the 300 circuit.

Historic Rally Festival 
Telford, October 5-6

Rewind to a golden era of rally Audi Quattros, Ford Escorts, Triumph TR7s et al. You can look forward to at least 11 stages at Apley Estate and Willey Estate, including the popular Dusk Stages held on Saturday evening. And if you’re passing Apley’s Farm Shop, please grab us a pork pie.

More events

Sep 12-15 Karting – PFI, Grantham
Sep 15 25 F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Sep 26-29 WRC – Rally Chile