Spa 2013 dates

Are there any announced/set yet?

I don't know the exact date, but my understanding is it will be early again like last year - April

Would this be because the old customary June dates are now unobtainable for some reason?

There are no dates announced yet as far as I am aware.

I will talk to them and see what I can find out.

I have just spoken to the MD of the organisers.

Discussions with the circuit are still ongoing, but it looks as though it will be in June next year.

When I have the dates I will post them up, we should know fairly soon.

Excellent news Pete! Thanking you!

That's great news Pete, I hope they do agree a date in June

Thanks Pete. I'm sure I'll have some sort of offshore stuff going on as a clash so earlier I can get some holidays in the better!

It will be good if you can get there Matt. Its been to long pal.

Oh no,
Something else I forgot to save up for.
The later the better.

Hope to go to spa this time chaps

Me too, but not the 8/9th or 15/16th as I definitely won't be able to do the 8/9th and 15/16th will be a push.

Someone tell them it has to be 1/2nd, 22/23rd or 29th/30th

haha Spa 2013

ive already started saving up for it!!

and building a 4th engine (that was a joke people)

Be nice to see every one again!
this year will be an exciting one for all!!

I'm keen to join in, will check work calender on Monday

Probably best wait until you know the dates Steve

That'll teach me to speed read threads

Don't worry John. I'll wind up paying for your trip somehow...

Are you coming shotgun with me Tim ?
Will let you drive

Gordon Bennett!

John just wants me to help push.....

He doesn't want too drive in the rain on track tyres again. Oh no wait, that's right he didn't I was held responsible too drive his car back from Spa on 888,s with a good inch of standing water.

Unlucky mate I was asleep.
Anyway you had a few laps solo racing that Ferrari as payment

Doing that Ferrari was the highlight of the weekend for me. But it also upset me as my car will never be as quick as yours.

Another mahoosive thumbs up for a June date.

If you have a coop, take it to Spa. The ultimate experience for both car and drivist! You'll never have the opportunity to have so much track time on one of the worlds best circuits for so little cost. Participation in this event has been my personal favourite thing about being involved with fccuk, its a once in a lifetime experience on an annual basis. You can drive the circuit at your own pace, my other half did 4 laps last year touring round. Would heartily recommend to all.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the efforts of the volunteers running the clubs efforts to make it so accessible and effortless for us members (who shall rename nameless for now but will doubtless be rewarded with gratuitous messages after the event!).

Can't wait!

The perfect weather to 'camp' in the campsite next to the circuit :Marco:

Here here!

It is funny to remember how difficult it was trying to convince UK peeps to get themselves along to this event. It used to be just Peter, attending with the French Coupé club, then a small number of us joined him and kept trying to get more folks involved. Today it is one of the highlights of the FCCUK year.

As for June, great news but remember this is SPA. My first Coupé Spa attendance was in June. The Friday was a scorcher, Saturday it was raining and blooming FREEZING and sunday was one of the hottest days of the year Every year we went there was rain at Spa. I have friends just 40 miles or so up the road in South Holland. They regularly saw how they had sunshine all weekend whilst we have had the brollies out

June is looking good for us. The Coupé may arrive at Spa having just spent a few weeks and a few thousand miles going to Norway and back (That is the current plan! anyway)

Be good see you there Bob if you can make it. The first year I went was freezing cold and wet. The last 2 years have been sunny and hot.

Hailstones the first year I went and I think that was in June

The freezing cold and wet year was the reason for the "purple" stories that arose - i was told how everybody had been scorched in previous years so only took 1 item of warm clothing (purple jumper) ......the rest is history

i miss that smiley

but fingers crossed i will be there..

with my coupe.
and a trailer!

Which everyone knows is Marco speak for "I would like to be there but will probably cancel a few days before the event"

LMFAO - as they say, "bob on" lol

The boy is such a cabbage

Me and my mate Jonny might (I stress the MIGHT) make an appearance next year! But it's all top secret at the moment, girlfriends/wives can't find out just yet!!

How many of each do you need to keep it from Nick?

Well he cannot answer that

You had better bring a purple jumper along again Steve...

Make sure you are then Bob!

The question is... do I bring the 16v, or the TNB[*] Quantum?


[*] turbo-nutter-bastard

Is the kit car Italian ? if not I doubt it will be allowed past the visitors car park

There is a good chance that the kit will be allowed in due to the 20vt mechanicals.

I would need to discuss it with the organisers first though.

edit I have emailed them the question.

At the moment, the torque steer would suggest I'd have to drive anti-clockwise...

Quaife diff and sticky tyres, sorted

As opposed to spinning anti-clockwise last year

It was 360° in each direction. You only caught the 1st one.

That's even better

To quote Mario Andretti " if you're in control you're not going fast enough ".

You can't accuse me of not trying. I didn't even hit the fence, and I ended up pointing in the right direction... what's not to like?

i forgot you spun at Spa!!!!

Brilliant times!

You haven't lived until you have spun a coupe at spa

p.s spun twice that is..

Your J turn still makes me laugh!!!!

Oh Marco, I so want to make a "U" turn comment here...

Thats just brilliant. I knew you had done a 720 - I just thought it was all the one direction.

Makes perfect sense - after a 360 just do another one in the opposite direction and you'll be definitely pointing the right way again.

What did the Co-driver say?

Go for it!

I'm not sure, but I think I said it was quite interesting while it was going on.

I was just watching the scenery rotate. At the point when it switched direction my crashhat hit the B pillar quite hard.

Well looks like it's the 22/23rd June...

http://www.spaitalia.be/index.html

To be confirmed, but I'm sure they're just tidying things up.

So I won't be able to go That date should be good for everyone else. Fingers crossed on the weather.

Yes 22-23 June is the most likely date, as soon as I get formal confirmation I will let people know.

There are some changes in the organisation ongoing at the moment.

"Hmmm."

Been waiting to hear when its going to be as I've decided to take my 147 down there Ok, its not quite a Coupe but the preparations have already begun!

Was wondering if I'd be welcome to tag along with the Coupe lot (seeing as I've met some of you already) and take cheap seats somewhere at the back?

Of course you will be welcome Jon.

I might be up for coming along - although those dates could clash with my holiday.

Anyone going fancy a fat muscular passenger? Willing to help towards petrol/beer.

NB: I'd love to take the RS6, but I fear they may not approve of an audi at the Italian car show. Plus at 800 miles round trip it would cost £250 in petrol alone

Nobby - i may have a seat going in my car!

Oh thanks Marco. Will you promise to keep your hands to yourself this time though

Err..,
If that's the case... I can promise any thing...

Started saving for spa 13!

No news yet about costs from the organisers unfortunately.

This was the message I got back yesterday morning.




As soon as I have something definite I will let you all know.

I notice that some French folks have allready booked thier Hotel on Facebook.

Yes I booked the hotel "la source" for 10 rooms, so be sure to have room.

For 2 years the English sleep in the other hotel so I think it is normal that I reserve until everything is complete.

I expect Petep create a new topic "SPA 2013" to start a new message.

I think the hotels remain the same as last year, Petep asked me to organize a big BBQ with everyone.

Do not worry, we are working on the event.

An Audi in disguise might get you onto the track in disguise.
Just pop on one of these onto your bonnet

After all Ducati is Audi owned now.

Mrs Barnacle liked La Source last year, so I guess we'll be in there again, Marc...

don't worry guys!!!

Green and Red head-to-head, and what a sound.

Great picture.

Great event.

looks like Johnny's getting left behind

In your dreams batty boy.
You'll just have to stick behind Mario mate.

I was backing off trying to diagnose a knocking noise which 200ft later left me next to the Armco with my wheel hanging off.
Those two were lucky as I was just about to turn the boost up and stop playing

Are you passing the orange Le this year then dude?

Stop posting here! I keep thinking the dates have been announced

shouldn't be a problem with Mario driving

This may sound like a stupied question but where is the spa base in

http://www.spa-francorchamps.be/en/

Check out the link mate ,should answer most questions about the circuit.

Will this ever happen again?


Or this ?

Hopefully not.
That hotel was aweful as was the walk back up that vertical hill from the town.

Was a great weekend though.
Mattm's dad was nuts.

Maybe in here with the use of some fish pond liner, a splash of soap and T:

Here's a Gerries example for you DIY-lads:

I just checked my leave and I'm off the 22/23 june
Mmmmmm

You just need the Friday off now Paul

Hi Paul,Im on leave the whole week before,so its just the return dates I need off!
Whats the general kinda itinery? Costs ,campsites etc?
Drop me a pm so I dont clog up the thread,

There will be a dedicated thread Paul (Steamer) when I get information from the new organisers.

Without that we can do nothing.

In the meantime have a look on the SpaItalia 2012 sub forum to get an idea, although the costs may be different this time.

Thanks Pete,,just so I know if its going to be possible for me,,cheers

It's worth every penny streamer.

As soon as I get back I start saving for next year.

It's a great meet and a great weekend away.

The european lads are a good bunch.

You best get some overtime in then streamer lol.

Sadly no overtime for me,,,along with no pay rises either!!! :0
Does sound good though

Well keep your head up it's not expensive weekend.

You will be ok there's plenty of time.

Hi Steamer,

I'll be going again this year(to confirm it wasn't a dream last year) as will Simon(Edinburgh) I think. Our provisional Plan is:

Ferry Thursday 5pm ish from Newcastle to Amsterdam or Rotterdam arriving Friday 9am.
Drive to Spa and Campsite arriving around Midday.

Saturday and Sunday at Spa Francorchamps for the best Weekend of Driving Fun you and your Coupe has ever had

Return ferry Sun or Mon leaving 5pm ish arrive 9am Newcastle next day.

Hope you can make it mate - it would be good to have at least 3 Coops from Scotland there

When is it

Dates tbc, probably 22nd/23rd June. Petep the master of things Spa will post when definite

Dam wish I could come but prier comitmants then

That sounds like a mighty fine plan,,,how much was the ferry?
Cheers paul
Cancel that I'm onto google

The ferry is between £65 - £90 normally.

Just depends on the dates the prices differ if there is a public holiday at the same time.

The Newcastle one is a tad dearer mate

I had a look but not too sure

You are so going to wish you hadn't said the above!

That's single and you have to add your car which is about £75. So £350 ish total for Ferry. Driving down to go via Chunnel or a ferry from south won't save you much when you add fuel and channel crossing. More importantly it will add around 12 hours driving to the whole trip and you'll still need another nights accommodation if you dont want to arrive like a Zombie at Spa . I drove last year via Chunnel as I only decided to go last minute and the ferries were £450 and another £200 for my boy. The result was 20 hours of boring and very tiring motorway driving. Which is way more the I've done in the Coop since. That bit wasn't fun.

Dont forget Hotel/Campsite fees as well.

So so worth it though mate.

Just go for gods sake, your off work , you've plenty of money, Jane said it's ok

Odds on you'll break it before then anyway, you have broken more cars than a scrappies

Woooooooooooof, no chance,sorry,oh well always Arran I suppose

Not trying to persuade anyone here, it's not really my place - but i avoided going on this for a couple of years thinking "what can be so special about that, it's so expensive" but now i've been a few times its one of the first things i book holiday for, and put money aside for.

If you don't go you'll forever wonder what if - and for what it is it's tremendous fun and good value for money.

Of course the best thing is free, the great company, camaraderie and long lasting friendships you inevitably make

"

Got to agree! It's not expensive for what you actually get in the end. Though it is significantly more costly for those that are coming from Scotland as you really have to add an extra nights stopover each end. Even so I'd spend twice as much to have the experience and intend to go every year now.

Forget Mods and Upgrades to your Coop, there is no better way to spend money on your Coop. You could literally spend five to ten times more money on modding your Car and it would not give you the enjoyment or thrill you'll get from driving it round Spa Francorchamps Race Track with FCCUK.

Steamer take Sparky, you know you want to Don't worry when you're on the boat he'll tie a knot in it
A sheepshank lol

Pete

Any chance of an official update on the arrangements for Spa?

It's potentially only a few months away and I (and doubtless others) need to make plans for this amongst my other commitments.

Thanks

Dan, If there were any updates I would have already posted them here.

I check with the organisers frequently, but they have not yet been able to finalise arrangements. By that I mean for the whole event, not just us.

I appreciate that by this time of year everything is ususlly in place and the club has collected money from attendees.

As soon as I have anything I will put it up here.

Thanks Pete

What's the reason for the delay, I'd have thought the dates were set in stone by now as they will have firmed all of the official race dates, so what are they thinking of changing, the format of the weekend's activities?

I imagine the date is not going to change. So ferries and accomadation could be booked,as like some of the French have allready done.

Bit of a risk booking it Joe, when we haven't had any track/admittance prices confirmed - i have the days booked off at work but i'm not doing anything else about it until details are firmed up by Pete/the board............

If it all falls through we could come to your local track

"I check with the organisers frequently, but they have not yet been able to finalise arrangements. By that I mean for the whole event, not just us."

As was posted half an hour ago.

I am not privy to their company's negotiations with 3rd parties.

Ok, thanks Pete

thanks for hard working pete

Check out the Spa website folks and you'll see everything for 2013 on the Calendar is still provisional.
It is frustrating but we just got to wait

Spa Calendar 2013

It is frustrating but it's out of our control.

Exactly the point I was making

Well I've booked the holiday dates with work and have mentioned they may change

Jocky's preparation is well underway as well so I'm gradually getting more excited with each day!

I want to get excited but cant until I've definitely booked everything.
Something tells me it will be confirmed OFF today or tomorrow.

I've booked the days off work, but i need to start paying for stuff like hotels, ferries and stuff as it's essential for me to budget. I fear not being able to go due to not paying stuff now, and don't say save it up because with 3 kids that doesn't happen

As far as I know it is now Cancelled. Just spoke to the Circuit

Proccy
Book the hotel....you dont pay for it until you check out! Also its free cancellation up to two days before if you use booking.com

Er what?

Uh ohhh......Controversy!!!

Bonjour Monsieur,

Il n’y aura pas d’épreuve Spa Italia cette année à Francorchamps. (There will be no test Italia Spa Francorchamps this year)

Bien à vous.

I called the circuit and they confirmed it has been cancelled and replaced with another event.

Spa Italia website is down also

Replaced by this lot

I am so pissed off.

What a load of bolocks
Not happy

Will wait for Petep to comment, he has direct contact with the organisers and can confirm what is going on

thats crap !!! was looking forward to it this year

Oh Wow.

Maybe the perfect opportunity to find somewhere new?One door closes, another one opens.......etc etc

Nurburgring?

Or maybe the French option - drive down to Joe Magoo. I'm sure I saw something at one of their tracks advertised?

Totally gutted by this if it's correct - of course, it may be that we have it on a different weekend, unless anyone knows differently

Guys relax, marco stop getting all excited.

We dont have an official statement from the organisers yet. Roumer has it, its still on but the date has changed

Nismo found this

http://www.spa-francorchamps.be/en/calendar-meeting.php

22 - 23 June
W.E. ItaLink

Link not opening for me Marion

That's been on the provisional Calendar for some time. Spa italia website itself is down too

Yes the spa Italia website is down
Thats a seperate issue
The important thing is its still showing as on, just a different date.

I was looking at that last week and wondering if we would fit in on another weekend.

No point in speculation let wait to hear the situation from PeteP, when he knows we will.

Oh lets just stop speculating and wait for pete

there is nothing to say they have given the spaitalia spot to anyone , lets all calm down and wait for pete to let us know whats going on , i have booked la midi hotel but nothing else until i have a 100% confirmation from pete .

spa dates link - http://www.spa-francorchamps.be/en/calendar-meeting.php

22/23rd is the same weekend as thought, and that the French lads have booked - which i believe is the date on that other organsiation's calendar as Spa

That's already been posted by me 4 days ago and it says provisional.

I have the updated Calender for SPA (pdf) sent by the circuit. I have had it confirmed 3 times by people at the Spa circuit.

I pm'd Pete as soon as I heard.

Give me your address and I can email it to you.
Is there any way to attach a pdf to a post

PM Sent

PM me the link then lego ?

pdf sent

Excited for mentioning to go to the nurburgring..

Oooo i live a wild life.



Stop getting excited Mario, it will be ok.
if they cancel it, life goes on.
Carm down

Thanks for the PDF Lego
Here is a link:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/96519486/Franco-cal-exploit-2013-31-janvier.pdf

Ive just uploaded it All

ah dropbox forgot about that. Nice one

it dosen't look good so only the ring this year

Jeez! have you seen the prices that Curbstone charge?

Curbstone Bastards

Pete would have to get the club a massive discount from them as well as the free room they offer at La Source before it came close to what we paid before.

I knew I was dreaming last year

If this doesn't go ahead I might try the Le Mans track day on the 3rd of August.

The company who took over from the previous organisers have not yet told me it is off, but I have been half expecting some such news.

I have asked for confirmation from them.

Big cry from me if sooo... the coupe may as well go.

That's crap if its true. We will just have too organise a road trip, a few beers and a track day somewhere in the uk.

why not the ring ?

I'm up for this .

me and marco have been chatting today and will be going to the ring if spa isn't going to be happening , i'll be looking at hotels over the next few days so can open a new post if anyone is up for it ?

Maybe.

Good work Nismo
Keep us up to date and I will be along.

Shame about Spa,a good social occasion missed.

I'm out, thanks

You'll all just have to get yourselves some tickets for the Belgian GP like I have
...
Followed by a trip to the ring afterwards

No news as they say is bad news...

i have called the circuit

Spaitalia is cancelled et maybe permanently

Damn shame

The people who took over from the old organisers have neither responded to emails nor picked up their phone for the last couple of days.

Tossers. What a bloody shame such a great event.

Game over, bloody shame indeed!

Thanks for your persistence on this Pete and the board ,shame the conclusion wasn't in our favour.

Agreed thank you Pete for all the effort over the years. A fantastic event I have looked forward to every year. Had some fantastic times for sure.Without this on the calendar I'm lost.

Yep I'm sorry Pete you've been dealt with harshly, and with a lack of courtesy. I'm really miffed at missing out on this, the build-up has been solid.

We're looking at alternatives (a track day) north of the border.....

I am having a look at the 18 May meet in la Ferté Gaucher that is mentioned in this thread. for those who want to meet up with some of our French friends.

I shall probably go myself.

It is about 40 miles south east of Paris so about the same distance as for Spa, although fewer road miles if you use the longer Newhaven - Dieppe crossing.

Here is where it is via Calais.
Or via Dieppe.

Should we register interest on that thread Pete or are you starting a different one? I have my kids that weekend but if there was sufficient interest I would try to rearrange them

Use that thread I think Steve, but it is really a matter of filling in the forms and booking direct, although I am happy to help if a number of us want to go.

So it is confirmed then that Spa 2013 is not happening?

+1 for Knockhill, Simon!

If you are interested >Knockhill 6th July

http://www.torqueitalia.net/forum/threads/3865-Sad-news-regarding-Spa-Italia-2013


Seems the company that arranged spa went bump.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NUgtkT2Esc

Great memories

I'm assuming that from there replies hat 2014 looks a strong possibility .

Wasn't this year supposed to be the 20th anniversary?

Next year is the official 20th anniversary so there is hope.

Not if the prices they've quoted on that weekend this year are anything to go by

+1 just what I was thinking. From what I've heard the deal we've had up to now was too good to be true.

And kudos to Petep for all he's done with regard to this event, it was a truly brilliant weekend to attend from start to finish.......

Maybe later this year, we think about organising next years trip to Turin for the official 20th anniversary of the marque? If Spa is a no go, we need something special in it's place especially for this special anniversary.

That was because the club does not have to make a profit, just break even which is why the club was able to keep costs so low.

We had a good working relationship with the previous organisers as regular customers which helped too.

Unfortunately the circuit increased prices significantly last year and again this year. But they do have to get a lot of money together to pay Mr Ecclestone for allowing them to run a Grand Prix event.

They have finally made a public announcement that SpaItalia 2013 is cancelled.

"Although we reserved a provisional date in the course of the traditional month of June, the costs for renting the Spa Francorchamps circuit for the year 2013 are extremely high and prevent us to come to a financial balance for the event. So we deeply regret to announce the cancellation of SpaItalia in 2013."

They appear to have taken down the www.spaitalia.be website too.

I do hope more of you FCCUK-ers make it over to Turin in 2014 than those of you who attended at the 10th anniversary back in 2004
@PeteP: any chance of getting in contact with Piemonte club and investigate the options

Ciao Alesi!
A lot of us really want to come to Turin! So as soon as more information is available we can get something up on this forum and start drawing attention to it!

I for one will be there!

Turin sounds fantastic - we just need to borrow Jeremy Clarkson's sat nav from the Shelby to get us close

Sounds like a proper road trip,

Tim

No fixed dates for Turin 2014 yet but most likely to be held on May 31, 1 and 2 June 2014.

This event is a "must do" for anyone who possibly can - if it comes off i expect to be there

I have spoken to the Italian guys about Turin 2014 on facebook and they have assured to keep me up to date on progress. As soon as I know anything Pete will be getting a call

I've done a Turin run half a dozen times with the X1/9 club.
Brilliant trips - never forget around 80 X1/9's from varying nations being escorted by the Polizia across Torino at rush hour to get to the Bertone factory..... Cracking place despite not really being as much on the tourist map. For me its better than Milan.

Knowing the people behind this: it will

SpaItalia cancelled? Rubbish That's news I wasn't expecting to read

As above, many thanks to Pete for arranging past events, I'm sure it's no easy task!

Ah man, I'm going to have to come up with a plan B now!

Jon check out the Le mans thread, it might be your plan B