The 75th CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa is just a few weeks away, with track activity set to begin on 29 June ahead of the main event on 1/2 July.
It promises to be a spectacular trip to the Ardennes, with 71 cars ready to tackle the awe-inspiring Spa-Francorchamps circuit over a full day and night. That’s the main attraction, but there are many other factors that make this a must-attend event. Here are five reasons to join us at the biggest GT race in the world.
1. UNPARALLELED COMPETITION
There's a reason that Spa is described as the most competitive GT race on the planet. A field of 71 cars representing eight manufacturers will compete this year, producing a level of competition unmatched by any other major event.
In terms of drivers, this really is crème de la crème. The final entry list has not yet been made official, but you can guarantee that it will feature dozens of world-class GT professionals representing the biggest brands. The amateurs are the best of their breed, too, with Spa demanding bravery, skill and composure from every single competitor.
There are probably 20 crews with a serious shot at overall victory, plus several more that might spring a surprise. Each class is fiercely contested, too, so there's always action somewhere on the 7km circuit. If anyone tells you they can predict who will win this race, just smile and nod. The truth is that not even the most knowledgeable observer can guess who will stand on top of the podium come Sunday afternoon.
2. OFF-TRACK ENTERTAINMENT
If you've only watched the event on TV, you might think that the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa is just a motor race. In fact it's much more than that, with plenty to see and do even when the cars aren't running.
Perhaps the best-known tradition is Wednesday's parade, which sees all competing cars, plus representatives from the support series, make the trip by road from the circuit. They eventually park in Spa city centre, giving fans a chance to see the machinery up close and get an autograph from their favourite drivers. Best of all, this is entirely free to attend.
If electronic music is your scene, you can head over to the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa concert. Multi-platinum selling artist Martin Solveig is this year's headliner and will be joined over the course of the evening by Alex Germys, Dave Lambert, and Loulou Players. Concert entry is included with a full-weekend general admission ticket.
These are the major events, but there is plenty more for fans to enjoy, not least the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa Fan Zone. There will be activations at the Pirelli Experience, the Monster Village and the Fanatec Esports arena, as well as presentations from leading brands in the paddock and pit walks during the evening hours. From the gates opening on Thursday through to the chequered flag on Sunday afternoon, there is always something to see or do.
3. A TRULY ICONIC CIRCUIT
It's beyond debate that Spa-Francorchamps is among the most historic and iconic circuits on the face of the earth. The venue’s first car race was held in 1922, while the 24 Hours followed two years later. As such this is the oldest major event still running the track, with the centenary set to be celebrated next year.
From a driving perspective it is supremely challenging, with some ultra-fast corners and dramatic elevation changes. It's almost a cliché to talk about Spa's weather, but it is a huge factor and judging it correctly can be the difference between victory and defeat. And of course, its setting amid the Ardennes adds a unique and instantly recognisable backdrop to the sporting action.
Recent developments have made it even better for spectators: last year an enormous new grandstand was added at the top of Raidillon, while this year we’ll have another new addition on the run between La Source and Eau Rouge. Every fan simply must visit this circuit – so, what better event to take in than the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa?
4. SPECTACULAR SUPPORT
As if 24 hours of racing wasn't enough, the event will include a further six hours of competitive action, plus esports in the paddock and some awesome GT1 cars on-track. There's even a new addition to the line-up this year thanks to McLaren Trophy Europe, which recently staged its very first race at Circuit Paul Ricard and will now tackle the challenge of Spa-Francorchamps.
Lamborghini Super Trofeo is a mainstay of the event, bringing the ferocious roar of its V10 engine to the Ardennes, while the GT4 European Series will once again link up with GT4 Scandinavia to form a grid of almost 60 cars. Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine adds single-seater action to the programme, while you can see some incredible hyper-sports cars on-track with no fewer than five GT1 Sports Club by Curbstone sessions.
There's also esports action at the Fanatec Arena, with 60-minute Assetto Corsa Competizione races for the Fanatec Esports GT Pro Series and the SRO Esports SIM Pro Series. You can find more information on this year’s support series by clicking here.
5. THE BIGGEST GT RACE IN THE WORLD
This might sound funny, but one of the best reasons to come to Spa is that so many people come to Spa! It's a huge venue, yet it always feels busy, creating a carnival-like atmosphere and a sense that something of real significance is taking place. You get this impression frequently, whether it's in the thick of the parade or walking around the circuit after sunset. Call it what you will, there’s just something special about this event.
This truly is the biggest GT race in the world. But don't just take our word for it: book a ticket, make the trip, and experience the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa for yourself.
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EVENT INFO
If you're thinking of joining us at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, a variety of ticket options are available. These include access for Thursday and Friday only, which will allow fans to enjoy extensive practice and qualifying running, as well as support race action. A Sunday ticket will provide access around the circuit and to grandstands, plus paddock access, for the second half of the contest.
For those wishing to experience the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa in full, a General Entrance ticket covers Thursday through Sunday and allows access around the circuit and to grandstands, the Fan Village and the Saturday night music concert. For an even more immersive experience, fans can choose a General Entrance + Paddock ticket, which adds access to the bustling CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa paddock.
The timetable will be familiar to regular attendees; note that all times are CEST. Running begins on Tuesday 27 June with the Bronze Test (14:55), while the parade takes centre stage on Wednesday. Track action resumes at 11:20 on Thursday morning with Free Practice, followed by Pre-Qualifying at 18:10. Qualifying takes place at 21:20 and will determine the 20 Super Pole contenders, while also locking in grid positions 21 through 72. A 90-minute Night Practice (23:00) completes a busy day at the track.
Friday is all about Super Pole. First there's a 30-minute Warm-Up session (19:55) which is open to the full 72-car field. Then, at 20:35, the 20 fastest competitors from Qualifying will run in reverse order to decide who claims this year's CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa Super Pole. With the full grid set, all that remains is the main event. The start ceremony begins at 15:30, while the 75th CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa gets underway at 16:30 on Saturday 1 July. The usual live streaming will be available in English, French, German and Italian via the GT World YouTube channel, with full details to be confirmed closer to the event.
In terms of support events, the GT4 European Series, Lamborghini Super Trofeo, McLaren Trophy Europe and Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine will each stage a race on Friday afternoon and another before the main event on Saturday. The Fanatec Esports GT Pro Series and SRO Esports SIM Pro Series will each contest one-hour Assetto Corsa Competizione races in the Fanatec Esports Arena, which is located in the paddock. GT1 Sports Club Powered by Curbstone has five 30-minute sessions scheduled between Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon, the latter representing the final track activity before the main event.
This year’s CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa will be 75th edition of the Belgian endurance classic and the 23rd to be staged as a GT race. Should the full entry of 72 GT3 cars take the start, it will establish a new record for the event.
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