This time last year, we attended a Formula 1 race at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. It was a fantastic experience that I’m far enough removed from to question my level of detail. Instead, I’m going to post my journal entry for those days verbatim. Not only is this a great way to support laziness, it gives a direct link into my brain at the time. It’ll also let me put this journal I’ve had lying around for a year away. Sweet. You’ll have to forgive the pointed, somewhat unemotional nature; it’s just how I write journal entries. Facts baby, facts.
Saturday, Practice & Qualifying
Track is in middle of nowhere. 1 lane country roads to get there. Pass many farms & cows. Very hilly, thick/tall trees everywhere. Can hear cars from miles away.
€5 to park at farmhouse. Turned out to be pretty far away. Hitchhiked with 2 Brit guys.
Walked thru muddy field past many tents & campers.
Walked a lot of the track. HUGE hills, a couple dead ends for Bronze tickets. Must see steepness in person. (Eau Rouge!!) Terrain/views were amazing.
Weather was plain crazy. Pouring for 10 min then sunny & hot.
Cars were loud as shit. Forgot my earplugs.
Bought souveniers during Q2 when no one around. Go to see sights, not the race.
Headed back to Maastricht during GP2 race. 45 min. GPS not made for driving but did the job.
Sunday, Race Day!
Up at respectable hour to drive to track.
Breakfast at hotel, pretty good. Ate lots of smoked salmon.
Yellow parking was good idea. Line to get in but our section was full so we had overflow closer to entry. Fiat allowed us to park where others couldn’t, close to path. Walk down hill in woods to get to main entrance.
Race was fun because we were there and could see it. Scoped a spot so we could on TV and take pics thru hole in fence. Crap results, kinda knew it would happen. Weather was all over the place. Started to rain for real after the race.
4 pack of 50 cl bull beer
Walked on Eau Rouge and back straight after race. Took pics, was pretty cool to be on it.
Massive amounts of traffic getting out and on the highway for several miles. Eventually thinned out.
Looking back at this, I didn’t really talk that much about the cars or the racing. Having been to three F1 races now, I can honestly say that’s really not what the experience is about. I mean, it’s the reason you’re there… but it’s not the reason you’re there… if that makes sense. Anyway, if you have the chance to go that track, do it. No seriously, do it. The area will amaze you.