Spa-Francorchamps, the first century-old circuit
It was in 1921 that the glorious Belgian route, in its 14 km long version, was inaugurated with a motorcycle race: Spa is the only circuit still in operation to cross the milestone of 100 years of existence!
Three superb works to celebrate this centenary.
The only high-place of motorsport prior to the Belgian track is none other than the Indianapolis speedway, built in 1909 and the 500 Miles theater since 1911. Historians may argue that Le Mans saw the The first ACF Grand Prix took place in 1906, but on a course far removed from that used today during the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The greatest champions have distinguished themselves at Spa.
Spa-Francorchamps is therefore indeed the oldest circuit still in operation. On the occasion of this anniversary, three books are published as official centenary books to retrace a hundred years of racing on the Ardennes ring. They highlight a century of competition because practically all categories of motorsport and all the great champions have passed through the Eau Rouge valley.
Nostalgia sweats by revisiting the past of the circuit.
The first two volumes (1921 to 1956 then 1957 to 1978), written by Claude Yvens and Christophe Gaascht, evoke the legendary 14 km long route before and after the Second World War by offering mostly unpublished illustrations as well as crisp anecdotes period: nostalgia sequence.
Contemporary part: the new portion of the track.
As for the third volume, produced by the editorial staff of F1i Under the leadership of Pierre Van Vliet and Martin Businaro, he recounts in detail the metamorphosis of the track in 1979 when the layout was halved while retaining its both natural and selective character, thanks to the precious testimony of Jacky Ickx.
Jacky Ickx with the authors of volume 3, PVV and the Buzz!
We then relive the last forty years over the pages enjoying an exceptional iconography in a 30 cm x 30 cm format that highlights the circuit from all angles with the help of some of the best photographers of the paddock. By completing this trilogy, we understand better why Spa-Francorchamps is considered the most beautiful circuit in the world: here is the ideal Christmas present …
