SpaItalia 2014.

I am pleased to be able to share part of an email I received this evening.



It's later in the year than usual, but it means that there will be some time to recover from the 20th anniversary trip to Turin in June.

It will shortly be announced officially, as soon as I have more info I will let you all know.

That's great news Pete , I'm going to put some mileage on my coupe in 2014 but will be worth it for the 20th anniversary 3 day meet in turin and spa .

Hooray finally ! that's fantastic.
It's a long way off but good news all the same.
our alternative plan must have forced their hand

Well done guys for persevering

Brilliant news, thanks Pete

Thats great news! Thanks for sharing Pete!

You're right Iain its going to be a heavy year on the Coupe!

Awesome!

Just booked hotel

Sounds excellent!

I'm in the middle of talks with the organisers now about costs.

It won't be as cheap as in 2012, but assuming we get 3 25minute sessions over the weekend, who wants to go and how much is the maximum you would be prepared to pay?

Looking at the Le Mans trip Joe organised this year the cost was £235.50. I hope to be able to get well below that but I do need to know likely numbers at each price break.

Please stick your names on a list indicating £150, £175, £200 or more than that.

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2.
3.

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC (I'm a maybe)
3.

But how much would you be prepared to pay Joe? I need figures.

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC (I'm a maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.

Yes the same as Joe so around the £175 mark.

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC £175.00 (Maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC £175.00 (Maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.
4. Kayjey £150 unless I can find a better paid job £200 (knowing I don't have to travel the channel)

Hi Pete,

Bearing in mind that at Spa's own track sessions >>Public Track Days << around £220(€260) you get 4 sessions. That is without any discount that could be negotiated for the club attending en masse. Based on that then IMHO £150 is the max we should pay for 3 sessions. I'll speak to the Spa Circuit again and see what discount they could offer to the club on their own public sessions. Might prove to be useful leverage in negotiations with the Spa Italia organisers or even a more viable option.
Good to hear you have negotiations are under way.

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC £175.00 (Maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.
4. Kayjey £150
5. £150 Lego

Also something to consider is a OPL day at Spa with Trackdays, September rates are £279.00 and you get to go on track as much or as little as you like.

Like LeMans this year a group booking would get a slightly better deal.

Trackdays Spa

Thanks for the input, but I am not simply negotiating track time, rather participation at a weekend event at an advantageous cost.

Any one with an Italian car will be able to go to the weekend as an individual but they will pay considerably more that way.

No problem Pete, thanks for doing the negotiations again

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC £175.00 (Maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.
4. Kayjey £150
5. £150 Lego
6. Coupedummy and Brother £150

Great news Pete that this is going forward.Thank you

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC £175.00 (Maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.
4. Kayjey £150
5. Lego £150
6. Coupedummy and Brother £150
7. Nismo £150
8. MrC £150

Great news Pete that this is going forward . Thank you

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC £175.00 (Maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.
4. Kayjey £150
5. Lego £150
6. Coupedummy and Brother £150
7. Nismo £150
8. MrC £150
9. HoveDan £175. Plus extra sessions when I'm there if the track forget to put my card details through again

Thanks for your efforts Pete

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC £175.00 (Maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.
4. Kayjey £150
5. Lego £150
6. Coupedummy and Brother £150
7. Nismo £150
8. MrC £150
9. HoveDan £175. Plus extra sessions when I'm there if the track forget to put my card details through again evil
10. MCMike £175, but 2 sessions is probably enough for my old girl

Hello boys
I will come from Italy, can I run with you on track?
Must I become an fccuk member?

Thanks in advance

Hi Gimmo,

Of course you can come on track with us, we run it for all coupe enthusiasts.

We welcome people from all over Europe, the more the better, usually about 50% come from mainland Europe.

No you don't have to join the club to come with us, but it may cost a little less if you do.

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC £175.00 (Maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.
4. Kayjey £150
5. Lego £150
6. Coupedummy and Brother £150
7. Nismo £150
8. MrC £150
9. HoveDan £175. Plus extra sessions when I'm there if the track forget to put my card details through again evil
10. MCMike £175, but 2 sessions is probably enough for my old girl
11. stuart81 £150

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC £175.00 (Maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.
4. Kayjey £150
5. Lego £150
6. Coupedummy and Brother £150
7. Nismo £150
8. MrC £150
9. HoveDan £175. Plus extra sessions when I'm there if the track forget to put my card details through again evil
10. MCMike £175, but 2 sessions is probably enough for my old girl
11. stuart81 £150
12. Mayzon £150

[quote=mayzon]1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC £175.00 (Maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.
4. Kayjey £150
5. Lego £150
6. Coupedummy and Brother £150
7. Nismo £150
8. MrC £150
9. HoveDan £175. Plus extra sessions when I'm there if the track forget to put my card details through again evil
10. MCMike £175, but 2 sessions is probably enough for my old girl
11. stuart81 £150
12. Mayzon £150
13. Jbt £200 as many sessions as possible
14. Crazylegs £200 as many sessions as possible

Thanks for the persistence Pete

Hi Pete,

Thank you for taking up the negotiations on this So you know at LeMan last year we had unlimited track time for the price if that helps into the figuring.

I think its likely most people will elect to spend as little as possible to get onto the track if they can. But it all depends on the cost vs what we would get track time wise.


1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC £175.00 (Maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.
4. Kayjey £150
5. Lego £150
6. Coupedummy and Brother £150
7. Nismo £150
8. MrC £150
9. HoveDan £175. Plus extra sessions when I'm there if the track forget to put my card details through again evil
10. MCMike £175, but 2 sessions is probably enough for my old girl
11. stuart81 £150
12. Mayzon £150
13. Jbt £200 as many sessions as possible
14. Crazylegs £200 as many sessions as possible
15. Sedicivalvole £175 dependant on the amount of sessions

Excellent, top work.

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC £175.00 (Maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.
4. Kayjey £150
5. Lego £150
6. Coupedummy and Brother £150
7. Nismo £150
8. MrC £150
9. HoveDan £175. Plus extra sessions when I'm there if the track forget to put my card details through again evil
10. MCMike £175, but 2 sessions is probably enough for my old girl
11. stuart81 £150
12. Mayzon £150
13. Jbt £200 as many sessions as possible
14. Crazylegs £200 as many sessions as possible
15. Sedicivalvole £175 dependant on the amount of sessions
16. Ben20vt £200

Ok Thanks Pete

So is there anything else on offer from the organisers apart from track time?
I may well be happy to pay more if I know what it is.

I could be tempted to go this year, now that I won't be travelling all year. Might have to get my aircon gassed before heading into Europe late summer :-). I would be happy with 175. Thanks Pete

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

As above its certainly scheduled to run.
Unsure if i can but if any help needed Pete i am happy to assist.

Thanks Reub, the best thing you can do for now is come along and bring your mates too. On the Saturday of the event, help getting passes to everyone will be much appreciated.

Hopefully I am in the final stages of negotiations and should soon be able to let everyone know what is happening.

same for me Pete , if you need ahand with anything just ask

Great news, hoping a few other coupe people will pop along such as my brother.

As above happy to help keep this event alive as long as possible.

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC £175.00 (Maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.
4. Kayjey £150
5. Lego £150
6. Coupedummy and Brother £150
7. Nismo £150
8. MrC £150
9. HoveDan £175. Plus extra sessions when I'm there if the track forget to put my card details through again evil
10. MCMike £175, but 2 sessions is probably enough for my old girl
11. stuart81 £150
12. Mayzon £150
13. Jbt £200 as many sessions as possible
14. Crazylegs £200 as many sessions as possible
15. Sedicivalvole £175 dependant on the amount of sessions
16. Ben20vt £200
17. Insy £150 (although I'd probably only do 2 sessions)

I might be back in a coop soon (weighing it all up), if I decide against, I might taking the Alfa (if I'm welcome to join in!).

Insy ..definitely make the journey either way! Alfa looks lovely aswell.

I'll keep an eye on this. I'll be looking at coupes again around May time. So if I get one and it's not too late to book a place then i'm seriously interested!

I'd only be coming for the weekend and taking as little time of work as possible, as I also have to fit a wedding and honeymoon in this summer.....

Anymore news on Spa Pete?

Looks to be a great year for the coupes.

I'm just waiting on costs for the track damage insurance Reub.

Once I have that I can finalise things; we have agreed a package with the organisers.

thats good news Pete .

Great news. Thanks again pete.

Pete- Will probably go anyway, but do you think there's any way I could do a session at some point in the Clio? I think I remember there was a session or two at the last one with non-Italian cars. But that may be for the locals/track regulars? Do people remember that?

I'll ask Jonny, but I don't know how those non-Italian cars were on the track in 2012.

Previous to then it was only non-Italian support vehicles that were allowed into the display areas.

I'll let you know what they say.

Yes it did seem strange. Track day organisers and the circuits themselves often have a few 'friends' that have access whenever they like. I expect they'll say no, but thanks for asking.

We are now taking bookings for this event here are the details.

so will there be 1hrs parade laps too on the saturday morning ?

Quite probably, but the full programme has yet to be announced by the organisers.

I expect it to be similar to those in previous years which included Grande Parade, Scuderia, rides in track Ferraris and a road rally as well as various static events.

Edit Here is the link to the English version of their website. Not much on it yet, the French version says that the programme will be released soon.

thanks for the info Pete and all your hard work putting this together .

Here here

I'm never one for wishing my life away, but these 8 months can't pass soon enough

A brilliant event, very glad to see it back on the calendar.

Brilliant, well done and thanks Pete! Seeing this has put me one step closer to coupe ownership again!!

Great news.. cant wait! Cheers Pete.

Dan is the lady coming along this year? Do i bring the Mrs???

Lads weekender!

Thanks Pete for all your handwork! Roll on Spa!

How much are we saving on our heavily discounted track sessions Pete?

Just want to gauge how much we'll expect to pay for non discounted extra track time and Parade laps etc. As there is no info on the organisers website yet.

Simon has just told me the price of the ferry from Newcastle for us So need to tot-up figures to see if I can actually afford this trip before I pay the non-refundable deposit.

I don't have all the figures either yet Mark, but weekend admission to the circuit without any track time is 90€, about double what it was in 2012.

Sorry Pete, but you must have had a figure to conclude it was heavily discounted.

So if £175 for 2 sessions is the heavily discounted price - should we expect to pay in excess of £200 for an extra track 2 sessions or parades?. With the increase in costs it is very possible that we will not get 60 cars and only 2 sessions on track, so people will want extra sessions.

We should really have these figures and some published info on the event before being asked to commit a non- refundable deposit on the 14th of Feb.

Mark, I have already told you that we do not have all these figures.

The heavily discounted part is in relation to what we were initially asked to pay, which was something less than the casual participant will have to pay.

That figure is not something that I am prepared to discuss here.

But just working on the figures we know it is not too difficult to see where it is going.

Scuderia in 2012 was £128 per session with £45 admission for the weekend.

The public deal this year already has a weekend admission to the event of 90€ or £76.

Even if the Scuderia did not increase on 2012 prices we are already talking of £203 for weekend admission + 50 minutes on track at public rates.

That is already more than the club has negotiated for weekend entry and a guaranteed 2 track sessions with a possible 3rd.

Scuderia prices will increase. There is no doubt about that: For example the Ferrari experience has increased from 150€ to 200€ per session.

Here is what their website is showing today. It is as yet only in French and does not show Scuderia prices.

Before the deadline for you committing your money - we have already committed ours - the SpaItalia website will be showing the full programme and costs.

That is why we set the deadline to the middle of March.

If all you are interested in is a day going round the track, then you may well be advised to book with a trackday company.

SpaItalia is about more than just going round & round.

Pete,

As a club member I'm only asking about prices I don't see why you can't discuss figures in the Club Members forum It's club business.
You said it was "heavily discounted" so i thought you would know what that price was! but they have yet to publish any prices or info so we don't know that or anything else yet

I'm sorry Pete, but Spa is a Motor Racing Track and one of the best if not the best in the World. It is exactly all about going round and round that fantastic track. Being with other club members and the camaraderie afterwards is a bonus.

We can meet other members, see Italian cars , buy t-Shirts, clothing, car paraphanalia and pay over the odds for burgers, chips, and crap lager at Meets all over the UK for a lot less. There was nothing remotely prestigious about the stuff on offer at the Spa 2012 I went to.

Money is a factor for many of us and yes before negotiating any discount -I could just book track time at the Spa Public days and pay the standard price of £212 for 4 guaranteed 25 minute sessions. So of course I'm going to compare £175 for 2 sessions to these prices as nothing thing else is on offer at SpaItalia that adds any value to the price being offered.

OK so you didn't much like the 2012 SpaItalia.

It was not the best there has ever been, but it was not typical and I say that as someone who has been to every one since 2007.

If you don't want to go in 2014 then fine, but please do not decry the efforts the club is continuing to put in to put a worthwhile event together.

Bit mystified why the apparent criticism of the event, i went 3 (4?) years on the trot and enjoyed every minute of which only 60 were spent on track.

To me its ALL about the camaraderie, friendships, smells, experiences, laughs, ambience etc of the entire 3 days i was there. Even travelling with like-minded people on ferries, motorways and trains was an awesome experience. If i had a coop i'd be going, £175 is cheap as chips for what you get. it's what you put into it too that's rewarding.

Best event by a million miles in my opinion, a paltry amount for long-lasting friendships and experiences and i'd say to anyone reading this thread don't be swayed by anyone other than the plenty of fully-participating people who have been and continue to go.

Well done Pete on yet more brilliant work and negotiating for OUR club and OUR members

I never said I don't want to go and I liked very much Spa 2012. All the other stuff at the track was run of the mill and nothing special and did not have any of the prestige or added value that you alluded to.

This years SpaItalia is being run by completely new organisers and we have no idea how good an event it is going to be? Organisers who have not even published any proper info on a program of events or any normal prices for participants yet our club has signed up already, sent a deposit and told us it's a good deal. Why would you not be able to discuss figures in the members forum? It should be open and transparent.

Sorry but if Spa Circuit were willing to discuss discounting down from £212 their standard 4x25min public sessions for 50+ Cars - then possibly paying well over £400 for 4 at SpaItalia is poor deal.

Steve, I couldn't agree more with you - jump in as a passenger?!

This will be my third (or fourth) such event at Spa. I'm as much looking forward to the evenings out around Spa (Stavelot square) than I am about wringing the neck of my coupe round the circuit itself.

Last time up, in 2012, I wasn't charged by the circuit for either of the grand parades or the scuderia I did on the last day (no surprise it didn't make any money!), and even had I had been, it would still have been cheap at half the price.

Think for a minute. Fully fledged track days (not public touring laps) come in at around £495-795 at Spa.

The entire trip, with 4 nights accommodation and evenings out will come in somewhere in that figure.

I think Marko has a right to ask a few questions as a club member. Money is tight for many. For some of us its a very long trip.

Its also natural for us Spa veterans to defend any type of negative talk,due to the fact we love it so much and this shows with Steve and Dans recent posts. Which i of course agree with.

2012 was a bit quiet compared to other years but the social side allways makes it all worthwhile.

Probably not helped by it pishing down lots of the time and therefore slightly less social inter-action which, as Dan says, is a huge part of the whole. Everyone has the right to their view, just don't be surprised when people who've been more and seen brilliant times tend to disagree - just saying

He Dan and Proccy I totally agree with you I had a fantastic time at Spa 2012 I posted to say that after Spa 2012. Here it is at bottom of page

And was it you Dan? that said the best fun you've had with your trousers on.
Definitely the best thing I've done on 4 wheels and great meeting other members, getting advice, getting free gardening gloves from proccy eating out, visiting WW2 sites etc etc. That's the stuff that makes meets and events such as Spa. Never said anything against any of that.

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC £175.00 (Maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.
4. Kayjey £150
5. Lego £150
6. Coupedummy and Brother £150
7. Nismo £150
8. MrC £150
9. HoveDan £175. Plus extra sessions when I'm there if
the track forget to put my card details through again
10. MCMike £175, but 2 sessions is probably enough for
my old girl
11. stuart81 £150
12. Mayzon £150
13. Jbt £200 as many sessions as possible
14. Crazylegs £200 as many sessions as possible
15. Sedicivalvole £175 dependant on the amount of sessions
16. Ben20vt £200
17. Insy £150 (although I'd probably only do 2 sessions)
18. Edinburgh £150, all bee-ing well

Cool!!!! Would be marvellous to see you humming round my local track!

At my age I can't see me buzzing anyone

But hey, can't have Barnacle always being the oldest one there

Oi! I resemble that remark!

I can see this going round in circles

There will be myself, brother Neil, Chris and Leemcmini booked up shortly.

Can i ask, does the £175 ticket cover two people attending and driving as per previous years?

Strictly speaking the admission ticket is for car, driver and 1 passenger.

There should only be one driver per car. In previous years any second driver was sneaked in under the radar.

sorry for sounding thick but how much deposit is needed to secure a place?

Just £75 - click for more details.

Thank you Pete. Will be giving the deposit shortly , just sorting work commitments out.

Now got some more information.

There will be a 25 minute Grande Parade session at lunchtime both days.

This will be FOC to all participants and available for up to 250 cars each session.

The Scuderia sessions have been split into two categories: Sport car (up to 300bhp) and Super car (more than 300bhp).

There will be 3 x 25 minute sessions in each category each day available at 100€ per session, or 250€ for 3 sessions.

It will be possible for the club to book them on your behalf as in previous years. I'll be putting up a booking form soon.

Great - thanks Pete, I do enjoy the Grande Parade

Good news, thanks Pete!

cheers Pete .

Pete, did you have any luck with the question about non Italian cars. I know they've probably got 100 other things to deal with...

Cheers

Jonny

Sorry Jonny, it slipped my mind.

And off the track wearing his full race suit

Ah. The Sting!

I think some yellow pointy things would go well.

Now that's really funny that is Neil

Hmm, most apt for a Bee-keeper!

Hi Pete,

I'd really love to attend this year, but there is a chance that my company will be shipping me off to Japan for the last 4months of the year, but I wont know for sure until at least end of April, so cannot commit yet. How important is sending the deposit in by 16th March to secure a place?

It is fairly important as it will allow the club to judge whether we are likely to get enough participants to be able to take up the 3rd track session.

Other than that, mid July is the final deadline for payment as we have to pay the balance to the organisers then.

It's looking unlikely I'll able to make it this year as the car has and is costing me too much money.

Properly sad as it's the best track and weekend you can get!

Unless something amazing happens I'll see you all next year!

Mart you know it makes sense to come mate. I can bring you lots of drinky!

Hi Pete I've paid my deposit for spa.

Please let me know when full payment is required.

I would like as much track time that is available.

Can not wait had such a good time last time around.

Thanks Shaun, full payment by early July please.

Haha the magoo brew nearly finished me last time!

Not completely ruling it out but as is stands I'm completely skint so can't put the deposit down!

We can be flexible about the deadline to pay deposits if it helps Martin. (and anybody else)

Hi Pete, now paid my Spa deposit

Are you able to estimate how many participants we need now to get the 3 sessions of track time?

Simon.

Yes, getting on towards 50 in total to break even. This has not been a problem in previous years.

Going to pay my deposit when I get home. My bro can't make it this year

I need a bit more time Pete if that is ok. Mrs Lego has a Significant birthday this summer and wants to go to Florence for it. I also have a couple of other major family events to finalise for this summer, so I really need to get these booked before I can safely(without justifiable criticism) organise a fourth Petrolhead Jolly for 2014. I Should have it done soon.

No problem with that Mark. I hope you can make it.

The mid March deadline was to see if we could get enough participants for 3 track sessions for £175 for club members.
Unfortunately it does not look likely.

We can continue to add participants up to 7th July but can only be certain of offering weekend entry and 2 track sessions to ourselves.

Can Alpha owners come with us and count towards the total needed. I could try to coax a couple of Alpha owners I know to come along.

No problem with Alfa owners joining us Mark. There is already one from the French lads coming, but I only have the option of the 3rd session open until the end of March.

Hi Pete,
Tried transferring last night but dam tsb need my most recent phone number which will take 3 days to add.

July is the next date then? Broke down in the alfa tonight so this weeks wages may go there. Im definitely in though.

Oh yes, their new call back if you want to make a transfer to a new account. It used to be just wait for an hour after filling in the new payee details.

For those going over by sea, Ferrycheap have a 20% discount deal for bookings made before the end of March.

It works out at £56.00 return out Friday, back Sunday. Dover to Dunkirk route.

Dfds are doing return for £48 with code
ENFF20S

Thanks John, will have a look at that and dig round further.

That code nor the E14EBO one on DFDS's site did not work for the dates we need.

Edit, It did work at the 3rd attempt.

Yeah I had to OCD it 5 times before it worked as well.

Seems I'm late. Sorry.

1. Petep - £ the best I can get for us all.
2. CC £175.00 (Maybe)
3. Maggoagain £175.
4. Kayjey £150
5. Lego £150
6. Coupedummy and Brother £150
7. Nismo £150
8. MrC £150
9. HoveDan £175. Plus extra sessions when I'm there if
the track forget to put my card details through again
10. MCMike £175, but 2 sessions is probably enough for
my old girl
11. stuart81 £150
12. Mayzon £150
13. Jbt £200 as many sessions as possible
14. Crazylegs £200 as many sessions as possible
15. Sedicivalvole £175 dependant on the amount of sessions
16. Ben20vt £200
17. Insy £150 (although I'd probably only do 2 sessions)
18. Edinburgh £150, all bee-ing well
19. Per £150

No problem Per, will be good to see you there.

Prices are fixed at £195 for non-club members or 210€ if paying in euros.

Hi petep, 210 euros for how many sessions? 2 or 3?
Can Alfists come with us?

I can ask in Italy if some coupe' owner wants.

Deadline is in July, exact?

Hi Gimmo, unfortunately there are not enough of us to pay for the 3 sessions so it is just 2 plus a Grande Parade.

July is the deadline still and it is possible for a few Alfistes to join us.

It seems I'm coming to this now

With your 16 Alexis?

Indeed

I might be able to come too, i'm still in negotiation with my wife-to-be!

Looking forward to seeing it.

Lol, I don't see the need for negotiation. No Spa, no wedding

First to call shotgun

your too late I've already done that

When did you do that. I don't seem to remember

at brooklands !!! all that vapeing has gone to your head

Fair enough He's more likely to crash it on the first go anyway

hahahaha

Oi! Do you want to ride shotgun or not

Yes please

Anyone interested in the Nürburgring afterwards? I know a nice cheap place next to the gate. And Pistelklaue... Was thinking of going there for 2 nights or so.

I really want to but... from the wide open Spa with plenty of run-off areas to the narrow unforgiving confines of Nurburgring where a little mistake by me or another would mean bye bye Fiat Coupe.

It's not far though about 1.5 to 2 hours away.

Lego if you go all you need to do is just follow Per and his lines!

I'm going to meet up with Marco20ValveT at Nurburgring for a quick lap or two before heading home on the sunday , would get him to come to Spa but he'll be in the M3 .

He can come in and join us.

He will have to leave his car in the park next to the entrance is all. Entry without a car is 10€ or less at the gate.

Has anyone got a spare passenger seat that I can go/come back in?

Happy to put in cash for petrol/ferry etc... even lend a hand with spannering if they go on track.

its 50 miles from Spa

Where are you Chris?

i'll let him know .

If he is going to be staying at either the campsite or the hotel, then I'm sure there will be an seat available for him in a coupe in the morning. Driver and one passenger is included in our tickets.

Near oxford, but happy to drive a bit south easterly to make things easier.

Oops, I'm driving from Edinburgh to Newcastle then catching the ferry - don't think this suits you much!

Any places left on this trip?

Yes, we can keep it open until mid July.

Does everyone just sort out their own travel arrangements and hotels? Is there anywhere a few people are staying? Are most people going euro tunnel? Sorry if this is covered anywhere?

*Ahem* you're not far from me stevo

Yes it is covered stevo, details are in the first post of this section for the hotel or campsite.

Some people will use the tunnel, others use the Dover - Dunkirk ferry crossing. A matter of personal preference.

It is a good idea to get an early start on the Friday morning; Friday afternoon on the Brussels ring road is no fun.

If I go I can give you a lift Nobby. Just wondering if everyone was booking on the same ferry etc for a convoy down?

Ah cool thanks Stevo. Happy to go along with whatever plan suits you. A convoy would be excellent idea though.

Ha, well done that man

Hapy to join you for convoy steveo

How are you getting across the water CoupeDummy. Also are you staying in the hotel listed in the first section of Spa 2014?

Nope I've booked a caravan at the campsite so far.

Unsure yet, I suppose what the majority book. I'm going book to stay in a hotel the night before in Ashford. Gives the car a run out and test before the journey.

I've yet to pay but will be stayin with my sister in Aalst.

Chris, I might have a spare seat, need to find out if the G/F is coming or not. I'm booked into the hotel with Nismo

Oh cheers. The offers are flying in

Hotel option sounds good - I'll check it out.

different rooms

Thats what YOU think. Top and tail last I heard.

Right should be taking the coupe to Joes next week to get an mot put on it and sort the brakes out. I guess depending on what the bill will come to will decide if I can then spend more on going to Spa. Yes it currently has no mot or tax and has been sat in a garage since January....

Is there any interest in the Nürburgring (touristfarten) afterwards? Pensionat Daniels is a very nice accomodation close to both the gate and Pistelklause.. They have a few double rooms and great breakfast and, value.

If we're a few from here I'd be happy to book it.

IMPORTANT.

Will all participants who have not yet paid in full please pay the outstanding balance before 7th July.

The club has to pay the organisers the balance shortly afterwards.

Thanks.

i'll get my full payment done tomorrow Pete .

Thanks Iain.

Paid now Pete.

payment sent today Pete .

Thanks Simon and Iain, payment received at the bank.

Paid as well Pete

Thanks Alexis.

Going to have to bail this year on account of what I have just spent the last couple of weeks. I could have got a cheap 20vt instead. Still long live the coupe... Have fun guys and girls.

is it still possible to come along/ meet you there. cause i kinda live next to the track give or take a mile or two
How much is the price and for how long a time? given my coupe is fully standard i don't think ill be spending that much time on the track, more a opportunity to meet you guy's and offer you all that bear i promised

Hi, yes it is still possible to join us.

The price is 210€ for which you get entry for both days, 2 x 25 minute sessions on track which are solely for Fiat Coupes and a few invited friends with other cars.
It also includes the chance to take part in a 25 minute Grande Parade session on Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes.

Here is a post I put up on the French forum which may help

Thanks Pete.

i might live in the french part of belgium but i am dutch so no worry's, i speak better english then i do dutch to be fair. stupid i know.
Not sure if ill participate on the track runs yet. as said car is fully stock so not sure there is any point. most of it is cause i need to convince the wife to part with 210€ for this little fun time for daddy

best start gaining some browny points
"run's off to the flower shop to buy rozes"

Lots of cars taking part are fully stock which is plenty good enough to enjoy this wonderfull track. You also get to enter the parade laps with all types of Italian Cars and is very enjoyable too.

Pete - I've paid my balance..

Pete, sorry been a little absent on here of late - can I confirm the balance due is £100, and I'll send immediately.

Hi Dan, Yes it is £100 that is due.

Paid in full last night, I had forgotten all about it!

Mini convoy then down to Dover?

Monies just sent as a gift Pete, thanks!

Probably not since I will be collecting the kids straight after school on Friday and will be getting an early evening channel crossing to arrive at the hotel early hours Saturday morning, so I'll see you in the bar when we arrive?!

What are you trying to say about me?

That he knows the company you keep

hotel booked , ferry booked , roll on Spa

Any other one from Italy, apart me?
Or from Austria, Switzerland or Germany?

Ditto. And Iain's buying my first beer of the weekend for my ferry discount code

Hotel Dan?

ssshhh otherwise everyone will want a free beer

I mean a Travelodge the night before the ferry crossing.

Campsite booked at spa!

Everything sorted here now, so I will be coming . Emailed the campsite via their query page on Wednesday I think. Still not got back to me yet though. How long do they normally take?

They can be a bit slow Jonny. Give it a day or 3 mate.
@ Dan. Have you booked extra track time? If so let me know so i can book the same times!

Great stuff Jonny.

I'll book extra track time once there I expect Joe, as last two times I've done this I've not been charged for them

3rd time unlucky

There was room for 1 more car!
Dad and I will be coming too

Great news Ross! What are you plans for accommodation over there?

I'll try and get a twin room at the "Le Midi Hotel" although Dad does snore!

do what I do , ear plugs

Good man Mini convoy from Shalford it is then

you two can meet me at Maidstone services and convoy to Dove .

Got to pick my dad up in Southwater first, probably best to meat up at a M25 services. Suggestions?

Maidstone services will be best for me as i'll be coming from north London and heading east bound on the m25 towards the Dartford crossing .

Could meet you around Dorking / Reigate area?

Get yourselves in a static home on the campsite 2 mins from the circuit entrance. 1 minute if you drive enthusiastically.

You'll get a bedroom each there!

Is there anyone who will stay here?
http://en.eaurouge.nl/camping_ardennes/chalet_ardennes_rental

Maybe I will stay in camping because it is not so expensive

That is where those people who are not going to the hotel will be staying Gimmo.

That's exactly where I'm staying, along with coupedummy, magooagain and several others yes. Book it, it's a great place, brilliantly convenient (no half hour drive to the circuit), and slap bang in the middle of some very nice local towns and squares to go and eat in the evenings (as well as a BBQ on the campsite one night too!)

Great!
It will be fantastic to stay together!
I will be the only one from Italy, I dont' want to stay alone

The more the merrier Gimmo, you'll be welcome!

Not that I need it now (cheers Dan!) but I still haven't had a reply back from my request last Wednesday. Hopefully you'll get one.

Travelodge, ferry etc booked

But...

When do you arrive at the camping?

The day before SpaItalia (friday) or after Saturday track session?
I must reserve

We'll all be arriving on the Friday, around early afternoon

What Ferry are you getting Dan?
The 08:00?
I've just asked Dad what he'd prefer, said he'd quite like the idea of the static caravan. Who else is is going there (campsite) from the UK?
Is there eating out within walking distance? I can cook, but I'd rather not
I'd rather spend my time socialising

What do you think about a list of coopers tha will stay in camping inside static caravan?

There was one somewhere Gimmo, but damned if I can find it now.

It's hardly a static "caravan" - it's not gypsy at all!

They have static homes! With real beds, real showers and heating and everything!

Ross, you may need to pin the owner Franka down as she is notoriously slow at responding at this (busy) times of the year.

Others staying in the homes there are:

Myself and +1
Jonny
Coupedummy
Coupedummy's brother
Possibly another +1/+2 with them,
Magooagain and +1

and we may well add to that list
Gimmo
Pondman +1

3 homes booked so far that I know of.

...and a list of the folk who are living it up in the hotel !

McMike
Sedicivalvole
Begbie
Nobby
Nismo
PeteP
JBT?
crazylegs

+ me

Anyone up for some badminton on friday evening at the hotel? Mike?

Sure I'll have a knock, before I get too beered up !

Us 2 vs Kylie, I think that should be fair

Meeeeh. Two down in one go - always a pleasure.

Did they have squash courts as well? Might be more interesting.

don't think they have squash courts .

We will have to have a squash challenge at some point Kayjey

You might win a beer challenge Mike!

Sppppaaaaa! Cant wait

me too going be a great weekend ,

That camp; when are people arriving there? Figuring out where to stay, paying my sister a visit (in Aalst) or hanging out with you lot.. Which does sound fun!

People will be arriving Friday lunchtime onwards Per.

Does anyone want to go to Nurburgring?
Tuesday after SpaItalia is it open!

Hotel Le Midi booked!

I'm going! It's open on monday too.

what about the sunday Per after spa ? is it open then ?

I had to stay at thermal center with my girlfriend on monday..
http://www.thermesdespa.com/
Either she will kill me!

I can ask her if we can go to the 'Ring on monday and to the thermal center on tuesday.

Per

Do you will go to the 'ring on monday afternoon?
Maybe there will be also me and my car!

But... one question about Spa

Why 3 sessions for us in this timetable?

That is interesting as we have only paid for 2 sessions. The 14:15 to 14:40 session on Saturday was only provisional if we got enough participants to pay for it. We did not manage to do so.

However... if they are happy for us to have the 3 sessions for the price of 2, then so am I.

3 sessions

Don't count on it, just be pleasantly surprised if it happens.

I'm up for "pleasantly suprised"

Time table says:

TIMING 2014
Provisional Timing 05/03/2014

So we don't know the REAL timing, because this is old.
On SpaItalia site I haven't find newer infos

Yes, I think so. Haven't booked anything yet, but we can decide monday! Send me PM if you need accomodation.

Maybe even more ringrunners will follow..?

Your mailbox of private messages is full

Don't you stay in camping?
I haven't yet booked, because I don't know if I will go to Parig before or after Spa+Ring

Aaahh sorry! Cleeeeean up time! (Lennon)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu34Kw490Ws

Thanks Nismo! Neat.

For all you guys (and galls?) who are preparing for Spa: Good Luck
Please take a look at this video about the mighty circuit and enjoy for what's in store for you.
you tube

a proper Fishy Dave video of the FCCUK-ers' journey

nice find Alesi .

And try not to do a Barnacle on Pouhon!

I'll try and keep this on track,

Q1. Has the Spa trip always been on or around this time of year?
Q2. What is the weather usually like?
Q3. What tyres should I be considering?

I have some Prada Spec 2's on my 17" rims with 25mm hubcentric spacers which are a great dry track/road tyre but scary in the wet; or some Goodyear Eagle F1's (V-groove) on standard 16" rims which are a good all rounder, decisions, decisions........

Please help me decide

I'm also considering taking out the back seats and carrying the 16" wheels as a spare set if it is wet?

Q1. Has the Spa trip always been on or around this time of year?

No it's normally earlier in the year.

Q2. What is the weather usually like?

Hot, but it's Spa so the place has it's own weather system so you'll be burning in the pits but then you'll get rained on all the way over by the Medical centre.

Q3. What tyres should I be considering?

Anything track rated as road tyres are eaten in only a few laps.

'Stick like strippers glitter' lol

If, like me, anyone hadn't got round to booking their ferry, www.aferry.com are selling crossings Dover - Dunkirk go 08:00 Friday return 20:00 Sunday at £50 return.

That's slightly annoying having already booked it a couple of weeks ago direct through DFDS and it was £60 return

Same here !!! normally the ferries get more expensive as your near departure date..still good spot Pete

my fault for rushing to get it booked , i'll give you both a £10 hugging/kissing token to be redeemed by Sedicivalvole enjoy .

It's not a problem mate, just give me the pads and we'll call it quits !

you can have my old worn out pads mate , they make a lovely grinding noise when you put your foot on the brake but your have to pay for delivery

I would say that's a more than generous offer

Alexis, when you booked did you just get a simple conformation email with a bar code? i.e. An e-ticket of sorts? Looks very plain!
Or did they send you any thing?

I didn't get anything sent but copied the booking form and was sent an e-mail that I have printed off .

Started to get excited about this now !!! it's going be great

Yeah Iain, I printed it off too, but it just looks too plain for an e-ticket, nothing like an airline ticket. I assume that's all we need, ohh and passport and beer money

You just need the reference number Pondman, I'm sure they have number plate recognition so you probably don't even need that.

as mike said , its all on the reg of the car and the booking reference number , don't forget petrol money too

I think we still need breathalyser kits for the transit through France, although I seem to remember reading somewhere that was being scrapped.

And don't forget a credit card to buy fuel at the track, there are none manned / cash pumps

and charge the earth for fuel

There is a Total station before the town of Malmedy on the left.You need to exit Spa circuit from the rear entrance(tunnel).Go straight past Camping Eau Rouge and then its about 500metres on left.
Quick and easy plus a bit cheaper.

What's the deal with 99RON fuel in France/Belgium? Is it readily available?

I used one in Malmedy a few years back, miserable bunch of Flemish speakers there, and more to the point, they did not accept Visa or MasterCard.

That was back in 2007, so hopefully it will have changed by now if it is the same place.

Strange that Pete! only found French speakers in that area before. I love the town though,had a few great nights out there!

Yes that's what I thought Joe, French speaking area but I came across that miserable lot. Perhaps they felt outnumbered.

By contrast when I went through Eupen another year, I really thought I was 20km away in Germany - everything street names, road signs, shop names was German.

I stopped to ask the way of someone and had to use German to be understood.

you can get 102 or 104 i can't remember inside the race tracks

Never saw any 102/104 on any of the years I've been Iain??

Ross, 98 is the flavour at most pumps, so take an octane booster to mix...

@fuel: you could use this free mobile App to locate any fuel station near you.
Enter 'SPA 4900' and you'll see the stations close to the circuit.

Do you know if is there a language tab to change to English? Good app otherwise

Gawd blimey lads!Petrol stations aint hard to find!

There's a petrol station just outside the circuit, as well as the one inside, with no or little difference in prices from what I can remember.

You can buy chocolate from the one outside the circuit though

you could use a free mobile App to locate any chocolate

Watching the Grand Prix at the weekend reminded me about this year's trip to Spa! Have fun folks, really jealous of you all! My 2 previous visits have been 2 of the best weekends away I've had!

If it's on next year i'm going to make a real effort to go!!

I just booked a room in Nürburg from sunday to wednesday, if anybody wants to hang out some more.

The tickets will be sent to me next week to distribute to all participants.

Please make sure that you have sent me your current address by pm if you want them posted to you.

It is possible to hand them over on the 0800 Dover Dunkirk ferry on the Friday morning or at the Hotel le Midi in Verviers on Friday evening if anyone wishes.

Thanks.

i'll grab mine on the ferry Pete or at le midi .

Post mine please Pete.

I'll see you on the ferry Pete, thanks!

Ferry or Hotel fine for me Pete...thanks for all your efforts in sorting this.

I grab mine on the ferry Pete, let's hope I get there on time

Another track related Q: I assume as it is a track we require both front and rear towing eyes?
Correct me if I'm wrong, the rear is a male thread and the front is a female thread?
Anybody got a spare set I could borrow for the trip?
Not that they will get any use, at least I bloody hope not!!! (Touching a lot of wood!)

Towing eye's are the same Pondman. I should have a spare i can dig out for you. Do you need two then?

Now I'm no old hand at this but on the Spa track advice pages it only refers to one towing eye, and that should be fitted before entering the arena.

one for the front should be ok .

One for the front is all that's needed Ross.

If you need pulling out by the rear, you'll need a skip not a towing eye

that's not a nice photo to put up before Spa Alesi but the tow eye survived .

No its not,but its a good reminder to have some decent tyres!

very true .

Not long now people? Hows preparations coming?

New Toyo 888s arrived this weekend. 225x45 x16 this time.
I have a 2 hour session on the 13th to bed em in. With luck. A new size to me, so i will let you know how they go.

Coupe is still bloody fast since the work in the spring. But its thirsty on full boost 1.35 set. FCP.

I am looking forward to letting her rip at spa.

The power seems endless to be honest.

Don't know ask Joe aka CountryCrusing

I shall check the oil and water as usual and that's about it hopefully. It already has the club stuff in the boot.

Oh yes, make sure I have peoples' tickets with me.

Saw the coupe today pondman. Very tidy motor! Im sorted! Just need to sort brothers coupe

I shall be getting a hair cut and going on a crash diet so I can fit into Begbies seats....

Really looking forward to it even though I won't be driving. It'll be nice to give the R32 a decent run there and back

I'll gliptone my seats

I've pumped up my tyres so i'm ready to go .

I've bought some new rubber, so consumables ready to roll.

Just the MOT to sort and she's good to go

After Knockhill the other nicht I definitely need better pads. Ordering Carbotech X8s tomorrow.

These questions have no doubt been asked already so apologies.

Do we need to book Parade laps in Advance?

Do we need to Book Scuderia in Advance or can we do at track.

Anybody doing the rally, Italian Lunch?

Parade laps are part of the package but Scuderia laps you can get at the track and I'm not doing the rally .

There some space in our van if anyone needs some cheap digs for the weekend.

Im going in my brother's coupe now

what's up with yours Reubs ?

Few suspension items to be done and alittle problematic with sensor etc of late.
I am also out of work ATM so funds are tight so make sense for me and bro to take one motor. Split fuel, ferry etc.

So my ticket will be available if Pete doesn't have someone inline for it.

Gutted as I would rather be in my own car just just wrong timing.

Either way I am going still without a doubt!

Thanks Reuben, it will look even tidier when Joe has worked his magic upon it

i don't plan on driving on the circut with the coupe but i do plan on stopping by and saying hello to you guy's but not sure i'll be allowed in or near you guy's... any thoughts on this?

There won't be a problem, the paddock is open to all visitors. Look forward to meeting you.

Pete I wondered if you'd already sent out Lego's and my tickets?

Nope, not received them yet.

When they arrive I will let everyone know on this thread.

Ok

Our ferry tickets are taking their time too.

I have just received our tickets.

From the serial numbers ours were the first to go out.

I will be sending out the car ticket + 1 participant wristband + 1 guest wristband together with a copy of the damage waiver and if I can find it an English translation I did a while back of the meaning of various track signals.

To collect your track passes you will have to go to the track office together with a completed waiver form.
It can be a bit of a scrum, in the past I used to do that bit of it.

I will be taking tickets to the club AGM for the following people.

McMike
Sedicivalvole
Nismo
Coupedummy's brother via CD.

If any other SpaItalia participants plan on going to the AGM tomorrow, please let me know before 10pm tonight.

I will replace my rear brakes next week, and then I will go to Paris and Spa, and Ring!

PeteP, how can I receive my tickets?
Can you give me them at Spa?

Does anyone want to have italian lunch?
I am so curious, I am italian

Hi all the breathalyser kit is still needed in France as I travel in the EU a lot and don't forget the spare bulb kit , 1st aid kit , breakdown triangle , GB badge if isn't on your reg plate as they are keen if they seen you. Been stopped a lot in the past couple off weeks.

Also try myferrylink

Hi Gimmo, I can either post them to you or give them to you at Spa. If you are going to Paris first it may be better to give them to you at Spa.

Where will you be staying?

All tickets for UK resident participants have been sent 1st class post this afternoon except those which I will be handing over personally.

Tickets for continental participants will be posted airmail in the morning.

Thanks Pete.

I'm looking at Driving Abroad, courtesy of AA.

Compulsory for France and Belgium:

Hi-vis jacket/waistcoat
Emergency warning triangle
GB plate (unless part of number plate) *
Original Registration document
Insurance
Breathalyser (France only, but since 21/1/13 the fine has been rescinded and you can't be prosecuted

Triangle also compulsory in Netherlands.


For you experienced chappies and chappesses does this sound about right?

I'll not be driving after dark so not toooo worried about the headlight dipper being iffy.....

* sticky GB plate or magnetic? would the latter be easy to nick?

Two vis Gillet kept in the car,not the boot! along with your favorite tipple. Dont forget spare bulbs and mot cert.
Oh and lots of beer tokens!

Yes, but,
1) who on the continent would want to be part of GB
2) will it actually be valid after "The Referendum"

Surly one way or other your plate should be Alba or Sco?

All said in jest, in case anyone were to take offence

Thanks for the list, jease! Those Europeans want just about everything!

Ha, if it goes the way of a Yes vote, independence wouldn't take effect till March '16 anyway, so Bad Luck!

Anyway the SCO plates are priceless atm, but I've bought euro GB plate stickers for 95p

Currently looking at the possibility of making an appearance at Spa, though I would be Coupéless...

Good stuff Bob, as long as you bring your drinking hat - why no Coupe though ?

Won't fit in hand baggage.

See you there Bob!

Tickets received for me and Lego, thanks.

Tickets received thanks Pete. Did you say insurance is included? Just wanted to check

I must take with me helmets?

And.. at Spa there will be someone who can help me to install boost gauge and blow off valve?

Thanks!

@Cooperman, Yes, insurance against trackside damage such as to the Armco etc is included Ashley. track cover for the cars themselves is not.

@Gimmo, yes you do need a helmet to take part in the coupe sessions but not for the Grandes Parades.

Yeah I'll give you a hand. Are you bringing some tools?

Thanks for the tickets Pete
Were you assuming I might miss the boat

Useful list of things to take for Spa:

Traveling to Spa

Ferry tickets
Passport
Sat Nav (optional)
Accommodation address/details
Mobile phone
Camera
Money (lots)
Drinks (non alcoholic) + other (maybe)
Snacks
Phone charger
Headache tabs + medication

Compulsory for France and Belgium:

Hi-vis jacket/waistcoat
Emergency warning triangle - Triangle also compulsory in Netherlands
GB plate (unless part of number plate) *
Original Registration document
Insurance
Breathalyser (France only, but since 21/1/13 the fine has been rescinded and you can't be prosecuted
First aid kit?

Useful/nessesary things to take for track time at Spa

Track tickets
Helmet/s
Tyre pressure gauge
Tow eye - front
Oil top-up
Wheel nut brace/socket
Brake fluid (really?)
Foot pump
Latex/nitrile gloves
Jack (maybe) if not in spare wheel

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please amend and alter as the experience and other parties find. This is just an idea, I'm sure someone must have done this before?

A passport might be handy Ross

Take plenty of drinks such as water, as prices are quite high for items like these, when you can buy 12 bottles for £2 over here.

Spare oil, brake fluid, coolant, etc - all handy if you have the room for them. Trolley jack, wheel brace, latex gloves, footpump (not for the latex gloves lol).

Adapter plugs for your phone chargers, etc.

Paracetamol/Ibuprofen/Alka Seltzer

Thanks T,
List amended

Thank you Nobby!
I will take my boost gauge one day before start, and maybe blow off valve directly at Spa (I have to confirm to a forum member) so I will have no time to install it.
What tools must I bring with me?

Thanks again!

Depends what is installed at the moment. If its a standard Fiat dump valve your replacing then will need just some flat screw drivers and jubilee clips (also depends if its a recirc one - need blanking plug otherwise).

For boost gauge again you need screwdrivers, piping to plumb it in (including t pieces, small jubilee clips) and something to do the wiring (wire strippers, heatshrink/insulating tape, solder/cable joiners). Where abouts are you planning to mount it too?

Edit: Put a post in the tuning section of what you are planning to fit/replace (with photos ideally) and we can see whats needed.

i'll have my tool kit with me Chris so can give you a hand .

I hope you all have a wonderful time. I would also like to come, but have no car till 2016 unless I buy another!


Please get some video footage, the higher powered cars should really fly on this circuit.

I intend to, don't worry. I'll even put the data logging over it as well, here's a previous video from something else last year, clicky

Excellent. I shall look forward to some highlights.

I have a suite of sorts here as i`m a long time VJ/snapper/etc. if anyone has footage and then struggles to process. Offer is open - I regularly trawl (and troll) through 20 hour HD game sessions.

Fair play too.
152 mph in neutral.

Any ideas re whether we need track day insurance for this event? Given its not competitive I was thinking maybe not?

It's down to you if you get track day insurance but I would get cover for France and Belgium as there are some nutter's on the road over there .

I have European insurance cover but was just uncertain over the need for track day cover?

i didn't the last time i went but kept a good lock on my rear view mirror as there are some very fast coupes out there on track .

I will likely feel like a caterham in a pack of faster cars then but it's more the chance just to drive the track for me to be honest:)

Spa tickets/wristbands etc received thankyou Pete.

New rear brake disks and pads
New brake hose
New oil
New oil filter
Sparco strut brace
Sparco pedal cover
ACDelco installed



I am ready!

On Sunday I will start for Paris, and then I will join you in Spa!
The only Coupe' from Italy!

Tickets recieved here too!
New oil, filter and brakefluid.
Seems I'm the only Coupe from Sweden, however joined by a fellow swedish GTV V6 Turbo.

I will join a friend from Vicenza (near Venice) which is on a Abarth 500 with all black.

See you soon, from my military green coop!

Gimmo, your photo links are not working (ie not enlarging) for me....

Gill and i will leave on Thursday evening after work to arrive at the campsite Friday early afternoon.
Today i have changed all the brake fluid and serviced the front calipers.
Removed a couple of small things that are not needed and had a go at installing an extra air tube direct into air box.
Four new Toyo 888s bedded in last Saturday evening.

Oil change, brake fluid change, coolant change, coolant hoses changed all with help from Marco @ Torque Automotive and Nismo on Friday. They also unseized my brake compensator and rear claipers. Saturday I spent approx 6 hours changing the inner CV boot and in the process snapped a drop link, which required an 11 mile bike ride to get some new / replacement parts. New rear pads installed yesterday, but they are binding slightly, so need to give Joe / CC a call this morning

What's up?

Are the sliders all..... slidey....?

Yes and no. Both rear calipers were seized on the bottom bolt, these snapped when trying to undo them, so the caliper carriers were taken next door and had the bolts drilled out, trouble is, not all of it was drilled out, so the sliders had to be shortened to accommodate, which in turn caused me issues on Sunday when fitting the yellow stuff rear pads.

I've dropped Joe a PM for some carriers and some new sliders

sounds like you have had a fun weekend Begbie , sorry about the rear brakes problem mate , if you need a hand just give me a shout mate .

oil and filter changed , brake fluid changed thanks to Marco and Alexis so just the wheels and harnesses to do on Wednesday and I'm good to go

A few last minute hitches also.

Mine was in today to sort out boost leak and replace front wishbones.

Whilst this work was completed, I've also noted an oil leak I'd not seen before, a notchy clutch, a seeping steering rack, some rather heavily cracked discs and also have a broken undertray,

So, Wednesday will involve replacing said discs, bleeding the clutch and brake fluid and looking to make sure she's all good for Spa. And fitting my new track tyres and tracking.

Nothing like some last minute fettling before heading off Thursday afternoon

anyone able to give me a general idea of how the Sunday will come to pass? whats planned and when would be nice. coming to check you all out on Sunday, wouldn't mind having a idea on what time to arrive etc etc.

They have a website which gives event timings as well as more general information.

Have a quick look here.

See you Sunday from 9 am then.

Seems I'm back to see Marco on Thursday. Anyone got any recommendations for gearbox oil?

I use this Alexis - I'm a bit of a Fuchs advocate though!

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-850-silkolen...n-5-75w-90.aspx

Thanks, but I've already ordered this. Realised this is what I put in first time, so might as well stick with what I've got

All relatively similar, although when you look at the detail specification of them it's interesting (for a numbers geek like me) to see the performance differentials.

But, if you've used it before, and it does the job, it's a no brainer!

There is an interesting video of this oil being used in -40C in a diff compared with another type of oil, makes interesting watching.

Anyway, convoy's?

Nobby is coming to mine and we're intending at leaving at 5am, to get to Dover for 7am, so will be taking A3, M25, M26, M20. Who's on the 8am ferry and will be going which way? I know Nismo will be taking a different route, but with the intention of meeting at a service station on the M20. Dan, Pete, McMike which way are you coming?

I'll be staying at the Travelodge in Ashford Thursday night, then heading to the 8am ferry so will meet anyone not at the Travelodge at Dover.

I'll be going the same way as you Alexis, but was planning to leave a little earlier than you as I'm a bit further away. It can take a while to get through security if they are in a bad mood.

But yes I'm booked for the 8am ferry too.

New silicon hose to the expansion tank fitted, that was the oldest thing on the car.

Will see you guys on the 8 a.m. ferry

Just wish I had another week to get the final few bits sorted, wheel alignment, Sparco seat fitting, getting all my other shit together!
Chris is away at the moment and won't be back until Friday morning so I've got all the kiddies stuff to sort out as well! Aaagh!
Yes, on 8am ferry too, but probably not wise to wait or convoy with me I'm always just in time

I'm booked on a Friday early evening ferry, picking up my two sons from school and arriving at the hotel around midnight. Are there any of you with driver only and a spare passenger seat that one of my sons can use to get into the circuit each day?

Do the Chalets at Campsite have anything like a toaster, Kettle, microwave, cutlery, crockery?

Funny, I was just thinking the very same thing

I'm taking my own bread anyway, maybe T-bags, coffee too

Yes, I pasted it from your email.

You bring Coffee and your homemade Gluten Free Bread - I'll bring Tea-Bags I've got lots of Milk Sachets and Bottled water courtesy of EIF. I think there is a Shop onsite. We wont be at Campsite that much.

back on track;

Do the Chalets at Campsite have anything like a toaster, Kettle, microwave, cutlery, crockery?

I can take one of them in Dave.

Yes the chalets are well equiped,but not sure about a toaster.
There is a town down the road that has everything you would need. But bring tea bags and money for beer.

remember its 45mins/1 hour to get threw customs .

car is washed and packed and ready to go , see you guys tomorrow and safe journey everyone

Yeah I wish!
see you at 7-ish in the carpark

pull your finger out Ross

I've been pulling all day mate, it's nearly there

Lol

Car is washed, loaded up with tools and fluid, in fact, I think I've got half the garage with me. Will I be able to leave all my tools somewhere when we go out on track?

I'm yet to pack though and Nobby is turning up here at 4:20am, but will be bringing walkie talkies Ian!

You can leave them at the track as that is what I did last time and will be doing again , have you managed to get some walkie talkies Alexis ?

Great minds! Walkie talkies invaluable today en route to Newcastle (stationary of course ) and now sitting comfortably behind two Sols on ferry, lovely calm crossing but bad choice of cabin right above the engine!
Look forward to meeting everyone there and a realisation of this buclket list item!

Trust me Ed it's well worth it

Have a safe journey everyone and a good time

Thanks T

Just leaving

See you at maidstone services Chris

I'm off in a few minutes, safe journey everyone.

Zzzzzzzzzzzz

Wake up, no sleeping on the motorway!

Have a good time folks, and try and keep out of the barriers.

And if anyone does a barnacle, I'll buy them a pint!

Thanks Dad!

That was a boring drive here, only entertainment was the very straight smooth tarmac with Nismo, where I'm sure he will say otherwise

Enjoy the experience and try to avoid any barnacles out of Eau Rouge.

BTW: Is there an official FCCUK Spa track record?
Can a coop get round in less than 3 minutes?

I am near Reims, 300km from Spa!

See you in front of Circuit Tomorrow to get my ticket!
What time Will be the rendez-vouz?

On the ferry at Dover just keaving port, ETA at hotel midnight CET, see you at breakfast

About four seconds, looking at the video. Oh, wait - you mean all the way round?

What time are most aiming to get on site?
When and where is the driver briefing, if known?
Thanks

Gates open at 9am according to petep so will be leaving around 8.30 ish from hotel. Not sure about briefing times

Ross were going into stavelot for a coffe first if you want to meet us all. 9am ish for fccuk brief.

Ross I don't think there's a track briefing as such, not being a 'track day', but the parade is at 12 so that's a must to get your eye in!
just make sure you don't lap me more than twice.....

Safe driving and have a great weekend at Spa.

Indeed. Looking at the people going you should have an awesome, memorable time. Looking forward to reading reports of the event.

Good first day. Parade laps was just mental, proper track session was much better. Will type something more when I have a proper keyboard

Having a great time, the people cars and track are all great!

Fully agree.
Sam, it was a real pleasure meeting you.

Had a great weekend at Spa, now back in Calais for earlier ferry so kids won't get back too late. Parade laps were, errm, interesting, but fast laps were great, although my brakes need some attention now. Great to catch up with old and new forum people, thanks for you company, and many thanks to PeteP and rest of club who made it happen.

Seen some of the Pictures on FB, seems like the put you in the area where the Ferrari club used to be. Was that an upgrade?

Just wanted to say what a great weekend we had meeting all you guys and girls at Spa! thanks Petep for organising
Big Thanks to Hovedan for the coolant cap which saved my bacon and we made it home with no puddles!
will try and post some photos and maybe some video tomorrow.

A really fantastic first-timer's experience in spite of apprehensions of getting under everyone's feet, made the more enjoyable by re-acquaintances and meeting stalwarts old and new

Thanks to Pete for the organisation again after last year's disappointment

+ Joe for his help over the brakes, LH Neil for the tow-eye skill, Dan for handing in the chalet key tomorrow (subtle reminder ), Reuben for the mozzie-bite parade, Sam for some nifty Bee-keeping, amongst all the others that made it fun including the inhabitants of Stavelot who have an excellent restaurant in Figaro as well as a murky past of pointy noses and pigs' bladders

A big thank you from me aswell, to Pete firstly and also everyone else I met - it's not too often, being swedish!
Have a lot of pics and clips from sunday mostly which will come up once I'm back home, next(next) week.

Cheers all for an excellent experience
More comments later, I'm beached and off to bed, just in from the late ferry after dropping off my Dad, who also thoroughly enjoyed the weekend away.
Now time

Hello guys.
Really good weekend !!!
We didn't speak a lot with you but we are too much !!!
No crash, no big big problem where a member needs to stay because the coupé is broken ... No !
In france just LoT20 has broken his gearbox but solved with RegisT20 towing plate.
I would like to create a picture/video server on Picasa. Are you agree to follow and share this album with yours ?

Regards.
Grib

First time for me and it was fantastic. Great company, great weather and great atmosphere. I had a quick look through the 700+ photo's when I got in and there is some great ones in there (thanks to Nobby and Johnny for taking the photo's!) and I'm in the process of repairing the footage from my video camera, so hope to have some footage up soon.

Neil, there may have been a couple of people who spun at Pouhon

Glad to hear you all had a great time! So whats this about the parade laps? Spill the beans....

What? That is was the biggest Italian car park and not a lot happened, or that I kept level with a 458 down the kemmel straight?

This thread is useless without pictures!

To whom do I owe beer?

Hopefully there should be video of one as I was following him (Nick) and there is me, which Johnny has on video, albeit he filmed the dashboard as we went off and backwards!

As I explained above,

I have created a server account on Picasa for every members of Fiat Coupé Club :

https://picasaweb.google.com/109757078869864086387

login : spaitalia2014.fiatcoupeclub@gmail.com
pass : (ask by MP)

Very Important, Please NOT TO TELL the pass to anyone, simply not to see our pictures and videos deleted by a badboy ...

Thanks Gribouilly, I was teasing Alexis! But you have PM.

You *and* Lashes? Damn, you're both in range for beer! You'll be going to Brooklands in a fortnight?

They do get a bit light at the back around that corner if you're trying hard, don't they?

lol , no its just lack of driving skill

what a great weekend , good to meet up with everyone again and enjoy a great track , lets just hope there is a Spa 2015 .

Hope the Spa 2015 will be cheaper because very very very expensive even if it's incrediblely famous and amazing.

Greg, just realised I didn't need the password just to see the pictures - duh.

Got back at exactly midnight last night, and I'm dying on my feet at work after making it in at 7am. Nearly 900 miles travelled over the 3 days - albeit the majority as a passenger.

Huge thanks to Begbie for letting me hitch a lift and scaring me half to death around Spa - you've got an awesome car mate (apologies again for the snoring).

Some great tussles with the other coupes and enthusiastic driving. Great as always to see some familiar faces. I have some super memories (some of them a little blurry) from the nights out and 2 days at Spa. It doesn't seem to have changed much since my last venture in the mid 80's.

Spa, waffles, Jupiler and randy pensioners. What more could you want?

Grib, Thanks for Sharing your photos, just noticed you were behind me in the queue to start the 1st session on track (not for long :))
For some reason I had the sun roof wide open ! Extra down force maybe

Another fantastic weekend of fun, frills and frolics!

Biggest thanks to Pete for his organisation of this event, without his efforts this wouldn't happen REALLY hope this isn't the last even and the track owners don't ramp up the prices in future

Nice to meet a few more faces off here (I didn't think that was possible!)

And a big thanks for the company and everyone who joined in Jodies birthday celebrations on the Sunday. Cake, chips, witches, the potato, Nick the Greek and a bit of culture in Stavelot as always!!

Now have a few days in Bruges to wind down, have a Belgian beer or five and explore. Part two of the holiday starts now

Love that orange coupe!

Gill & I are just home now. 12 hours campsite to home 900klm.

Pete thanks again for sorting out this years Spaitalia.
For various reasons i think its been one of the best one's.

Great to see everyone new faces and old.
Had some great laughs with you all and the memories will stay with me forever.

As for my coupe,well lets just say im over the moon with it.

What a fantastic weekend, it was great to meet up with Coupe folk old and new.

We had a mega Jupiler session on Friday which led to arrival at Spa around midday Saturday - only to be directed straight onto the circuit for the parade laps ! ....result

I clocked up 242,000 miles during the weekend and the old girl was still going great guns

Fingers crossed we can do it all again next year, thanks to Pete for organising the event and to everyone else for their great company

Good to see every one enjoying themselves again. I think we struck lucky with the weather for so late in the year.

SpaItalia put out a press release today. Here is the lead image.

Cick on this and zoom.

DaveG, Gimmo, Gribouilly and Begbie's cars are very recognisable in the parade.

Can't see Gimmo's. Must be camouflaged

Ah that must have been on a Sunday when a few of us had the car park parade:) great photo though

Very nice pic!
Makes up for the waiting.. Just!

Just this second got in from dropping sam home. Fantastic weekend. Knackered now so will update more tommorow. Thanks everyone

Here we go, first track session footage. Video camera corrupted the file, so managed to repair most of it, but the sound does start to get out of sync, then stop altogether. Keep an eye out for Sedicivavole spinning

http://youtu.be/_aj-RFZyN7g

Lol

Nice spin Nick , 10/10 from me

Nice one Begbie, Just some track rubber and you will fly mate.

Great to see Begbie!
I have a full clip from sunday session, but it wont be until next monday when I'm home again. A lot of Magoo on it!

Home at 0415 this morning after coming off the Newcastle ferry yesterday morning, driving south to FCSS then back up north...

Knackered!

Official photograph link. http://www.gbphotosports.com/modules/myphotos/album.php?id=SPA_ITALIA_2014

Got back in at around midnight last night, what a wonderful weekend!
I need to thank Dan and jodie for putting up with me on the way down, John for the run down also in the lovely r32, Reubin and Neil for the van, and running me back up all the way to sunny shropshire and Gillian for her lovely cooking Its been my first "coupe" meet in a good long time as I was made to feel very welcome.

Pete, thanks for sorting this all out, the time and effort invested must have been massive so thanks very much.

I need to get some work in now but I just wanted to express my thanks for a great weekend away to every one, joe, per, simon, and every one else you made the weekend

Saturday isn't working, but Sunday is

Saturday worked when I tried it.

What can you say it was a fantastic weekend as it usually is.

All round an excellent few days off. Good laughs and some great track time as you always get at SPA. Some lads have work to do before next year! The weather really came through for us.

Good to catchup with our European friends and some of the older members I have not seen for a while and meet a few new ones. Gimmo and Alesi great to see you again, Per fantastic effort to get down to SPA. Good to finally meet you.

A really good atmosphere with a really friendly helpful attitude. All mucking in to get bits done.

Big thanks to Pete for organising this it was very memorable.

I cannot recommend to people enough who haven't come along how good it is

The small photo's work, but when clicking for the larger ones, nothing

Still working properly for me Alexis.

Bah, I'll just blame my work connection

Indeed, I went first on the last lap on Saturday. I pushed it to the line and she stepped away.

Saturday link shows thumbnails but wont open when you select one bugger! tried laptop and ipad

As above, Sunday ok but not Saturday.

have sent them an email! parade photos work on Saturday but not hot laps:(

An awesome long weekend... Great to meet up with everyone again and some new faces. Lovely weather, food and conversation! Fingers crossed it looks like it may happen again next year

Special thanks to Dan and Jodie for sharing the chalet, all the other campers for the 'conversations', Gill for the lovely dinner and Alexis for the ride out. What a monster.


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I had a fantastic weekend as expected and need to thank everyone involved especially Pete.

Started slightly eventfully as we missed the ferry! Long story but had a call from Hovedan with laughter as they waved from the ferry!

Thanks to Mike and joe for a run out in their cars also as i was car less.
Nice to see new faces there and see some old ones.
Huge amount of fun at the camp-site especially with Nick the Greek, the potato man (neil) and mr cheese sweats to name a few.
A very late night nature walk and a ridiculous amount of mosquito bites also made interesting talking points.

I have eaten fair more chips and cakes i wont care to remember.

Blue Peter(Neils coupe) performed fantastic with minor issues, leaking expansion cap and lost some pas fluid.


I have included some pictures for everyone to see here



WE also meet some guys doing the screwball rally..

This is their car!

Alexis, your car is mental after 4,500rpm though I was forced to notice on one or two occasions you were not always respectful of the track limits.

Nick, a pint next time we meet. Good bit of double-spin in true barnacle style there.

sunday morning session video -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaLRrsCUs78

Loved the vid Begbie sounds proper mental! Did it have an exhaust? Lol Really loud when flooring it!
Half way through yours Nismo (crap mobile signal)excellent stuff! I thought you had got lost at the start and were asking for directions lol!

Thanks. It will be because I place the microphone by the exhaust, otherwise all you hear is stuff rattling around in the car

Nismo didn't get lost, he was waiting for me, so I could follow his lines

Hi,
Here is the video link of Saturday afternoon session :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx2bhQYqG1k

It was a great week-end.
Thanks to Fccuk and especially to petep for the organisation

Forgive my stupid question but where is the close-up photo taken from showing an uphill gradient? It's too tight a bend for Eau Rouge.

I think it is Eau Rouge Simon, just foreshortening making the bend look tighter.

Ok thanks Pete.

Here are some u tube vids from the french lads.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fovuZKPuam4 Gribouilly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVXW62cPHjc Marcus part one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIzU7gLMWCo Marcus part two

saturday morning session video -


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IIQ7RTWAu4

The picture with Pondman in the middle?
That has to be the pit straight with the Brasserie in sight.

Nice one Iain! Red & yellow that will be oil on track mate Ha Ha.

mate , I didn't have a clue when the flags got waved what they meant that's why I kept asking my co driver and he didn't know either

These 2 are from Seb 20vt. Look out for his spin and can someone comment on his limiter please. Is he spinning up on ii?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB9zvjAEugA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC7rtYB1QKo

Just realised he has a GTX 30 71r turbo in his coupe.

Metallic fuels....ethanol?

The spin itself looks random, are you suspecting oil Joe? The resolution is good but there doesn't seem to be much evidence unless it's suddenly exited from the guy in front....

You can see him taking it suspiciously until the chicane at 11'25" when it's "bu99er it, let's go again".....

He runs on E85 i think. There was a bit of oil on that bend but not sure at what point of time or day for that matter.
Some good vids all round though.

Should have tried some Pineau. Much smoother

Even after 10odd yrs with the coupe im stil amazed how strong the engines are!!
The turbo on the coupe in videos above would kill most engines within a few laps! My god talk about a rush of boost!! Its almost like it squirting 150hp of nitro at the same time! Lol far far to "snappy" for my liking, the power delivery on mine is way more linear, each to their own n all that though, great for the straites i suppose! Lol.. but yea how the coupes engine copes with such an in rush of boost all at once is not far off amazing! Lol

Looks like you lot had right blast out their! im jealouse! Grrr lol
Next year always next year! Touch wood pete organizes it! Not took my coupe on track yet, be good to see what she can realy do with all those 360odd horses under the bonnet! Lol

Some nice driving there in both sessions, and it sounds particularly good!!

Yes he's spinning up in second gear! Very, very quick in a straight line (big turbo and E85 packs a punch!!), but loosing a huge amount of time under braking and in the corners. Bit of a point and squirt set-up, really needs a more balanced package to cope with the engine and certainly better boost control. You can hear the engine surge horribly on part throttle with that turbo, it really is full throttle or nothing.

If he's the chap with the silver coupe with 2 exhaust he sounded like he was wheel spinning for most of the circuit. I'm sure it was him that I saw/heard spinning up eau rouge - and that would be in 3rd gear I'd hope!

Leighton, I'm disappointed you haven't commented on my driving yet!

Cheers Leighton

And my video of Sunday morning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoSiEx0P_AQ

I think one of you span out just in front of me @ 17'10"
because of gearbox oil from the french lad lot20

That will be Sedicivalvole spinning it again! See my video for him spinning it in the first session

Sedicivalvole likes to spin

Ah leave him alone. He was only on 2 wheels at the time

Couple of songs for Nick I think

First one
Second one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25QCmQ6VA4k&feature=youtu.be

This is a vid from Regis. You will see that he has miles to much rear brake,possibly due to the fitting of an hydraulic hand brake and its not quite set up right yet.

Very fast car that just eats the straights. Top bloke aswell.
@1.7 bar its about 470hp.

His build thread on the French forum is very good.

Hi guys
Finally in Italy!

What a weekend!
I must say you what is happened at my car in front of Nurburgring, but now I am too tired

Se you later!

This is my girlfriend after the saturday track session



Stay on track is like having sex

I may have sorted through my 716 photo's during some quiet time at work. Got some 250 photo's to upload over the weekend

I'd like to see a bit more of that

(pic not opening)

Sorry to see your problems Gimmo on Sunday

Attack of the facebook. You can't put a live page in an imagepop.

https://scontent-b-mxp.xx.fbcdn.net/hpho...amp;oe=54B8E479

@Lashes the spinner: by the looks of it you probably had your eyes on that Italian Glamour Calendar while you were driving

Nismo is a good driver, i only just about managed to overtake him and keep him behind me for 10 laps last year .........

and with a 85bhp advantage too Steve

Yes you did very well, i had the mighty dugong in the car remember

ahahaha what Mario ?

No problem, on Saturday the car was ok, at 100 % and I had nice time on track!
I have fixed my problems, on 25 October I will be with my italian friend in Balocco test track, the italian 'Ring!

I am choosing what photo to upload, stay in touch!

234 photo's uploaded here - https://picasaweb.google.com/109757078869864086387

I can't find them Alexis !

Begbie, thank you very much for your clip!!!
Nismo, to see Begbie photos log in in Picasa!

And Nismo.. what model are your beautiful alloys?

No problems Gimmo, you still owe me a beer though!

Iain, try again. I hadn't set it as public

Nice photos Begbie

crazyf1 is you Coupe' the orange one?

Why "Merciqui" on your plate?

Wow, this is my coop!

The orange coupe is Gribouilly's car Gimmo.

No, it's not. Mine is the black ink with Team Dynamics wheels like in my signature.

I took a few photos of your car. You can find them here :
https://plus.google.com/photos/109757078869864086387/albums/6064607875338281393?banner=pwa

So, crazyf1, probably yours was the most loud exhaust! Great!

Petep, plase, have you got a list of partecipants whit nationality of each one?
Italian friend ask me how many were us

I'm still working on it Gimmo as there were some coupes there who were not part of our group.

I'm not sure
This is my Coupe : http://youtu.be/pMfOf7YTJBQ

This one is louder, isn't it?
http://youtu.be/D8QktNg6OmE?t=27s

Unsure if other have seen the official spa video yet. I was rather disappointed as the coupe attendance was one of the largest and only a split second of a coupe bonnet in the video.
Shows the clients they want there I believe. Ferrari and alfa predominantly.

Only car I don't think they could miss is the fiat 500

Agreed Coupedummy. Tossers! But no surprise! It wont change pal!
Stick it to em!

they are team dynamics pro race 3's in 17"


yeah got them , cheers dude .

And : Merci qui ??




No, the most louder was Seb20vt and regist20 le course. Full 3" exhaust.


Really Great week-end !!!!

Hope the next spaitalia will be cheaper because we are the poorest but we make alone the spectacle ...
Of course, maserati, ferrari etc are beautiful but doesn't pay to use the track ...
And the spaitalia doesn't exist without us.



Grib

M.Grib, that is one classy drive - incredibly smooth lines

Gribouilly also me and my girlfriend are poor
And after Nurburg I'm more poor because I need a new fuel pump, because of a electrical problem made by "Bad mechanics" (the same word of german mechanics) of Italy

Is it a fantastic week end, but too much people to meet!

I've had some words with only
- Petep
- KayJey
- Hovedan
- Alesi
- Alexis
- Nismo

and also with the guys with the blu T20 with black rims, but I don't remember their name! Sorry..

but there was no enough time!

I want to know french coopers, and also german cooper with the fantastic brown coop with Porsche rims

We need to have a new meeting
I have to save money to come at Spa next year!!!

God save the Coop!

You'll need to do something about your driving though Gimmo

I will go on Balocco test track on 25th october, with italian coopers!

The italian nurburgring!



I need to improve my driving skills

Hi friends !!! :D
Yes my coupe is equipped with a GTX3071r and runs a E85 ( over the weekend I used a low boost mode, 1.5-1.6b .... big boost mode is a 2.1b but the mapping is not finalized )

my setup: http://www.fiatcoupe.fr/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=15793&p=402825#p402825

The vehicle is very powerful and full boost comes very violently (about 4000trs / min), but the videos I do not always accelerates a diet low in order to preserve the gearbox ... which accentuated the effect on / off
Now I have to work on improving the braking system, and finding good tires ....

In my case I'm not the best driver, and I are not made a single timed lap,my goal was just to enjoy myself during the weekend which was beautiful !!!

Really sorry for my bad english

Don't worry, my english is worst than yours but I think that english coopers will understand our difficult

hi mate. Welcome to the forum!! Good to see more and more overseas friends here..
please don't take my post the wrong way, I wasn't saying your coupe is crap, mfar far from it, shes a rocket ship! Lol

I take it you have forged internals? Should imagine so with all that boost plus race fuel..
I and im sure many more on here would love to see your build thread, engine upgrades ect.. if you have time thatmis..

all the best. Clive

@ mr_cheese: I is not in trouble your message, there is no problem! ;)

Yes the internals are forged, in part to see my setup you can click the link above you re-direct you to our forum ....

132 photo's from me up!

Took me a while, came home yesterday night after my 4000km trip. Spa-Nürburgring-Mosel-Champagne-Paris(motorshow)-Belgium(abarthmuseum)-Amsterdam-Sweden..

Also some clips here: (lots of Magoo.. )

Coupe Tracktime sunday pt1:
http://youtu.be/j9XLHOc6-yo

Coupe Tracktime sunday pt2:
http://youtu.be/VgkArJYEwpQ

..should be ONE part, dunno why my GoPro divided it..

Helmetcam with GoPro Hero3+.

5 drive-by's with my iPhone at the stand (lots of Magoo..again!)
http://youtu.be/A8QJu_hvBTU
http://youtu.be/MWfG1aLlz7o
http://youtu.be/bVimdytTXVw
http://youtu.be/bNE_qxclpBE
http://youtu.be/eOYEnpWkj_E

The Parade on sunday:
http://youtu.be/WaiVT-2gTBQ

Regards // Per

Because one file is too big for the GoPro
Edit : Except that the 2 videos are not continuous, it is strange indeed

Mine did this as well, about 17 mins for the first half before restarting.

Anyway, a lot of coverage of Magoo, me and a certain fast french portofino blue Coupe with led-lights and a VERY loud exhaust.. Who was it?

Wow nice pics!
http://www.gbphotosports.com/modules/myphotos/search.php

Me and Gimmo were in Nürburgring a few days too, equally fantastic in different ways of course. We should all go some time! The Ring is a proper Coupe-track, even more so than Spa, IMO.

NurburgRing in a sunny day.
A good day to die.

We have to organize a track day next year!
Spa+Nurb, all together!

The Saturday Coupe lap photo thumbnail problem on th GB photo sports site is now resolved and working again

Nice video's Per. I had a great time on track with you mate.

Likewise! We had a nice fight and your Coupe was very inspiring - it would be nice to have a full track weapon one day. Maybe another Coupe..

Thanks Per. Its work in progress as far as my coupe is concerened. Spa has given me the chance to think about a few things for the car.
We were blessed with great weather and great people around us.
Nice to see you again Per.

What about a RHD track car then?

Hmm well no, LHD please!
(I've been thinking about using my spare Argenta (rwd) mated with the 20vt lump - it fits the gearbox and the eng.bay is long enough - but I sold it instead. Should've been a killer though!)

His nickname is Fab on french forum. His exhaust is a Cybox.

Nice sound!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkbW31MRh_E

I have enjoyed viewing your camera footage and the enthusiasm, so thanks for sharing all.

Interesting to see the big turbo cars struggle in 2nd gear corners, could just be the driver has a big foot of course.
How did the brakes hold up - much overheating?

none at all with ate super blue brake fluid , mtec drilled and grooved disc's and yellow stuff pads .

2nd gear for me in the corners is traction control working too much. I eventually turned it off.

Brakes setup, K-Sport 8 pots, 330x32mm discs, XP8 brake pads, ATE super blue. No sign of any brake fad and even managed to make the car squirm when braking down the Kemmel straight from nearly 150mph

No problems here either, MTEC's with Performance Friction 08 pads, Lockheed 5.1 fluid.
The 18" road tires however..

On regular (twistier) tracks I do need better ones. Already bought GTA 330mm calipers, on the hunt for good disc's (and 17" wheels) now.

My brakeing style is a bit late and hot into the corners so i need a stronger brakeing force set up.
At the moment i have mtec drilled and grooved discs with xp10 pads with castrol sfr fluid and its ok.
I will try to get the car lighter before i decide but its likly to be a compbrake set up or even the K-sport.
Removing the passenger seat would help but i am not that brave!

Yours was a car that I thought the brakes were getting hot but I also thought Nismo had a problem in one video.
I have no budget for brake mods. right now apart from the new flexible lines.

The seats weigh 20kg each.

My brakes are allways hot as its a track car.
The bucket seat is even less but thats not the reason that i am not brave enough to remove it! You havent met Gill yet have you.

No I haven`t met Gill.
No track time equals no dinner?

You seemed to have Per working hard to keep up.
I don`t think I can afford to do track days or have the skill, but watching all these videos has me keen to try.

Its a good vid by Per and was alot of fun,i only realised i was on base boost(1.15 bar) for the whole session when back at the parking.

It takes time to build up the confidance with your car and yourself to be honest . Just dont let the red mist descend!

Trackdays are not cheap but i justify it by thinking how much longer can i do it?

Ha now its the big talk from you boys

I span once, took my eye off the road trying to watch the European - turned out to be French Coupe behind me as he disappeared into my blind spot at speed, couldn't tell what he was going to do at the end of Kemmel and paid the price.



Too right Limit of the car on standard suspension. No mater how fresh, I reckon the best you can do with a Coupé without any mechanical upgrades. As usual it didn't stop me showing up the boys with much more power and better suspension

Sedicivalvole, il your Coupe' full stock?
Why I did not spin?

Maybe I am too slow

Probably

Sure

You weren't trying hard enough, Gimmo... there's a long and established tradition now of spinning; I'm the founder member of the club, and Begbie and Sedici are now members!

Yeah, Great!
Next year I will try to spin!

I have one year to learn how to

Yes, you were slow. Very slow Mr Gimmo

And how many times have you driven the track compared with me? Who also had track tyres on?

I wanted trackwheels but the image of a full speed Autobahn collision with 3 trackwheels in rearseat was hard to shake...

My first time on track..
I drove thinking that
- I have only Coupé
- I have to come back to Italy whit Coupé
- I don't want to stress Too much tyres and brakes
- I have standard clips!!!
- My girlfriend side by me is scared
- My Coupé is full stock

So.. For me it was a success!
In Italy we say "Who goes slow, goes far away"

Pah.... I spun on that same corner in 2010 with MrsCC in the car, not sure what made more noise, my tyres squealing or me go 'Wweeeeeeee'

We all like a good spin at spa..

I span twice first time around
http://youtu.be/ZqzhXINsUgk

And a fezza ran us off track in joes le when we getting past

http://youtu.be/Cwh9UWLCcFk

Another spin at 1.48 aswell.. Was wet though..

Just allows for improvements for next year,

Having a ride out in nicks car, I gotta say it is very composed on track for standard suspension so if he spun he would be pushing it or done something stupid.

Also very similar to mcmikes car

Maybe its best to be prepaired so there is no spinning on track.
Just a wild thought!

“If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough.”

Mario Andretti

You reckon! I knew it would draw that VERY old quote out. Means nowt as you well know Joe.

The old ones are the best

I do love Spa but I'll be back at Le Mans for next year.

I do hope so mate!

ahhh Pee Pee's abit upset about spinning twice

No you had the best anti spin device (other than leaking boost..)

The fidanzata!

Yes, you can see on the video you were testing the car a lot and obviously your first time out. I was thinking more of Nismo

Saucer of milk, anyone?

I think you need to view the video's Nick , Saturday you got past me with only you in the car (10 stone) and me two up (32 stone) for all of 10 secs until I took the place back then we both jumped the sleeping policeman and I slowed to check the car out for damage and you didn't

Saturday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IIQ7RTWAu4

and

and sunday you and Mike was left for dust mate even Alexis struggled to keep up

Sunday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaLRrsCUs78