SpaItalia 2015

The dates have been announced: 26 and 27th September 2015.

When the club has had discussions with the organisers I'll post more details including any package the club has agreed with them.

In the meantime please add your name to this list if you could be interested in attending.

The numbers will help us put a package together.

1. PeteP
2.

1. PeteP
2. Begbie

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87

0. Kayjey
1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87

http://news.dgsport.eu/medias/news_attachement/SI15_CP_1_EN.doc


1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey

yeah baby I'm in

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo

Add me please!
With silicone hoses, track tyres, antiroll bar more Experience!

We must book Le Figaro restaurant

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs.

I'll go - only if I can share a room with Begbie again

: : :

(not driving though)

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89

A few of us from alfa155.org are coming over in our Alfas but doing fri-sunday and going to the ring Friday/sat am then onto Spa

As long as my car behaves itself I'm going to really try and get to Spa this year. So won't be able to confirm until nearer the time

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89
12. Darlo_Nick

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey 
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo 
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89
12. Darlo_Nick
13. Mr cheese
_________________________

Well after being a, coupe owner for 14 odd yrs and forum memeber since 07 iv finally got a "track coupe" so put my name down!!

Perfect excuse to give my new quaffie a proper try out!

I'd like to come this year - even if it is just jumping in with other people!

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89
12. Darlo_Nick
13. Mr cheese

@ Begbie

relly sorry to here this, why dont you just hitch a ride this year?

Yes hitch a ride mate there's bound to be a spare seat

In for a penny. Again!


1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89
12. Darlo_Nick
13. Mr cheese
14. Hovedan

This is on my birthday weekend and I'd love to come depending on costs etc


1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89
12. Darlo_Nick
13. Mr cheese
14. Hovedan
15. Carlscott

Just to add I have no track experience so may give this bit a miss

Too late to add my interest?

Get yourself out on some local track days with some pro advice. My instructor was a third of my age but really good - he drove for a BMW team in the Midlands I think.

Then watch loads of videos from the previous Spa visits to get to know the track. Do a simulator.

And you can still do the Parade which is a track session "lite", usually held on each day. Go for it!

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89
12. Darlo_Nick
13. Mr cheese
14. Hovedan
15. Carlscott
16. rickyboy

you don't need track experience to drive at spa , drive it as fast or slow as you want to but just keep an eye out for the faster cars that come up behind you , signal and stay to one side of the track and let them past .

Just like Nismo does

Thanks for the tips guys

I'm in!

Also mentioned this to the other half and she's said as it's my birthday weekend she will pay for me!

Ok, the fuel, ferryx2, more fuel, accommodation, mucho fuel, burgers/buns/booze, etc.....

Does your other half realise what a good deal you're getting

Ah yes, the small details that I dare not share with her for now, il tell her as I run out the front door or over the phone

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89
12. Darlo_Nick
13. Mr cheese
14. Hovedan
15. Carlscott
16. rickyboy
17. CC

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89
12. Darlo_Nick
13. Mr cheese
14. Hovedan
15. Carlscott
16. rickyboy
17. CC
18. Speedygonzales

Some one sadly needs to remove begbie from this list

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89
12. Darlo_Nick
13. Mr cheese
14. Hovedan
15. Carlscott
16. rickyboy
17. CC
18. Speedygonzales
19. Gunzi

What's the rules on passengers anyone?

Seatbelt and helmet

And aged > 16 IIRC, apart from parade laps with no helmets or age restrictions

Thanks guys

I'm there as per usual

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89
12. Darlo_Nick
13. Mr cheese
14. Hovedan
15. Carlscott
16. rickyboy
17. CC
18. Speedygonzales
19. Gunzi
20. Coupedummy

Any updates on this please?

Also my brother as usual

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89
12. Darlo_Nick
13. Mr cheese
14. Hovedan
15. Carlscott
16. rickyboy
17. CC
18. Speedygonzales
19. Gunzi
20. Coupedummy
21. Coupedummy's brother

What's the typical budget for this please?
Just checking whether a piggy bank raid is viable

A ruff price guide .

Hotel - £100 for 2 nights for 2 people
Channel crossing - ferry £60 , train £120
Track - £175
Fuel , 3 tanks - £200
Spending money -£100/£200

So, for nismo, roughly 700 gbp (from UK to Spa and back to uk)

For me in euros (I drove from Italy)
- 210euro track day
- 165euro 3 night ad B&B
- _20euro lunches (10euro x 2 days with sandwiches)
- _80euro per dinners (20euro x 2person x 2evening)
- _90euro for fuel (stock car)

Total: 565 euros -> 420 gbp (excluded coming to and from Spa)

Thanks Nismo
That gives me food for thought!
I have a mate whose keen so I'll run it by him.

Get your mate to pay half on the room/ferry and put some fuel in and that will bring the price down .

Spending money is for beer and food so I may have gone a bit overboard

He has a substantial appetite for both!
(Sorry Moz)

Or you could try the campsite to save some money....

When I took my car, it cost me about a grand in total, but that's because I had no mates to share a room with, eat a lot and drink even more

Can't remember exactly what it cost us last year but it was worth it maybe next year?

I reckon campsite and a few chipping in about500-600

What sort of date will we start having to confirm?

Not for a while yet Nick, I haven't even been able to get them to give me a price for group track sessions yet.

Bloody frustrating people to work with.

Ok, thanks for the update Pete. I was just wondering as I really want to try and make it this year, but have to see how expensive a few other things turn out first!

Definitely interested.

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89
12. Darlo_Nick
13. Mr cheese
14. Hovedan
15. Carlscott
16. rickyboy
17. CC
18. Speedygonzales
19. Gunzi
20. Coupedummy
21. Coupedummy's brother
22. Brilly1uk

I have finally got them to commit to giving me costs within a week.

I shan't be holding my breath.

PeteP, do everything you can to have THREE sessions, please!!!

I miss my uk friends

good work Pete

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89
12. Darlo_Nick
13. Mr cheese
14. Hovedan
15. Carlscott
16. rickyboy
17. CC
18. Speedygonzales
19. Gunzi
20. Coupedummy
21. Coupedummy's brother
22. Brilly1uk
23. Blitz

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89
12. Darlo_Nick
13. Mr cheese
14. Hovedan
15. Carlscott
16. rickyboy
17. CC
18. Speedygonzales
19. Gunzi
20. Coupedummy
21. Coupedummy's brother
22. Brilly1uk
23. Blitz

One of my friends is getting married this weekend so I'm now out

Hi guys, a few of us from the alfa 155 club are doing this event on the sunday as well as the ring one the fri/Saturday. Where do you lot stay when you do spaitalia? We want to be near a town so we can go out for a few drinks and food oh and camping is fine fore us

Last year some of us stayed at the camp. Simeone at the hotel.
Me and my girlfriend was at beb.

I think that this time I Will stay at the camp with the other forum member.
I can bring with me some italian dishes and male a Great party at the camp!

Last year's dinner at LeFigaro was a Great moment in my life. I want to repeat that Experience!

Have a look at the Eau Rouge campsite.

Looks good but doesn't seem near and bars/restaurants.

Anyway think weve found one

Last year we have dinner in Francorchamps, in an italian restaurant.
Not bad, and quite economic. We paid 20euros each one

We have used it for 5 years or more. Stave lot is about 2 klm away. Meal and a couple of beers then back to the campsite for a session with other coup it's.

Used the camp-site last year, great time was had by all. Ill be using it this year!

1. PeteP
2. Begbie (I promise I'll have some track tyres this time)
3. Jonny (I may get a cheap Italian track car for the event)
4. Turboman87
5. Kayjey
6. Nismo
7. Gimmo
8. Crazylegs
9. Nobby
10. Samsite999
11. dw89
12. Darlo_Nick
13. Mr cheese
14. Hovedan
15. Carlscott
16. rickyboy
17. CC
18. Speedygonzales
19. Gunzi
20. Coupedummy
21. Coupedummy's brother
22. Brilly1uk
23. Blitz

I was only coming as a passenger anyway, but looks like I can't make it now

Should be there with the French forum. I missed this event for 5 years now.

Unfortunately I'm going to have to drop out

Joe il give you a call tomorrow

Booking information is now up at the top of this forum.

many thanks Pete for your hard work in sorting this out again

Can track time be bought at the actual event?

Yes, extra "Scuderia" sessions beyond the 2 club sessions included will be on sale at the event.

Ok thanks - Sorry for the questions, I am running the alfa 155 trip from the uk and you guys seem to be the place for information having done it before and arranging this years now.

Are the SpaItalia people normally so slow with information etc? The websites hardly been touched since last year and the facebook page is also rather dead. Ive booked ferries along with two others so far with others in waiting and we want to know how to book the event or is it pay on the gate then we want to get track time organised too but cant get any ifo

Yes, they are slow, extremely frustrating to deal with in fact.

If your chaps with 155s want to join us you will be welcome. PM me if you like.
We normally have several non-coupes with us from all over the place.

We can have 60 cars on our package so space shouldn't be a problem.

Ok great - that helps. Ill tell them over at alfa155.org. Ive PM'd you

We plan on staying at camping eau rouge which a few of you stay at too.

Pete is the entry fee for the third passenger in car £40.00?

No, its 15€ on the gate if I recall correctly Joe.

The £40 is for entry of car, driver and 1 passenger if you don't want any track time.

There are normally spare seats available so I don't think we've ever had to buy one.

Thanks Pete

Are the parade laps included in the general admission or extra?

Not sure this year, last year they were included but it was chaos, simply too many cars trying to get on.

I suspect it will be extra this year because of that.

Hows everyone getting there? Im in Hull and theres three of us coming through Hull - Zeebrugge on the thursday night crossing, all in Alfa 155s

For those coming back on the sunday night , what ferry, port and time are you using?

I'll almost certainly use the 18:00 or 20:00 Dunkirk to Dover DFDS service Sunday evening, but then I do live in Hampshire.

Will that not mean leaving quite early?

Mid afternoon, its only a 3 hour drive to Dunkirk.
I normally book the 20:00 ferry but often catch the 18:00.

Do you get a flexi ticket then or just a normal economy one? Ive bought an economy one before and they've put me on an earlier sailing at no extra cost

Normal economy that's all- never paid extra for an earlier sailing. It's in their own interests to fill as many empty spaces in earlier crossings as possible.

Looks like there is a bit of a price increase!

Not in £ sterling Joe although it is up by 10€ for you guys over the other side of the channel.

We were able to offset an increased Euro cost from the organisers with a stronger £/€ exchange rate so were able to hold the sterling price to the same as last year; £175 for club members and £190 for non-members.

Euro price is 220€ versus 210€ last year.

You guys not up for this year then?

Thanks to the kind help from Pete here on your forum he's allowed my car and forum to join up with you so weve got four Alfa 155s coming so far but i think that will only happen if you guys are coming too as there is a certain number of cars that have to come to make the booking viable. It would be good to meet some and have some track fun with some of you and remember our cars come from the same family so were all related in a way lol

I am waiting the salary-day

I will be there but awaiting payday!

same here

Just take it easy and don't do what I did clicky

your car going to be ready for spa this year Begbie ?

Another one of the Alfa 155 boys just paid a deposit - thats five of us now. Come on guys we need you lot to come or we wont be able to

Yeah, it will, but highly doubt I'll be coming.

This is not the post I wanted to have to make.

Unfortunately it is becoming more and more apparent that there will not be enough participants to make the 2105 SpaItalia viable in its present form.

In the past we have always had sufficient interest that the club has been able to break even on the event. This year it does not look at all likely.

It would be irresponsible to expose the club to a financial loss of more than £2000 which is the best case projection at the moment.

It may be possible to arrange a significantly cheaper club deal although this would be without any included track time, which would have to be purchased by the individual at the event.
The cost of this would be about £60 and would get weekend entry for the car, driver and passenger.

We only need a minimum of 10 participants to make this option viable, there is no upper limit.

Please let me know if you would be interested in that option.

That would be a big shame. I still want to go, just waiting for payday.

I will confirm brothers status also. I believes samsite is still going but is currently away.

How many people do we need to break even for track time?

As above Pete, what minimum numbers would you aiming for?

40. which just isn't going to happen this year.

edit This is because we usually have around 20 French lads with us which makes it viable.

This year they have decided to boycott SpaItalia because of the high prices.

I don't think that will do anything to bring prices down next year, all it will do is make DG Sport take it further upmarket to milk the rich bastards with their supercars.

Shame.

This is a sad day, the club Spa trip cancelled due to lack of interest

Bummer if this falls through, was working on a "final" er, cruise...

Is the track time purchase for individuals much hassle, or is it just rather more expensive?

It's more expensive Simon but can be bought on the day. Down side is you don't know who or what is going to be on the track with you.

It would be viable to set up a club package with reduced entry costs but no included track time.

Needs a minimum of 10 people and should cost around £60 for the 2 days entry.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, anybody please put your name down if such a deal appeals.

Really is a great shame, I was waiting till I got back to pick this up. Pete thanks for your hard work in trying to sort this out, not a fun task.
I'll still be going but more for the road trip and friends over the track time.
There were a lot of people disappointed by the pushing out of the cheaper side of the show with the exotics getting special treatment, I suppose this was bound to happen

Put my name down please pete

I dont want to take anything away from FCCUK but us Alfa 155 boys had a fall back if we couldnt go with you guys and thats to do a package direct with SpaItalia - its dearer at around £270 but thats includes weekend entry, paddock parking and two times 25 min track sessions - details are below

http://www.spaitalia.be/en/node/30

Is it possible to start a list for discounted entry?

That's tempting, anyone else interested?

It is also bloody expensive Simon, but you can use their site to book it individually.
That's £100 quid more for the same thing that the club was offering

Reuben, sure I'll start another thread for discounted entry.

That's a shame as I was still deciding along with Simon whether I could make the dates. If the French guys are boycotting it then there is no way we will make 40 as Pete says. I can understand their decision for doing so. Certainly more expensive last year and the parade laps were a non event compared to the previous Spa where they were as much fun as the coupe sessions.

Just in case anyone is interested:

Had already looked into doing a Public driving Day on October 18th if I couldn't make SpaItalia.
Package of four 25-minute runs: €290=£208
http://www.spa-francorchamps.be/en/track-activities-public-driving-experience.php

1 Lap behind pace car then you are on your own, so looks just as much fun and a lot cheaper if it is Track Time on Spa rather the SpaItalia Event you are after.
Spa Public Driving Day

Tbh although we've got ferries booked were going sit tight for a little while now I think. I'm a little hesitant to go rushing into giving a company £270 X5 when they can't even be arsed to respond to one single message through their website or Facebook page

= £208



Minimum costs from their website for only 2 sessions

RATE: 1 day 195 € (£140), 2 days 360 € (£258)
1 track session (25') per day
2 entry tickets to the event

The public day is much better value.

(post moved to previous as couldn't delete.)

Looking into this , im not sure it is worth having a spot there for £60 if we are not driving on track.If the majority do buy track time, that fine. If no individual track drivers it maybe far cheaper to buy a spectator ticket fr the weekend at 10 euros and park in the car park?

Such a shame.

From what i can gather theres two types of parking too. Bogo standard (who knows where that will be) which is what FCCUK are talking about for £60 or Paddock parking which is included in their 'packages' or at least i think it is but every single question ive asked them about this has been completely ignored

Standard is outside the circuit for non-Italian cars. IE spectators.

Paddock parking is what is included in any FCCUK package and IS included in the £60ish package and includes space for all members to park together.

This is such a shame, my trips to Spa have been 2 of the best weekends away I've had. Always talk about them.

I was going to really try and make it this year, but just had a road trip to the Monaco Grand Prix and a weekend away to London. So I owe my wife the promise of a holiday before confirming another trip away!

Sad to see our numbers are so far off what the club needs!

Then could well be worth us all going for.

So my question would be how much a track session (minus entry and Paddock parking) be.....

I've just mailed SpaItalia to find this out.

you never know Simon, maybe you'll get lucky and they will reply!

I imagine track time will be around 100 euros for a25min session.

Hi Joe!

Doesn't seem like a huge amount.

So I imagine one turns up at the counter and they allocate you a time that's available/suitable to them. For a couple of sessions.....

2 x around 100 euros = 200
Entry around 84 euros = 84
----
Total 284 euros

Agreed, if a couple of track sessions can be booked separately on site at a reasonable cost.

We have now signed the contract and paid a significant deposit for admission of up to 60 coupes and the hire of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit for 3 half hour sessions, Saturday morning from 11:30 - 12:00 am and Saturday afternoon from 5:30 - 6:00 pm and Sunday morning from 9:00 - 9:30 am.

It will be possible to buy additional track time later, but unfortunately not at our heavily discounted price.

The club will be arranging trackside damage insurance cover for all cars owned by UK nationals and cars which are registered in the UK even if driven by a non UK national.


We can now start taking formal bookings and payments.

For UK Club Members the price will be £115.00, this includes a subsidy by the club towards the trackside damage insurance.

Those were the days.....spa 2012. Nice amounts of track time and reasonable costs at a great time in the year

Joe is correct in as far as the Scuderia sessions were 100€ for 25 minutes last year.

What DG sport is carefully trying to hide are price rises by only quoting various packages on their website.
And you have to be able to read French or Dutch as the info is not all shown on the English pages yet although they do seem to be getting the English pages going now.

However I would not plan on them being that price this year as everything else has gone up by about 15-20%. The club was only able to hold the 2014 sterling price for 2015 due to the relative strength of sterling compared to last year.

edit You got me worried there Reuben, putting up a 2012 post. I thought I had posted in the wrong forum!

Sorry Pete just reminiscing!

Got me confused there for a bit too



Yes 2012! There were also two 1 hour parade sessions giving you over 3 hours track time? extra sessions were £40 if IRC.
It was brilliant.

Maybe like the French guys - boycotting it is the best thing to do.!

Joe Magoo? Another track in France maybe?

I am gutted really but would like a trip to go ahead.

Us alfa 155 boys are going do the entry/club package with you guys if that's OK?

The thing is that for me to go to Spa it's an 1800 klm round trip. My local track which is where I could sort a meet,track day,camping and entertainment is 750klm from Calais.
So people would need to stump up the dosh(all of it) before I could go ahead.
The Spa weekend is a gift from this club but not enough folks take advantage of the gift thinking it's expensive. But only because the Spa owners are taking the piss.

To be honest the Le Man trip is the best value. But to late for most this year.
Best place for a French weekend or a midweek event is Magny cours.I think more French lads would go also.

For my part I just can't afford to do Spa this year. Most years it costs me 1500 euros plus. But I have had a lot of other stuff to deal with.
It won't be the end of the great Spa trips but we may just have to think around the costs.
I would do a Spa track day or a two day event with a track day company. More track time imo.
I have to be honest I don't go to Spa for looking at cars. It's all about the track and the Craic with pals.

Exactly Joe, for me it is the people even more than the track. As for the "supercars" I notice them as I walk down to get food or drinks - they do nothing for me.

It's a good fun weekend with people we ordinarily see perhaps once a year.

That's a massive shame. Mike and I were coming along for this. Just hadn't got our names down yet.

How short are we off the 40?

20+ and it is not going to happen now Nick.

To be honest folks the spirit of this club is all about the people. Put Spa to one side!

And the cars.

We come from all walks of life. And still have great times together.

So for those that have not had the chance.

Join in because it's great to be part of it and some really fantastic times are there for everyone.

Pete, if members like to go for the craic and meeting other folk and track sessions would there be mileage in organising a group entry round October 18th?

Simon,

Back in 2013 when SpaItalia didn't look like it would happen again, I contacted/spoke to the Spa Circuit (not SpaItalia) people about block booking exclusive FCCUK sessions at their Public Driving Days . If IRC they were open to discussing the possibility. I will look to see if I still have the email.

Are they not new/different owners now Marko?

I agree. I've been twice as a passenger and once with my Coupe and have loved it each time. Expensive, but a brilliant few days away and I'm glad I've had the chance to experience it

Well I've been once and told myself firmly that would be it (too slow ) ; now the nearer the time (hopefully) comes again I'm really keen to experience the whole package again as described so well above.

@ Mark - worth a punt, and if you can get a reply I want to know the secret

Hi guys, finally I Got salary!
But I read that maybe we Will not be at Spa

Do you Know Spettacolo Sportivo at Zandvoort in Holland?
For me is ok For Spa in october, maybe also Magny Cours but it depends by the date!

Ps: last year in Spa I knew fantastic People of fccuk, I would like to re-join them!
If necessary, I Will come to uk by car ��

Wasn't aware that the track owners had changed Joe !
Can only ask again I suppose.


@Simon
It's DGS, the SpaItalia "organisers" who are almost impossible to contact or get replies from.

The Public Driving days are organised by the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit owners who I had no trouble contacting last time.

Im losing patience with the whole thing tbh. Ive been trying to get a reply from SpaItalia or DG Sports for a month and i cant get a thing out of them. Why the hell would i want to give them any money if they cant be bothered to give me any response. My worry is if we pay and then the thing goes under because of lack of partipation then no one will have any recourse to get any money back as you cant speak to anyone. If i cancel my ferries within two months i only lose 15% too but that rises the close i get to the date.

All the more credit to the person that's been organising this over the years.

Agree with your sentiments - maybe see what Lego can conjure up?

Pretty much how I feel about it Sebasteeno, as they never bothered acknowleging any of my questions, and it has been extremely difficult for Pete on behalf of the club (booking 40 plus cars last year) to get info out of them since they took over SpaItalia last year. I really don't want to give such a company my money either, especially since they hiked the prices, reduced the track time and totally -up the Parade Sessions last year.

Maybe it's time for the club to move on next year 2016 and to consider having an annual meet at another Track like Zandvoort or Magny Cours as Gimmo mentioned.

I love spa but maybe it is time for a change

The Dutch guys have a great day at Assen, Rene organises it and it pulls a massive mix of Italian cars.

They also have track time that's run very similar to Spa Italia so maybe it's time as Iain says to look else where.

https://www.facebook.com/vivaitalia.nl?fref=ts

My only thought about Assen is that it is just a one day event and it's actually further from the channel ports than Spa: 450 km versus 309km from Dunkirk.

Feeling have been shown. Is there any other track day events available around that date as i believe there is still a number of people who would like to attend an event this year.


Huge shame.

The event was so far away from original spa weekends last year i suppose this as to happen.

Pete there's nothing to stop us organising a day trip somewhere ourselves to make it a weekend, I'm sure the Dutch guys would join in if not organise something for us all.

As for distance, well yes it's further but it's a group road trip so most would be up for it I'd imagine.

Are the other clubs carrying out track days?

Looking at delta racing as an instance have Loheac open pit for the whole day for £180.

I know further and one day but the same weekend and interesting folk.

Yes Pete.

Spa is about our limit as it is a minimum 5 day trip for us. It is a round trip of 1500 miles or 2,414km from Edinburgh and necessitates an extra nights stopover each way or overnight car ferry starting on the Thursday Afternoon. I wouldn't want to drive all the way again. Last year going by overnight ferry meant around a 3 hour drive to Newcastle, and around the same from Amsterdam to Spa. Infinitely less tiring but adds around a whopping £300 to the cost. So for Simon and I, and others further North - something closer to Amsterdam or the Ports would be much more dooable and agreeable for us.

That ferry cost is high, I got caught for £140 Belfast to Liverpool last year and it hurt.

It looks like it is about a 2 hour drive from Amsterdam.

Thxx fot the credits Joe, i am organise it for the 6 year now, not the event itself but everything for the Coupé,s , we have the last 3 years also a group from Germany to come over.
we had this year two runs on the track about a half hour each, kosts about 40 euro per run, entrance 14.50 euro , paddock tickets for the Coupé,s free
Yes i know its a long trip for just a one day event.
But if you want i can show you Assen the day and evening before , play a game of twister ore somthing else. So if you want to come over for Viva Italia next year youre most welcome, sleeping accomodations enhough, if there is interesse from you i can check out a few , and post it here , but first i have to wait for the new date , greetings René

Yes it is high but for a decent quiet cabin without engine noise and not counting dinner, breakfast and refreshments on the 15-16 hour journey it's £250. £140 for the car alone.
Assen is definitely agreeable at 2 hours from the ferry port.

Zandvoort would be perfect at 26 mins I love that track.

The racing track in Zandvoort is awsome, but the acommodation sucks, verry old , at the racingtrack in Assen the acommodations are much better, and if i may say so the track not to bad ,this year the paddock places and the track time in Zandvoort taken place at 28 of june shrunk because of the F1 Toro rosso,s are doing demo,s.
i couldnt get paddock places

I'm liking the sound of Assen

No chance of a track day this autumn?

Wanted to pay for SpaItalia today but I see its cancelled?! I was really looking forward to this.... hopefully in the near future.

Even though its cancelled, thanks to every one who invested time and effort into this event!

I share your disappointment Turboman87.
I had paid the deposit but had it refunded last weekend, as presumably things came to ahead.
Just as Joe had told me the Coupe was up to making the journey and blasting around Spa

Such a disappointment. The only thing is we should really find an alternative. Good track, nice people, mostly Coupe's,... would be wonderful.

I'm probably going to try and go to the magoo's some time and join them on the track.

Maybe Zolder could reserve a Coupé only track day session?

I took my old Quattro around there in the 80's and found it a fantastic circuit, though it does seem to have changed a bit. OK it's no Spa but they may be more open to ideas than the F1 circuit.

Sorry to read this guys, in all my years of owning a coupe this was the hallmark event and anyone who could have gone but didn't - i pity you

how about Brands Hatch? nice and local to me! haha

on a serious note, pretty bummed about Spa Italia, was looking to go this year or next!

We all calmed down on the 155 forum and are still going ahead with our trip so there will be five UK Alfa 155s going.

Now dont all faint but DG Sports even replied to an email today!!!! - I know, i nearly fainted too lol

Ive discovered that theyve also been doing the bikers' classic event (last weekend) there which was hugely popular so they may have been a bit pre occupied - probably not it just seems taht maybe theyre just a bit useless lol https://www.facebook.com/bikersclassics?fref=ts

Also i had a chat with a uk guy who went to the Bikers Classic weekend last weekend at Spa - he said this -
Hi Seb, send a message to you with an email you can try. They seem to be quite small, so have problems responding to mails sometimes. You could try phoning them though - they all seem to speak seven languages ;-)The sign-in is always rather oddly organised, but once in, the track people are rather good. Every year I find myself asking why am I here, when waiting for my entry stickers, but the question gets answered when you go on the track.

Such a shame.
Long gone are the days of big coupe meets at spa

http://youtu.be/-y3oRfuznz8

I'm glad I got to go 3 times, twice with proccy and once in my own car
Experiences never to be forgotten and that's probably the last video/photo ever taken with me smoking a fag

Nice video Reuben good to be reminded of familiar faces. I went to every SpaItalia from 2007 to 2014.

In 2007 I was the only Brit among about 20 coupes in all. Our contingent was 4 or 5 the next year then from 2010 it started to snowball with people from all over Europe as well as the French lads.

The maximum number of participants with the club was 56 in 2012 as I recall it.

A shame it went too far towards the over-privileged end of the market under DG Sports.

I recall you saying last year Pete that the costs were becoming an issue. Am sad for those guys and girls who have been looking forward to this year and missing out on what was a good couple of days with a great bunch of club members.
I hope another option turns up

.

So does this mean that the event is cancelled, or just that the club is not organising an event?

If the later, is anyone still planning on going?

The event is still on, I'll be going as part of a small group.

As Joe says, the event is still on, but the club will not be organising its usual trip as the costs had grown too expensive for enough people to attend.

The club would have had to lay out around £5500 up front and there were not enough people prepared to commit in order to keep each individual's costs to a reasonable level.

If anyone wants to go individually all the details you need to do so are here.

Click on the image galleries for both Saturday and Sunday 2014 and you will see some coupes.

SpaItalia have ramped up the promotion recently and have actually started talking to people/responding to emails!!!!

We at alfa155.org still have 5 cars going, i know of a few other Alfas coming independently and a site on facebook (passion alfa romeo) has about 30 cars going

Less than a month to go now too and i cant wait!

You guys are welcome to tag along with us

https://www.facebook.com/events/841900979163242/

I'll be there on saturday joining Reuben and Joe.

See you Saturday Kayjey, Ill be the half asleep one in the alfa waking you all up

I Will be in Spa on saturday!
I Will come with two friends in Alfa 156 GTA!
See you at the circuit!

look forward to seeing you gimmo

Have a fantastic time all you lucky guys, looking forward to the vids!

Make sure and come back in one piece

Are any coupes going on track?

Have a good one guys , I wish I could be there with you

I will take some photos for all. Just a flying visit to spa really. Non on track that I know of.

Coupes on track

I hope everyone is having a good day and that the weather is behaving.

Well, what to say. What a sorry state of affairs. I walked out in under a hour of being at the track.
I have not even managed to do that in the worst car meet in the UK. The place was empty. Nothing in the way of club stands or even clubs from what I could see, supporting stands were pretty much none existent. There was no buz and nothing really on the track to watch. Still doing that stupid token think and the restraint was quiet.
Didn't bother to go on the Sunday. It's fair to say the new owners have priced them self out the game and it shows by complete lack of people. It's really sad given how popular the event was. Any how. It's what you make it so we had a great time doing other things

Shocking news Sam and co., that description hasn't a glimmer of positivity and it's a shame you went all that way to be disappointed. Wonder how the sebasteeno and the Alfa team felt about it.

Sonds like the rest of us have had a lucky escape.

(puts thinking cap on........ )

Had a good time regardless of show, friends beer and roadtrip was more than enough. Sometimes the destination isn't as important as the trip

Fair point well made

I have to echo sams review unfortunately. The event is a shadow of its former self. Such a poor show. There were probably more vehicles from everywhere other than italy.

All cars were generally mixed as there just wasn't enough of the same vehicles to split into clubs.

Quick walk around and walk out.

Unless something drastically changes I cannot see it carrying on for another

Home again safe and sound and enjoying a cheeky Leffe before bed.

Yes wasn't great, lots of expensive examples but not alot else to report.
155's parked outside from what I could see, 4x coupes and a good mix of other classics but very low numbers in comparison to years gone by.

In all the weekend was excellent, road tripping with friends, good food and beer so Spa was just one part of it for us.

Pics to follow but now it's time for bed

It sounds like a lot of people didn't bother to go again after last year's effort , let's hope they look at what went wrong this year and try to improve it for next year , glad you guys still had fun and that it wasn't a waisted journey .

A great shame.

They seem to have screwed up a good event and shot themselves in the financial foot to boot.

The club will be looking for an alternative European event to attend next year, possibly in Holland.

Last year was brilliant fun. Lets hope they can sort it in the future.

looking forward to what you can put together Pete

+1 for a new venue

Yes I will miss spa but bring on the new venue

Zandvoort would be perfect

Well us 155 boys had a great weekend! Saturday was quiet and when i did my parade laps i reckon there was only about 30 cars out, sunday though was much busier with over 100 parading. On my saturday track session there was a blue coupe who was battering it and locking his rear left wheel up constantly then a bit later on i went by him as he stuck backwards in the gravel. Saw a couple of others in the Fiat area too

Some of my pics

None of your links are working Seb

Saw a few of your 155's parked in the outside car park Saturday, didn't bother going Sunday, and thought I saw one parked on the hard shoulder on route back to Calais so hope you all got back ok.

Sorted for you sebasteeno. Click Quote to see what's happened.

Lol your not wrong about seeing one on the route back to Calais - the red one blew its head gasket and possibly the engine 28 miles from Dunkirk where we was sailing from. The owners not admitting it but it got hot and he tried to wing it by slowing down but it was too late. Car got towed onto the ferry and is still stuck in Dover now whilst he tries and arranges to get it back up to Hull where me and him are from - the same car also lost a wheel when leaving the first track session which we managed to fix but was then only held on by two studs. My black/orange one was spot on all weekend. The 75 that was with us also broke a hydraulic clutch pipe which we fixed only for it to brake part of the propshaft so he had to do 40mph for 200 miles through belguim/france then a further 460 back up to scotland

Tbh i said to my wife that in all honesty we should of only done one of the days as that was enough

A sorry read, even though my Coupe is gone and I couldn't go anyway.
Hope to drive something italian next time, at any new venue similar to what Spaitalia was even last year.

So sad to read how this has declined so much so quickly - for me this was by far and away the best car-based event I've ever been to (4 times I think) because Spa itself is amazing, the people I went with and met were amazing, the hotel and food was good etc etc etc - the Spa 4 days was the most enjoyable times you could imagine, and I always implored anyone who hadn't done it, and was thinking about it, to do it. Seems I was right, sadly. Still they can't take away brilliant memories.....

Exactly. I doubt they'll sort it out though. If they have some brainless idiots trying o turn it into a cash cow at the helm still