2026 - Traditional October Weather at Spa-Francorchamps Track Day - Part 1 of 2

2026 - Mixed Weather at Spa-Francorchamps Track Day

I went back to Spa for my annual two day fix with Goldtrack, a very well respected UK operator.  TFL Racing were again supporting.  They had 4 cars in attendance, including my 2018 Caterham 420R.  There were 2 Caterham 420 race cars present - rented by a friend who called NJMP home and his son.

I always get to Spa early just so I can shake jetlag and do the traditional track perimeter walk before the event.  Spectacular walking through the Ardennes forest.

Of course all that walking required some rehydration at the Pit Bar overlooking the Bus Stop corner.

I stay in Spa town itself.   Its 15 mins away from the circuit.  Plenty of restaurants within walking distance of the Van Der Valk Hotel (formerly Radisson SAS) - everyone seems to stay here.  

Recommend Dominos Steak House in Spa if you ever go - make reservations in advance.

Day 1 was brutally cold, wet and generally not nice.  But I have paid so I dress warmly and just get out there.  Car was wearing full Avon race wets so I had plenty of grip for a drenched circuit.  As for the last few years I have family with me - Lucas joined in driving duties - although he bailed out for the wet weather on day 1 as he knows how dangerous this circuit is in wet conditions.  Happily joined in on Day 2 when it got warmer and drier.

Eau Rouge.  Nothing else like it.  At the base its like looking up a 10 story building and not being able to see the apex at the top part of the corner - Radillon.

It is a flat out corner.  From La Source to Eau Rouge I get up to redline in 4th gear.  Right foot is on the floor.  No lift.  No brake.  You flick left over the rumble strips, flick right at the Eau Rouge apex and then bring the car back to hit the kerb at the top of the hill, Radillon, then track out.  No lift - throttle foot is mashed on the floor the whole way.   You want to max the speed out for the Kemmel Straight following.  You enter with 120mph and you come out at the top of the hill at around 105mph, losing speed from scrub.  Then you slowly build it back up to redline in 4th gear along the Kemmel Straight to reach VMax, around 125mph.  No point using 5th gear as it is overdrive and you actually lose speed on the Kemmel Straight as it is uphill the whole way.

No issues taking out passengers on UK and European trackdays.  Lucas was rolling eyes from me playing slide the tail in the Bus Stop chicane.  

Depsite the wet, a Caterham on full race wets has good grip.  Its not dry track type of grip.  You do have to have your wits about you.  You will be 'milking the cow' on the steering wheel.  You will spin it you are a klutz.  But it was clear a lot of Porker and BMW drivers were being massively intimidated by their cars in the wet.   They just did not have the steering feel I get in a Caterham - both from wheel and seat of the pants.  

A small video along pit straight - racing the Bimmer to the La Source corner.    Click on video to enter full screen mode to watch

Part 2 continues here.