Spa, Zandvoort, Nurburgring trip

[-Jamie-]

As usual, I'd planned on taking tons of photos to do a proper trip report but again as usual I ended up just driving and not actually taking that many.....


Had booked a trackday at Spa and Zandvoort at the start of the year, Just so happened the Ring was open for the final TF of the season as well so seemed stupid not to spend 2 days there as well. This was before fuel and the cost of everything else had went mental but man logic and recently newly single life meant YOLO and all that.

Left mine on Wednesday for a leisurely cruise down to Hull to get the overnight boat to Rotterdam. Newcastle is definitely closer but the Hull ferry leaves later which I prefer. Arrived into Rotterdam on Thursday morning to be greeted with sunshine and blue skies.

20221110_090653 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

20221110_111618 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

Nice clear run down to Spa, Had a nosey up to the track and found RSR had a day on so hung around for a few hours to watch, Some special stuff was around

20221110_122003 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

20221110_123329 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

20221110_123342 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

20221110_123804 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

20221110_125137 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

Tried some panning shots with my phone, Pretty decent for a phone to be fair

20221110_130640 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

20221110_130958 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

20221110_133529 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

 

[-Jamie-]

Took a wander up to the new grandstand at Radillion and found all the gates open so sat up there for a bit. Would love to be there for an F1 weekend

20221110_140513 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

20221110_142017 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

Then it was back into town to meet my mate who was bringing his Z/28 Camaro out before and early bed for the trackday

Good thing about CD still doing online briefing and sign on is you don't need to be at the track at stupid O'clock, Still got down in time to unpack the car and get a sighter lap in to check track conditions, Which were prime

Ended up sharing the garage with a bunch of other E9X lads.

20221111_092540 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

20221111_143253 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

20221111-OLLIVISION-DSC08640 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

Bretts car is something else, Schirmer originally but now ran and looked after by Karl at 24/7. Basically the brains behind the famous Schirmer stuff and a super nice guy to deal with, Unlike the aforementioned...

20221111-OLLIVISION-DSC08148 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

 

[-Jamie-]

Big night in Spa after, I called it at 2am and suffered for most of Saturday but still managed to get a few laps in at the Ring to get my eye in.
Last weekend of the year so expected it to be total carnage, It wasn't by any means, In fact I don't think there was a single closure on Sunday which is a big shock for TF. Weather was glorious. 15 degrees but felt more like 20+ in the sun.

Most of my laps were following mates or being chased, Wasn't ever going out there to try and be some TF hero with chasing lap times. Close laps with friends are what its all about. Safe, Chilled pace.

Spotted where the photographers were on my first lap, SO made sure to make an effort to get a few shots I wanted, For the socials and that.

racetracker_19953840_315947 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

racetracker_19969098_315948 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

racetracker_19979243_315952 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

racetracker_20008640_315954 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

racetracker_20038528_315946 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

Banged in 10 laps and called it a day. Both of us were being sensible and the cars were still in one piece. Plus I still had the slog up to Zandvoort to do.

Stayed at The Gantry in Drees, Well worth a look for anyone visiting. Nick and Tanya have created an amazing place and he also offers car storage.

20221113_143612 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

 

[-Jamie-]

Woke up on Monday in Zandvoort to another lovely day but it was proper cold and had a freezing wind. Track was a little slick to start but once the sun came up it dried up nicely and spent the day having some mega laps. Epic circuit and will be back for sure. Super fast and technical with loads of elevation, Perfect.

2022_RSmitmedia_circuitdays-6599 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

2022_RSmitmedia_circuitdays-7370-2 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

2022_RSmitmedia_circuitdays-7429-2 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr

2022_RSmitmedia_circuitdays-7345 by Jamie Atkinson, on Flickr



Some videos, I know Ring laps are quite boring to watch but I've uploaded them mainly for my mates










Do have some from Spa but I had the camera on the wrong settings so its not great.

 

[Greiggsy]

Nice write up, some cracking photos.
Saw your video on FB as went to college with Craig(all those years ago), so watched that the other day and now saw this post.

 

[JackJack]

Nice, 3 tracks i'd love to visit let alone drive.

 

[Philip.]

Now thats a trip! Class photos too.

 

[Danith]

Looks mint. I'm trying Zandvoort and some other Euro tracks next year for sure. As well as a return to Spa in warmer months in the MX5.

No thanks to 2am sessions any more though

 

[Willo40]

great photos mate, looked a belter trip that.

 

[gez 172]

That looks utterly epic!

 

[adamlstr]

 

[AdDaMan]

Epic. So jealous.

 

[-Jamie-]

Got a few more images sent over earlier

 

[Cookie]

Being single looks like a lot of fun

 

[Richors]

Getting some air under your wheels looks like a bit faster than you made it sound.... Lol
Looks like a great trip. I need to try Zandvoort soon based on your description...

 

[-Jamie-]

Being single looks like a lot of fun

It is


I'd far rather have better mental health though [emoji28]