European Desk

European Desk 106

23th Spa Six Hours - Francorchamps 18-20 September 2015
Tuesday, 13 October 2015 00:00

23th Spa Six Hours - Francorchamps 18-20 September 2015

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The original Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps was based on public roads running between the villages of Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot in the Ardennes forest. Motorbike racing began at the track in 1922, and three years later it held its first Grand Prix. It was part of the original world championship calendar in 1950, but even for its time, the 14-kilometre long circuit was fearsomely fast and dangerous. The length and layout was retained until 1970. Most of the cars which compete during the Spa Six Hours weekend were from this era and if you've ever tried to run the old track on a computer racing game (like GT Legends) it becomes clear how cars and drivers must have suffered during a race on this 14-kilometre track. After 1970 various projects followed to eliminate certain high-risk zones but also to preserve the typical characteristics. By 1979 the length of the circuit was reduced to seven kilometres. Four years later, the Formula One returned to Spa. From the first edition of the Spa Six Hours back in 1993 the length of the circuit is almost unchanged. Since the layout of the new chicane the length of the circuit is now exactly 7004 metres.
Wednesday, 07 October 2015 00:00

Oporto AutoClassico Part 2

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AutoClassico Porto is a 3 day event being held from 2nd October to the 4th October 2015 at the Leca da Palmeira in Porto, Portugal. This event showcases products like numerous commercial operations performed in this trade fair for classic and reflected in the interest exhibitors have to be present press etc. in the Automotive industry.Visit http://www.10times.com/auto-classico-porto
Oporto
Monday, 05 October 2015 00:00

Oporto

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Long-time friend, Pedro Bessa sends this wonderful 3-part story, accompanied by some fabulous photos.  Part One FROM PORTUGAL WITH A HUG  "AutoClássico 2015" was held in Oporto, Portugal, in recent days 2, 3 and 4 October in the the "autoClássico 2015" hall. This is the largest international motor show and classic motorcycle event in the Iberian Peninsula. This thirteenth edition closed with about 35,000 visitors to its 40,000 m2 of exhibition space.
Historic Grand Prix Zandvoort 2015
Tuesday, 15 September 2015 00:00

Historic Grand Prix Zandvoort 2015

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At Zandvoort the history of motor racing bursts in to life again when the yearly Historic Grand Prix event is held. According to former Formula 1 racing driver and Le Mans winner Gijs van Lennep, this is the most interesting and entertaining event of the year at Circuit Park Zandvoort. And indeed, with more than 50000 spectators, the Historic Grand Prix is the most visited event of the year for this legendary Circuit ! Of course the fine weather conditions were an important factor to this success. The fourth edition of this event entertained the audience with an extensive programme of 19 races and several demonstrations.