The 24 Hours of Spa is one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world, capturing the attention and excitement of motorsport enthusiasts since its inception in 1923. Held annually at the iconic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, this thrilling race pushes drivers and their teams to their limits, testing their skills, endurance, and strategic prowess.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming 24 Hours of Spa, set to take place from July 21st to July 23rd, 2023. This exhilarating event will feature four timeslots for participants to choose from, catering to different time zones and allowing for maximum engagement. The timeslots are as follows:
- Timeslot #1 – Friday 22:00 GMT (6pm ET)
- Timeslot #2 – Saturday 7:00 GMT (3am ET)
- Timeslot #3 – Saturday 12:00 GMT (8am ET)
- Timeslot #4 – Saturday 16:00 GMT (12pm ET)
Registration for the event will open 60 minutes prior to each timeslot, providing ample time for participants to prepare and join the race of their choice.
The race will be held on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps – Endurance track, known for its challenging corners and iconic sections such as Eau Rouge. The license requirement for participation is D 4.0 Road, ensuring that drivers have the necessary experience to navigate the demanding track.
The simulated date for the event is set to July 1, 2023, with the race start time at 4:00 PM. However, it’s important to note that the green flag will not be waved at the start-finish line. Instead, the race will commence at the gantry on the thrilling run down to Eau Rouge. Participants should exercise caution and attentiveness during the start to avoid any incidents.
The race format includes a warmup session of 30 minutes, allowing drivers to acclimate to the track conditions and make any final adjustments to their setups. This is followed by a 15-minute, 4-lap qualifying session, where drivers will strive to secure the best starting positions. Finally, the main event, the 24-hour race, will test the endurance, consistency, and teamwork of the participants.
The weather conditions and sky will be dynamic, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the race. This factor, coupled with the evolving track conditions, ensures that teams must continuously adapt their strategies throughout the grueling 24-hour duration.
The qualifying splits will be determined based on iRating, allowing drivers of similar skill levels to compete against one another. This ensures fair and balanced competition throughout the event.
Teams will play a crucial role in the 24 Hours of Spa, with the option to have a minimum of 2 drivers and a maximum of 16. This team aspect adds an element of camaraderie and shared responsibility as drivers work together to navigate the challenges of the track and manage pit stops effectively.
Participants should be aware of the stop and go limit, which is set at 100 incidents and every 20 incidents thereafter. However, there is no disqualification (DQ) limit, providing drivers with an opportunity to recover from mistakes and continue the race.
With a field size of 50 cars, the 24 Hours of Spa promises intense competition and exciting on-track battles. As an endurance race, drivers will need to strike a balance between pushing their limits and preserving their machinery to ensure they cross the finish line after a grueling 24-hour battle.
The GT3 class will feature a selection of high-performance cars, including the Audi R8 LMS GT3, BMW M4 GT3, Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020, Ford GT GT3, Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO, McLaren MP4-12C GT3, Mercedes-AMG GT3 2020, and Porsche 911 GT3 R (992). Balance of Performance (BOP) adjustments will be announced 8 days prior to the event and may be updated the Wednesday before the race, ensuring fair competition and close racing.
The 24 Hours of Spa is an event that showcases the dedication, skill, and passion of endurance racing. It brings together drivers from around the world, testing their abilities over the course of a demanding day-long battle. With the combination of a legendary track, dynamic weather conditions, and intense competition, the 24 Hours of Spa is a must-watch event for motorsport enthusiasts and a thrilling experience for participants.
So mark your calendars, prepare your racing gear, and get ready for the 24 Hours of Spa – an unforgettable endurance race that will captivate fans and challenge drivers to push their limits in the pursuit of victory.
