The 24hrs of the Nurburgring 2014 and the WTCC weekend at Spa-Francorchamps 2014

Saturday 21st of june I visited the Start of the 24hrs of the Nurburgring. An annual event I visited this time for the fifth time. Sunday 22th of june I was at the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps.

As always, the day starts cold and it takes a while for the mass amount of spectators that are always there, to find their way to the grandstands.

Before the Start of the 24hrs, some other races are held as well: a race for Renault Clios and a GT Race.

Both races are quit uneventfull, But it gives the spectators time to climb the Grandstands.

At the Start Grid the officials are preparing the track.

Not much later the Grid Girls arrive and the first Teams are pushing their cars to the Grid.

In front of the Grid, the VAG concern shows some of their Cars: the Winning LeMans Audi R18 (look how many people are needed to start the car). A few Bentleys and a couple of Bugatti Veyrons.

All Cars arrive at the Grid. Drivers are being photographed with the Grid Girls and significant for the 24hrs of the Nurburgring: the Spectators can also visit the grid.  

And the Grandstands is getting crowded as well.

Every year, the Red Bull Stunt Team performs their Show.

Even jumping out of the Photo Frame!

The Speaker asks the crowd to look for other places, as the grandstands at Start-Finish are full.

Some of the Mercedes SLR and BMW Drivers are saying "thanks for showing up", to the crowd.

Then, the big Evacuation of the Grid starts. First the Spectators are being summoned to leave. 

Drivers are being Interviewed and get themselves ready, wish each other good luck and are being strapped to their Cars.

The Formation lap starts. The Field is divided in 3 Parts, for a total of 175 Cars.

After a few Hours of Racing, the Sun sets down, creating a beautiful light.

I am of to my Hotel, for tomorrow Spa is on my ToDo List.

Its a great Drive on the winding Autobahn from the Eifel to the Ardennes in Belgium.

Here, at the circuit of Spa-Francorchamps there are races being held for the French GT Championship, the Trophee Abarth and the European Touring Car Championship. But the main attention is focused on the World Touring Car Championship and the Fia F3 races.

Eagerly , the young F3 Drivers are waiting in the Paddock.

The Grid and Start of Race One for the WTCC and a single Photo of Race Two.

A great Weekend. And for 2015 The WTCC will be held in combination with the 24 hrs of the Nurburgring!