The word ‘iconic’ is used much too often these days, but for the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, it is certainly appropriate. Therefore, Dutch agency CREVENTIC is really proud to have added the circuit in the Belgian Ardennes to the calendar as the venue for the Hankook 12H SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, the season finale of its 24H TOURING CAR ENDURANCE (TCE) SERIES powered by Hankook (6-8 October, 2017). The undulating circuit will also be hosting two combined races for prototypes and GT cars. On Sunday evening, the title winners of the 24H SERIES powered by Hankook, the 24H TCE SERIES powered by Hankook and the 24H PROTO SERIES powered by Hankook will be celebrated in style during CREVENTIC’s inaugural Night of the Champions in the ‘Pit Bar’ on the roof of the pit building.
Suitably to conclude a season that had many firsts in store for the CREVENTIC SERIES powered by Hankook, the inaugural event at Spa-Francorchamps also marks the first race in Belgium organised by the Dutch agency. The famous track in the Ardennes, in its various configurations, has a history that dates back to 1920 and the annual 24-hour race, the World Endurance Championship round and the Belgian Formula 1 Grand Prix are some of the highlights on the calendar.
The entry for the inaugural Hankook 12H SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS clearly reflects the popularity of the circuit, considered by many as one of the world’s most challenging race tracks. No less than 51 participants have registered to race, nicely divided among the various categories. The TCR class has the largest contingent with 17 cars and the SEAT Leon the car of choice as no less than 13 TCR machines from the Spanish brand have been entered. Opposition is coming from two Volkswagen Golfs and two Audi RS 3 LMS. The SP3-GT4 class includes three of the new Mercedes-AMG GT4 cars as a part of the extensive test programme of the new car, facing competition from a Lotus Evora, two Ginettas, various BMWs and two KTM X-Bows. With four BMWs, two Hondas, two SEATs and one Mini, four brands are represented in the A3 class while the CUP1 class has seven BMW M235i Racing Cup cars on the grid. The A2 class includes two Renault Clios, a KIA C’eed, two BMW 120Ds and a Volkswagen Golf.
Noteworthy participants include five times DTM champion and record DTM race winner Bernd Schneider, former cycling world champion Tom Boonen and European Junior Rally Champion Marijan Griebel. Prior to the season finale at Spa, where 1.5 times the regular number of points will be at stake, the situation in the championship stadings is thrilling. The first three teams in the overall teams’ standings, QSR Racingschool, Monlau Competicion and CWS, are separated by only two points. Accordingly, QSR drivers Rodrigue Gillion, Mario Timmers and Jimmy de Breucker lead the drivers’ standings, one point ahead of Monlau’s Alba Cano Ramirez, Jurgen Smet and José Manuel Perez Aicart and two points clear of CWS driver Colin White.
For prototypes and GTs, there will be two races of five hours each. The entry includes three Ginetta G57s in the P2 class, one Ligier JS P3 and a Norma M30 in the P3 class and a Tatuus PY 012 in the CN class, plus four Porsche 991 Cup cars. Track action for the prototype and GT race starts on Friday with free practice from 9.00-10.30 hrs and qualifying from 10.30-11.00 hrs. The first race will be held on Friday from 12.50-17.50 hrs. The second race is scheduled on Saturday from 9.00-14.00 hrs. Free practice for the TCE event takes place on Friday from 11.15-11.55 hrs, immediately followed by qualifying from 11.55-12.15 hrs. The first part of the race will run on Saturday from 14.45-17.50 hrs, followed by the remaining race time on Sunday from 9.00-17.55 hrs. On Sunday evening, the title-winners will be honoured during the inaugural Night of the Champions, with music and great food and drinks to conclude the season in a pleasant atmosphere.
Source. Creventic/Photo. Petr Frýba and Boost Racing Images
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