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A summer outing for the older ladies

In the early 20th century, the town of Spa was known for its thermal baths and the rejuvenating treatments Europe's upper crust would pamper themselves with. Spa glowed. Spa laughed. Spa was a perpetual party.

Spa still likes a good time, but the City of Water has extended its reputation to Francorchamps. A pretty little village in the Ardennes that has even snagged a big piece of the pie. From Moscow to Sydney, across every continent, Francorchamps purrs like the most gorgeous engine on the track.

The weekend of the 3rd and 4th July, we will dive into the history of the beautiful machines of bygone days, when you knew that if castor oil was in the air, it was going to be a good one. The grandes dames from the four corners of Europe will return for their traditional "party" at the Spa Summer Classic.

The invitation will feature the Spa Long Distance Cup, four-hour festivities reserved for Touring, GT, GTS and GTP cars from 1947 to 1971.

We'll also be able to follow the Spa 100 Miles Trophy with Touring, GT, GTS and GTP cars up to 1981 and two-seaters up to 1976; another series for sports cars from the same era—MG, Austin Healy, Morgan, Jaguar—and the music won't let up as we continue into the Spa Ardennes Challenge; the Classic K; Historische Tourenwagen; the Classic Sports Car Club Swinging Sixties; the Sport Proto Cup; the Monoposto Racing Club and finally the Bravo.

After such a parade, we'll be happy to slake our thirst at the spectacular new Pit Brasserie. For more information on these divas of the track, go to www.roadbook.be and click on the Spa Summer Classic link.

As for the rest of the week, on Monday, 5th July, the members of Dutch BMW M Club will be here and on Tuesday, 6th July, members of Limburg's Skylimit Club.

On the 7th, heads up to the motor sports population: we will be watching the dress rehearsal of the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in the form of a test day. And Thursday the 8th, we're treating ourselves to a little two-wheeler day before another summer classic: the 25 Hours Fun Cup.