With more than 100,000 spectators recorded between Wednesday’s parade and the chequered flag on Sunday afternoon, last year’s CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa was one of Belgium’s major sporting events.
One year after celebrating its centenary, the world's greatest GT race, under the continued stewardship of the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, can point to ever-increasing interest. Indeed, a new record of 76 GT3 cars was announced during the Prologue, much to the delight of the event’s growing fanbase.
This interest is also evident within the Belgian Royal Family. On Saturday 28 June, Princess Louise and Princes Nicolas and Aymeric will be at Spa-Francorchamps to experience the unique atmosphere of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, which is not only a must-see sporting occasion, but also a motoring festival. In addition to the spectacle on the track, it is an event in the broadest sense, with numerous activities taking place around the fan village, three evenings of live music (Thursday to Saturday), a fireworks display, exhibitions, a Ferris wheel, and more.
It's worth noting that the Royal Family's interest in motorsport is nothing new: in 1994, Prince Laurent himself participated in a car race at Spa-Francorchamps. He teamed up with Pascal Witmeur and Éric Van de Poele, five-time winner of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.
After touring the paddock and taking a behind-the-scenes look at this unique event, the Princess and Princes will wave the national flag of Belgian at 16:30 on Saturday 28 June, when 76 GT3 cars will line up in formation at the exit of the La Source hairpin to tackle the legendary Raidillon for the first time. It’s a moment that fans of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa have been eagerly awaiting.
"We are very honoured to welcome members of the Belgian Royal Family to the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa," said Stéphane Ratel, CEO of event promoter SRO Motorsports Group. "After Formula 1, which attracts mostly spectators from abroad, this great endurance classic is the biggest race of the year at Spa-Francorchamps. Our 24 Hours reaches a much wider audience than just motorsport fans. We are proud to welcome spectators of all generations, who come to the Ardennes seeking an experience filled with thrills, pleasure, and fun. Thanks to our collaboration with the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, we have been associated with this event since 2001. The 77th edition will also be the 25th of the GT era. The presence of Princess Louise and Princes Nicolas and Aymeric is therefore a wonderful acknowledgement and a perfect birthday present!”
Would you like to attend the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa? All information and the complete ticket offering can be found on the event’s official website: www.crowdstrike24hoursofspa.com.
