Tickets for the 2019 Total 24 Hours of Spa go on general sale today (15 October), beginning the countdown to next year’s running of the Belgian endurance classic.
The annual contest in the Ardennes sees the world’s best GT drivers competing in high-spec machinery from prestigious automotive brands, tackling an iconic circuit that is rightly considered among the most challenging on the planet.
First staged in 1924 and running continuously since 1964, the Total 24 Hours of Spa has grown to become a key fixture on the international motorsport calendar, as well as the marquee event of both the Blancpain GT Series and Intercontinental GT Challenge.
In 2018 the race celebrated its 70th running in fitting style, with a packed grid of 63 competitors producing a magnificent battle to capture the winners’ trophy. No fewer than 13 different automotive brands were represented, six of which finished among the top-10 to set a new record for the GT3 era.
But while Spa is famed for its wealth of on-track action, the unique appeal of the 24 Hours is the entertainment that can be found off the circuit.
Central to this is the Total 24 Hours of Spa Fan Zone. Located at the bottom of Raidillon, the Fan Zone features simulators, historic racing machinery, merchandising stalls, food and drink stands and much more.
And the entertainment does not take a back seat once the race is underway. The annual Saturday evening concert has become a must-attend event in its own right, featuring major names from the European music scene who take the party into the night-time hours. With such a diverse line-up of entertainment on offer, there is something to suit all ages and interests.
What’s more, true racing aficionados can now book an extended stay in the Ardennes thanks to Spa Speedweek. Staged on the weekend before the Total 24 Hours of Spa (19-21 July), the event will return next year following a successful debut in 2018 and entry will once again be free of charge.
Highlights of the Speedweek will once again include Blancpain GT Sports Club and British GT, while the new Spa GT4 Endurance Cup will see the popular category contest a standalone five-hour race.
The Total 24 Hours of Spa week begins on the following Tuesday (23 July) with the annual Bronze Test, while Wednesday sees attention shift away from the circuit as the traditional parade transports the festivities to Spa town centre.
Now an essential aspect of the pre-race build-up, the parade will feature every car contesting the 2019 race and a host of other must-see machines, and will culminate with the always-popular autograph session at the heart of the town.
Thursday sees the Spa-Francorchamps circuit return to centre stage with free practice and qualifying sessions, while Friday is all about speed as the Superpole session decides the 20 fastest runners. Then, on Saturday at 16.30, the biggest GT race in the world will get underway for the 71st time.
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased with a 10% discount until the end of October. General Entrance tickets start at 35€ and include entry to the Fan Zone and music concert.
With more than a week of events taking place on and off this world-famous circuit, a 2019 Total 24 Hours of Spa ticket offers tremendous value for every race fan.
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Tickets
Race tickets (valid for Saturday and Sunday) are available from 35 euros onwards and also include free entry on Thursday and Friday, access to the Fan zone and music concert. Other ticket formulae are available, from single day entries for Thursday, Friday and Sunday (starting at 25 euros) to VIP arrangements for the whole weekend.
More information on: www.total24hours.com or www.ticketmaster.be