DSC has been privileged to have reported on and witnessed the centenary events for two great 24-hour races in a period of just 13 months in 2023 and 2024.
After a simply magnificent Centenary Le Mans in 2023, this year it was the turn of the Spa 24 Hours to celebrate its 100th year of existence, with its 77th running in that period. And whilst the race itself did not make DSC’s Race of the Year selection, huge credit must go to all involved with the event. It lived up to – and exceeded – all expectations.
As a result, it stands alone here in this category.
Dailysportscar’s 2024 Event of the Year…
The Centenary Spa 24 Hours
The Centenary Spa 24 Hours marked an anniversary of real significance in stunning fashion. Both on track and off, the heritage of the race was marked beautifully, with commemorative touring car and GT races featuring full grids and stunning cars and a paddock bursting at the seams with displays of cars that have graced the 24 hours in decades past.
Atop the pit building the terrace saw even further cars exhibited, including race winners and some fan favourites including the storied Peugeot 806 minivan based on a contemporary super tourer. There were also exhibitions of fan memorabilia, books, programmes, stickers and tickets, as longtime attendees of the race shared memories.
The cherry on top came away from the main pit complex, as the Wednesday parade featured well over 200 vehicles and included cars from the main race and the support package’s GT2, GT4, one-make and historic grids.
It made for a spectacular sight, though the ambition of the parade was perhaps not quite matched by the efficiency of the marshalling. Several cars suffered overheating as the long, snaking train made its way around the full modern circuit, much of the old circuit and the traditional route into Spa.
However, that should not take away from a very positive impression of the whole event. SRO should look back on it with real pride as we approach the 2025 season.
Bravo!
