Motor Sport Circuit Guide


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Circuit de Chimay

In 1926, Jules Buisseret, who was very keen on motor sports, came up with the idea of creating a racetrack around the town of Chimay.

This was how the Grand Prix des Frontieres began. In its early days the circuit was similar to dozens of other race tracks in Europe, but it soon became something special.

The success of the Grand Prix can be attributed to the original idea of organising a race for amateurs and beginners. Jules Buisseret wanted to make it exhilarating for the spectators; bringing in big names would have cost too much and would not necessarily have created the interest. Chimay soon became Belgium's second motor racing venue after Spa-Francorchamps and attracted a large number of fans.

From the outset, there were motorcycle races in the morning and car races in the afternoon. This was quite usual at the time and was designed to attract motorcycle and car enthusiasts alike - two quite distinct groups.

In the 1970s the Grand Prix was discontinued as it became practically impossible to drive racing cars on ordinary roads as road safety rules were tightening up. The Circuit of Chimay now organises several kinds of races for cars and motorcycles every year, bringing back the old-time magic; once again the town buzzes with excitement.

The location and history of the Circuit of Chimay has undoubtedly helped to make it such a success. In 2001, the Circuit of Chimay celebrated 75 years of racing magic.

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