The first 24 actions for the centenary CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa

SRO Motorsports Group has put together an ambitious programme for the centenary CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, which is scheduled to get underway at 16:30 on Saturday 29 June. Indeed, the promotion of the event and an improved spectator experience have been of particular importance to the organisers. In a nod to the unique rhythm of a twice-around-the-clock contest, and while awaiting further announcements, here are the first 24 actions that will make 2024 an exceptional edition. 

 

Historic Races 

In a fitting tribute to the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, the machines that wrote the history of this great race will return for the centenary. In collaboration with Peter Auto, more than 80 touring cars (from 1966 to 2000) and GTs (from 1993 to 2013) will take to the track for a total of three races (two for the GTs and one for the touring cars). This promises to be a spectacular show dripping with nostalgia.

 

Inside the 24 Hours 

Since the first edition in 1924, spectators have been the centre of attention. For the centenary, SRO Motorsports Group will take them behind the scenes. Fans will be able to visit areas such as race management, the press room, the Pirelli tyre fitting area, and the TV studios. What’s more, Pit Walks will allow spectators to stroll through the pit lane to see the interior of garages and watch the teams practice tyre changes and refuelling. The popular Track Walk will allow spectators to walk around the circuit, where photos taken at Raidillon often become a cherished memory of the week. And of course there is the Grid Walk, which allows fans with an appropriate ticket to get up close with the cars on the starting grid, a few moments before the start of the centenary edition. 

 

Kids Join the Party

Passion is often passed down from generation to generation. The youth is our future, so kids will be more spoiled than ever before this year. Access is free for under-12s and a Kids Village – with specific child-friendly activities – will be established. What’s more, classes of schoolchildren from Spa, Stavelot and Malmedy will be able to attend during the day on Thursday for free, and even get a glimpse behind the scenes. 

 

Football at the Parade 

The CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa will take place at the same time as another very popular sporting event: the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. On Wednesday 26 June – the day of the big parade that takes cars and drivers to Spa city centre – Belgium will play their final group game. Can’t choose between the two? There’s no need, because the Euro 2024 match will be shown on a giant screen, allowing you to enjoy both football and the unique atmosphere of the Parade.

 

What’s more, the parade will be extended for the centenary edition, with the procession taking in the old circuit. The seemingly endless curve of Burnenville, Malmedy, the ‘S’ of Masta, the Carrière – in 2024 these legendary spots on the old circuit will once again vibrate to the sound of race cars. 

 

A Refreshed Fan Village

The fan experience is essential to SRO Motorsports Group. In addition to the incredible battle on the track – for which it has earned the title of the world’s most competitive GT race – the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa is also a public event with something for everyone to enjoy. To mark the centenary, the Fan Village has been completely redesigned. Visitors will find souvenir shops (clothing, miniatures, goodies), artists exhibiting their work, larger restaurant areas, and plenty of activities. Fans can test their own driving skills on simulators, which will use the official Fanatec GT game Assetto Corsa Competizione. Don’t miss the Circus Trial Tour, a freestyle motorcycle show presented by Monster Energy, nor Casa Pirelli, which introduces fans to the history of the Italian manufacturer. A photo booth will ensure that everyone can leave with a souvenir. Those who want to get on-track can take the small train over to Blanchimont for a karting session on the RACB track. Finally, and to universal approval, the centenary will see the return of a Ferris wheel located at the foot of Raidillon.

 

Music at the 24 Hours 

Always a crucial aspect of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, music will take on an even greater role in 2024. In the paddock, a stage will host concerts on Thursday and Friday evenings, notably with the Belgian groups Mister Cover and Six No More playing classics from the 20th century. Expect a journey into the world of rock, soul, French music and pop from the fifties to the present day. The Saturday evening concert will light up a brand new main stage at the foot of Raidillon. From 20:00 to 02:00 it will welcome international stars of electro music, including Kungs, Henri PFR, Peter Luts and Jérémie Charlier. 

 

24-Hour Pairing

What are the two biggest endurance races at which a GT3 car can win overall? That’s easy: the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa and the ADAC Ravenol 24h Nürburgring. Each has its own unique characteristics and, as of this year, both are part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge calendar. Fans wishing to do the double can take advantage of the ‘One for Two’ ticket. Further promotions such as a common clothing line will highlight the pairing of the ADAC Ravenol 24h Nürburgring (30 May-2 June) and the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa (26-30 June). 

 

The Gallery of Time 

In addition to historic races, a temporary exhibition will retrace the history of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. This living museum will be located on the roof of the Pit Building, with many of the objects loaned by race fans. Take a journey through the past century with photos, videos, posters, cars, miniatures, helmets, suits, and more. The Gallery of Time will be among the unmissable attractions of the centenary edition. 

 

Official 100 Years Shop

The official SRO Motorsports Group store will offer attendees an exclusive collection to mark the centenary CrowdStrike 24 Hours. Fans can choose from a variety of clothing, mugs, postcards, and camping equipment, as well as plenty of fun accessories. What’s more, reissues of vintage race posters should delight every collector.

 

100 Years in Miniatures

For many motorsport fans, a collection of miniatures is essential. The memory of a personal experience, passion for a brand, a captivating livery, love for a specific event – there are endless reasons to buy them. An association with Spark, the world leader in high-quality resin miniatures, will create a special collection for the 100th anniversary of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. This limited edition set of new 1/43 scale models will delight all fans of the genre. 

 

The Red Paddock 

Set inside the La Source hairpin, the Red Paddock will be the beating heart of the action for fans at the track, and certainly one of the most glamorous locations. Here, spectators can stroll among the superb hospitality units used by teams and partners, meeting drivers, engineers and team bosses along the way. There will also be exhibitions of historic cars, manufacturer stands, supercar displays, a giant screen to follow the race and view of the commentators' studio and signing sessions with the drivers. This should be an especially popular area in 2024.

 

An Event Accessible to All

The more you know, the more there is to enjoy. This will be the mantra for SRO Motorsports Group, which will make a point of improving the circulation of information. A new, more intuitive website, social networks full of practical information, info points at different locations around the circuit, improved signage; these are the kind of initiatives that will ensure a better experience for spectators. To not miss a second of the race, they can take advantage of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe app. On site, 15 giant screens will be placed around the circuit and fans will be able to tune into the FM radio broadcast, which offers ideal trackside listening. 

 

Campsites 

Camping during the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa is perhaps the most intense way to experience the race. A number of initiatives are underway to improve this experience. A census of all surrounding campsites will soon be live on the event website, providing a global view of the varied options and prices. In addition, a space will be reserved for camper vans (with a view of the track), while a glamping option is planned, and a youth campsite within the circuit will cater for 17-27-year-olds.

 

Paul Frère Trophy 

Without the intervention of Paul Frère, we may not have celebrated the centenary of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. The journalist-driver – notably the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1960 – was essential to the rebirth of the Belgian event in 1964, ending 11 years of inactivity. His desire to make what was then known as the 24 Hours of Francorchamps unique allowed it to flourish like never before. For the centenary, and in honour of this great gentleman, the best-placed Belgian driver in the overall classification will receive a special prize: the Paul Frère Trophy. 

 

Fireworks

So long as the weather allows, the traditional fireworks display will make a very popular return for the centenary. This will add a touch of colour and magic while, out on the track, the race is in full swing. 

 

Grandstands

Thanks to a partnership with the Spa Grand Prix company and the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, spectators will have access to several thousand extra seats this year. As well as the permanent structures, which offer superb views of the start area and Raidillon, additional grandstands will be installed ahead of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. There will be six in total: three at Raidillon, one at Speakers Corner, one at braking zone near the Bus Stop, and one at the exit of La Source. These will be accessible at no extra charge with a general enclosure ticket. 

 

Reinforced Promotion 

While celebrating a special milestone in 2024, the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa aims to confirm its status as a major international event. Motorsport enthusiasts already recognise its appeal, so the objective for SRO Motorsports Group is to introduce the 24 Hours to a wider audience. As such the organiser has invested in an unprecedented promotional campaign to extend the influence of the Ardennes classic well beyond the borders of Belgium. The CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa has plenty of appeal: it is as much an automotive festival as a music festival, while it is accessible and welcoming to families. This international promotional campaign will also rely on social networks and a new approach to the media.

 

The Belgian Airforce

The Belgian army will be present in force to remind people of its essential role in maintaining peace. Military vehicles will be on display and an air show.

 

A Collector’s Programme and Book

Many fans were asking for it: the paper programme is back! This will be a special collector's edition that combines practical information, everything you need to know about the race, a presentation of the activities and, of course, a special chapter dedicated to 100 years of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. In addition, several historical works will delight fans with the history of GT racing and the 24 Hours. Among them, a brand-new book recounting the centenary CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa will be presented by its publisher, Benoit Deliège. 

 

Hall of Fame

Over the past century, many people and institutions have left a particular mark on the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. To pay tribute to those who wrote the legend, a Hall of Fame will be created, acting as a memorial to the event and its great actors. The objective is to bring fans and key figures from the race closer together, with those who are still with us invited to share their stories with spectators. The inductees will be revealed during the week leading up to the race. 

 

Comprehensive Coverage 

It is a point of honour for SRO Motorsports Group that the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa can be watched in its entirety free of charge. Indeed, for the centenary there will be more cameras, FPV drone images, and greater overall coverage. The media interest is such that the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa will be broadcast on five continents to reach an audience which should well exceed five million viewers. In addition to traditional television, the GTWorld YouTube channel, which has more than 550,000 subscribers, will offer no less than 70 hours of live action, including the full race and the support events, as well as special broadcasts. Commentary will be offered in French, Dutch, German, English, Italian and Japanese. What’s more, a variety of media partners will broadcast the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa on their own networks, guaranteeing the global impact of the centenary. 

 

Anything Goes Wednesday 

Bringing fans closer to the action is one of the watchwords of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. This year, SRO Motorsports Group will go even further. In collaboration with Curbstone Events, the circuit will be open to fans the day before the first official tests. Anything Goes Wednesday will allow those who wish, and for a very affordable price, to drive their own car on the legendary Spa-Francorchamps, possibly with the accompaniment of a professional instructor. What better way to appreciate the challenge of this great track?

 

Adapted Ticketing

The centenary CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa provided an opportunity to rethink ticketing. To complement the traditional offering (general entry, with or without paddock access), further options have been added to better meet fans' needs and expectations. Among the new features, an ‘After Work’ ticket allows entrance on Thursday and Friday during the latter hours of the day.

 

Centennial Competition

We have reached the 24th and final point – for now, at least – that will make this an exceptional edition. In the weeks preceding the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, there will be 24 competitions offering some very special prizes. Track laps, participation in the parade in an official car, backstage tours, meeting the concert artists, visits to a track marshals’ station, access to the Grid Walk – there will be something to suit a wide variety of tastes.