Racing Abroad!

[Adam43]

Well I have just sent of my application form off for a race at Spa (which itself deserves a thread) and I thought I'd ask about other's experiences.

I've got my National A with it's nice little EU flag on it - so everything about that should be OK (although it doesn't say "Valid in the EU" as I've been told it should, just "Valid as a Visa" - but I'm off to the RACMSA website and a flick through the bluebook to find out in a minute).

Travel arrangement are in the process of being made.

So what's different about racing abroad, anything? Different kinds of meat from the burger vans, anything else. Anything I should watch out for? Any pitfalls?

Does anyone have any good stories from a trip over the water?

And, as this is an international forum, what do those you live outside the UK think about racing in their country and indeed coming over to Britain.

[ss_collins]

Be very careful at the moment as for many events a national A may not be enough, the event must be on a list of events that have applied to be allowed to have EU competitors. If its not on that list then you cannot compete.

[Piglet]

Spa is a fab circuit, I've marshalled there a few times. The high point is the food and drink area in the paddock just outside what they refer to as the support or endurance pits (ie the ones on the hill not the F1 ones). Chips and Mayo, Beer and Waffles. What more is there to life!!

Look out for the marshals - they'll be in white!

[Adam43]

Piglet It sounds top!

ss, I've been assured that everything is fine. THe application form poitns out a Nat A is OK. I have also checked the FIA NEAFP list list. A meeting at Spa starting 1st May is (I presume!) my meeting. However it doesn't say the meeting length (although it doesn't for any circuit meeting).

For other's info the RACMAS licence rules (with additional info on using the Nat A licence abroad for 2003 only) can be found here.

[simon drabble]

also watch out for dogs wandering around the paddock as pets are allowed in Europe. The first time I raced there I very nearly ran over someone's beloved poodle! Very embarrassing, also check where they scrute you, normally at Spa they will do it in you allocated parking space in the paddock but it changes and they will normally have a drivers briefing which you have to sign to show you have attended. Although it seems like a spread out weekend you will be busy the whole time, is this the Motorclassic weekend?