We will begin our rollout of Formula 1 tours with three major European races from next year’s 23-race calendar: the Austrian, Belgian and Dutch Grands Prix, before adding more events to our offering in the coming months.
All three races will include multiple travel, accommodation and ticketing options to suit everyone wishing to be trackside for the world’s premier motorsport championship next season.
“We are so excited to add Formula 1 to our growing list of motorsport offerings for customers in 2021,” said Andrew Melley, the Director of Travel Destinations. “With so much pent up demand for travelling, and Formula 1 visiting so many incredible circuits around the world, it makes sense for us to expand our offering to give our customers even more options for future holidays.
“We look forward to welcoming fans to some of the most well-attended and exciting motor races in the world from 2021 onwards.”
Packages to the Austrian, Belgian and Dutch Grands Prix are on sale now.
To make a booking or register your interest for one of the other races on the calendar, call Travel Destinations’ office on 01707 329988 or email info@traveldestinations.co.uk
All bookings are protected by Travel Destinations’ Refund Guarantee, so you can book with confidence!
July is upon us. What a first six months of 2019 we have had. We have completed so many motorsport events. There have been successful visits to the USA for Daytona and “Super-Sebring”, we have ventured even further afield for the Bathurst 12 Hours in Australia. Then closer to home we have already visited Spa-Francochamps twice and survived the incredible double header that was the Le Mans 24 Hours followed by the Nurburgring 24 Hours. Just around the corner we have the Spa 24 Hours too followed by the Nurburgring Oldtimer Grand Prix, but beyond that there is still so many motorsport events to look forward to.
For classic motorsport fans we have three great events to attend this September. Each is unique and well worth taking a look at. First up is the Zandvoort Historic Grand Prix. At the time of writing we have just a few hotel rooms left available for this event. Historic racing doesn’t get more picturesque than this with the track winding through the Dutch sand dunes. Certainly, one not to be missed.
Similarly, we have a last few hotel rooms available for the Circuit des Remparts event in Angouleme. The tight street circuit around, the French town’s walls, not only provides a technical challenge for all the drivers, but it provides exceptional views for spectators too. With other activities such as a fun concours & touristic rally, adding to the weekend’s events, Angouleme really is a worthwhile visit.
Rounding out September’s historic racing trilogy is the Spa Six Hours. We describe this weekend of historic racing, as an event organised for drivers, that the public are allowed to gate-crash. Whilst there may be no fair ground, entertainment and off-site events, the Spa Six Hours excels in providing excellent grids with access to all areas for all spectators. If you want to get close to some of your favourite cars from the past, then the Spa Six Hours is perfect for you. Hang out in the garages, wander the paddocks and relax in any grandstand whilst enjoying the on-track action.
We have something special lined up for October. If you have yet to experience a VLN race at the Nurburgring, then this is the way to do it. The VLN is the sister series to the Nurburgring 24 Hours & for the deciding race of the season we have teamed up with professional racing driver & driving coach David Pittard, to provide a unique way to enjoy the race. As well as 4-star hotel accommodation, just minutes from the track, our offer includes race-day hospitality with the Walkenhorst Motorsport team and a guided garage visit with David during the race. Not only that, but as David is driving a BMW in the VLN, we have added the option to add passenger laps around the Nordschleife with David as your driver. This will be as close to racing the famous circuit as most of us will ever get. This is an amazing package and one we think you will really enjoy.
The Daytona circuit needs no introduction. Watching racing around the famous banking has to be on every motorsport fan’s bucket list. The Rolex 24 at Daytona in January is the perfect excuse to fulfil those ambitions. We make things easy for you with a choice of hotels; one adjacent to the track and one overlooking Daytona beach. We can arrange flights from the Uk and car hire if required to enable you to enjoy your time in Florida.
For those looking to travel the world and enjoy motorsport, then we highly recommend joining us in Bathurst, Australia for the 12 hours at the end of January. We currently have a limited number of rooms available alongside our hospitality offer, so make sure you get your places reserved soon. This race continues to grow in stature and now attracts the top drivers & teams from around the world, so now would be a good time to join the international audience.
March 2020 sees the return of “Super-Sebring”. This sees not only the traditional 12 Hours of Sebring IMSA race, but also one of the longer rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship in consecutive days. We love the fun atmosphere and relaxed nature of the Sebring circuit and both races provide on-track competition second to none. Our private condos were hugely appreciated by all our guests this year and we had a great crowd enjoy the racing with us. We will be repeating the Super-Sebring experience again in 2020, but places are limited, so we kindly encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment.
Then looking further ahead to next summer we have two fantastic motorsport events. The Le Mans 24 Hours in June needs little explanation, and then the Le Mans Classic returns in July for what is always a great weekend of historic racing around the full Le Mans circuit. We are on sale for both of these events now, so whether you want hotel rooms, camping or glamping then please call us now to secure your place track-side.
For more information or to book any of these motorsport events and any other of our offers on our website, please call us on 01707 329988.
Buying the motorsport fan in your life a Christmas present that they can enjoy can be tricky. They probably already have enough pictures of their favourite cars and books about their favourite drivers, whilst the cupboard is full to bursting with unwatched race DVDs. So what do you do? Fortunately the staff at Travel Destinations are here to help you with this festive predicament.
Saffron: “Can I say a trip to Zandvoort? I’ve not been there yet, so I’d like to experience the Historic Grand Prix there.”
Richard: “I want to do it all really and there is a lot to choose from here. Please can I just have gift vouchers*? Then I can spend them on what I want?”
So these are our motorsport gift suggestions for this Christmas. What are you going to choose?
You can make a reservation for any of the motorsport events featured on this website with just a deposit & we will send you a gift letter appropriate to that event.
*Alternatively you can purchase Travel Destinations gift vouchers. These are available in various amounts from £50.00 upwards. These can be sent straight away to be ready for Christmas day!
Call Travel Destinations now on 01707 329988 to book the perfect Christmas present for the motorsport fan in your life.
At a time when Formula 1 has witnessed a fall in audience numbers, and when the ground-breaking Formula E struggles to find a crowd, there is one form of motorsport that continues to grow in terms of spectator numbers and events. It is perhaps ironic then that these motorsport events focus on looking back at history, rather than forwards to the future. The growth in historic motorsport is not necessarily a new phenomenon, as it has been happening for many years, particularly in Europe, but now historic racing is attracting larger crowds and an international audience. The attraction is clear; historic motor racing appeals to the many not just the few.
Historic motorsport events are now being held all around Europe. Some are on existing circuits, whilst others utilize less well-known arenas. Some events feature full competitive racing, others concentrate on the display and uniqueness of the location, so it can be difficult to choose which event is best for you. Below we look at a selection of our favourites to show the differences across this growing motorsport sector.
Le Mans Classic; 3rd – 5th July 2020
Attracting crowds approaching 150,000 people, the Le Mans Classic has been a real success story for the organisers Peter Auto. Taking place every other year, the Le Mans Classic recreates the rich and varied history of Le Mans from 1923 right through to this century. To guarantee authenticity priority is given participants with cars that actually raced at Le Mans. For spectators there is much to see and do, with unique themed displays and car club areas covering large areas of the infield. Options are available for staying inside and outside the circuit, but we recommend you book early as the best options always sell out in advance.
Le Mans Classic
Spa Classic; 17th – 19th May 2019
The little sister of the Le Mans Classic, the Spa Classic still attracts more than 30,000 spectators every year. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit has a rich and varied history which is reflected in the participating grids that include historic touring cars, endurance racers and single-seater Formula. In recent years the welcome addition of a Group C grid has added to the spectacular action on the track. Although spectators can’t stay on the circuit, there are plenty of options for hotels and camping in the local area, making the event very accessible.
Mille Miglia; 11th – 22nd May 2019
Attracting 450 of the finest vintage and classic cars in the world, along with their professional and celebrity drivers the legendary Mille Miglia recreates an open-road endurance race that originally took place from 1927 until 1957. Beginning and ending in the Italian city of Brescia, with Rome marking the half-way point, this 1000-mile event has become one of the must-see events on the historic motorsport calendar.
Mille Miglia
Grand Prix de l’Age d’Or ; 6th – 10th June 2019
Originally held in the French town of Rouen back in 1964, this historic weekend of motorsport then moved to Montlhery, before finding its current home in Dijon in 2014. The Dijon-Prenois circuit was previously made famous by hosting the French Grand Prix between 1974 & 1988. This Peter Auto organised event features sixties endurance racers, historic touring cars, a whole grid of 2 litre Porsches as well as single seaters such as formula 2. There are car club displays away from the action on the track ensuring there is always something interesting to view.
Nurburgring Oldtimer Grand Prix; 8th – 12th August 2019
Around 600 cars will compete across 11 different grids across the weekend using a combination of the F1 circuit and famous Nordschelefe. Cars from pre-war through to end of the 1990s will be represented on track with manufacturers and clubs creating exclusive displays on the infield. Access is good for spectators with free grandstands, paddock and garage access throughout the weekend. There is a campsite adjacent to the track and a number of hotels in the local area making visiting this event simple and fun.
Zandvoort Historic Grand Prix; 5th – 9th September 2019
Nestled in the sand dunes of the Dutch coastline, this undulating circuit is perfect for hosting historic motorsport; It is challenging for the drivers and viewing opportunities are excellent for spectators. Expect to see grids of historic Formula 1, DTM, touring cars and historic world endurance championship challengers across the weekend. A relaxed paddock enables everyone to get close with cars and drivers alike. There are campsites and hotels within walking distance of the circuit making this event an easy introduction to historic motorsport.
Zandvoort Historic Grand Prix
Circuit des Remparts, Angouleme, 12th – 17th September 2019
Each year the French town of Angouleme comes alive to the sounds of engines as both vintage and classic car racers descend on the tightest of street circuits. Bugattis and Porsches will line the paddocks alongside Aston Martins and Jaguars, giving a really international feel to the event. In addition to the street racing on Sunday there are competitions and events throughout the weekend as classic car owners bring their own vehicles to join in the event.
Spa Six Hours, 27th – 30th September 2019
Just as the leaves on the Ardennes forest begin to change, this weekend of historic racing shows off the Spa-Francorchamps circuit at its best. There are many differing grids across the weekend but the signature race is the six hours endurance race that begins in the afternoon and finishes after dark. Expect to see AC Cobras, Jaguar E-Types and Ford GT40s both on the track and in the garages and access is unrestricted for all spectators. Once again campsites and hotels are available close to the track for this event.
For those that are looking to test themselves or learn new skills, Travel Destinations have also added a fantastic ice-driving experience with a long weekend in Sweden. Spaces are strictly limited and will sell out, so we recommend early booking.
To say we were excited about our visit to the Zandvoort Historic Grand Prix would be an understatement, and we were not disappointed. This year would be the seventh edition of the event and the organisers put on a very impressive show.
We chose to travel to the event via the Harwich to Hook of Holland route with Stena line. It was an extremely comfortable overnight crossing and with the Hook of Holland just over an hour drive to Zandvoort makes it extremely convenient too. We drove to the pretty town of Delft for a look around and coffee stop. It was then a short distance to the stunning Louwman museum. This is a ‘must do’ visit, the collection is breath taking and extremely well thought out and put together.
MGA in Delft
Silver Arrows exhibition at Louwman museum
Maserati Louwman museum
Zandvoort is a seaside town with a long sandy beach. The circuit is a short walk from the town amongst the dunes. We were staying at Centre Parcs which could not be situated more perfectly, adjacent to the circuit. In fact the noise of the cars practising on track as we arrived only heightened the excitement for the weekend. There is a large selection of bars and restaurants, that evening we elected to eat at a beach club whilst watching the sun set.
Saturday arrived and it was just a short walk through the dunes to the circuit, you are immediately into the paddock housing the Formula Juniors. The Paddocks got better and better as we walked through to the centre of the track. Attracting particular interest was the Porsche exhibition, as you entered the 908 Targa Florio car was the first car of the display. The rest of the exhibition housed some superb cars, notably the 4WD 961 that came 7th at Le Mans.
We made our way to the grandstands to watch some racing. First up a fantastic three way battle with the aforementioned Formula Juniors, made for a good start to the action. Next up were the local boys in their GT and Touring cars. Up the front was a very fast Porsche 935 K3 against a Ferrari Daytona which was doing well to hold its own, however in the end it was a Porsche 1,2 3. It was then Historic F2 and the very fast Matthew Watts in his March 772P, who was untouchable. The last race before the lunch break wasthe Historic Sports cars where Lola T70’s rumbled through for a comfortable 1-2 victory.
Lotus 18 Formula Junior
Porsche 935 K3
Matthew Watts takes victory in F2
A real highlight was the ‘Tourenwagen’ class which mostly comprised of 90’s DTM cars. They put on a real show. This was followed by a very special BMW demonstration, only three cars but what a three! First up a M1 Procar driven by FIA Sportscar champion John Bosch. Next up a Mclaren F1 GTR Long Tail (in the BMW parade because of it’s Bavarian powerplant, of course) driven by BMW works driver Peter Kox. Lastly, local hero Jan Lammers drove the BMW V12 LMR, the car that won Le Mans in 1999.
Other famous drivers we spotted over the weekend were Arturo Mezario (in his iconic cowboy hat) driving a Ferrari 156 sharknose. Plus Le Mans winner Andy Wallace who was demonstrating the Le Mans Jaguar XJR9.
Peter Kox Mclaren F1 long tail
Andy Wallace with Jaguar XJR9
Arturo Mezario Ferrari 156 sharknose
Plenty more fantastic grids raced on throughout the weekend including pre-66 Touring cars, F3-500 single seaters, the Gentleman Drivers 2 hours endurance race, F3 and not forgetting Historic F1, in which Nick Padmore (current Goodwood lap record holder) was mighty.
Another interesting addition to the weekend was the parade through the centre of Zandvoort town on Saturday evening. Lead by Jan Lammers, who is from Zandvoort, so at least he knew his way around! He was followed by 50 plus race cars as they did two laps around the town.
In summary we were really impressed with the event, superb grids, friendly atmosphere and Zandvoort is a lovely destination. Tour details will be published as soon as the dates for the 2019 event are confirmed.
