![\"4-spa_francorchamps\"](\"http:\/\/www.rhinopeel.com\/sbmrl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/4-Spa_Francorchamps.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps was originally designed in 1920 using public roads and boasted a length of 9.3 miles. \u00a0It hosted its first Grand Prix in 1925 and was one of the fastest tracks in the world. \u00a0Concerns about length and dangerous high speed turns led to it being shorted to about 4.3 miles. \u00a0It was fully closed to street\u00a0traffic in the year 2000, something Conan never predicted.<\/p>\n
The track opens with a very short trip into the La Source hairpin. \u00a0The cars at the back of the grid will take a bit longer to get through, but they’ll be able to carry more speed down the hill into Eau Rouge and Raidillon. \u00a0The down-up nature of this extremely quick corner leads on to\u00a0the Kemmel straight. \u00a0Drivers who hit it right will be able to fly through this section, but they’ll be faced with some extreme downshifting at Les Combes.<\/p>\n
Les Combes signals the start of the second sector of the track, which is the most technical part of the track. \u00a0A series of challenging corners in quick succession will slow the field down dramatically. \u00a0The one real shot at some speed is Pouhon, but that speed will need to be curtailed on approach to Campus. \u00a0Sector three is then a straight shot to the final Bus Stop chicane. \u00a0Once again, the approach will be at high speed and drivers will have to slam on the brakes to stay on course.<\/p>\n
Spa is an extremely challenging track that will require drivers to tune their car to their driving style. \u00a0Those that elect a more cautious approach may opt for tyres over\u00a0brakes and gearbox if they don’t plan to approach the end of the straights at high speed. \u00a0Those with heavy soles in their shoes will need to account for the massive slowdowns present.<\/p>\n
Starting Grid<\/h3>\n
As it’s the first race of the season, the starting grid will be determined just prior to the start of the race. \u00a0Of note is that Spa will be Jaap Snellrijder’s home race, giving him a slight edge over the rest of the field.<\/p>\n
Season Outlook<\/h3>\n
The 2016-17 SBMRL season sees an additional, as yet unnamed, team join the grid to bring the field to a total of 10 cars. \u00a0Last year’s champion, Regency Motors, returns both of their drivers and will have their work cut out for them to repeat those efforts. \u00a0Jaap kickstarted his driver’s championship with an opening race victory in Austin last year, and never once lost the points lead.<\/p>\n
Two additional cars on track may not seem like much, but it’s a 25% increase and the end result will be significantly more congestion. \u00a0Teams will likely have a strong desire and\/or need to pit both cars, but with the revised pit rules for this season giving fewer opportunities for repairs, split strategies will come into play more often.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
After a long summer break, we’re finally ready to start the 2nd season of the SBMRL! \u00a0The victors’ time for boasting has come and gone as\u00a0the also-rans are once again on level ground. \u00a0Everyone heads to Belgium in exactly the … Continue reading