Spa Classic 2026: Historic motorsport at full speed

The 2026 edition of Spa Classic once again confirmed why the event has become one of Europe’s premier celebrations of historic motorsport. Across an unforgettable three-day weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, more than 400 racing cars from six decades of competition thundered through the Ardennes in front of packed grandstands, enthusiastic club displays and thousands of passionate fans.

Held between 22 and 24 May, the fourteenth running of the Peter Auto event benefited from unusually warm and sunny conditions, allowing spectators to enjoy uninterrupted track action from morning until evening. The legendary Belgian circuit — still regarded by many drivers as the finest in the world — provided the perfect stage for a festival that mixed nostalgia, speed and accessibility in equal measure.

What makes Spa Classic unique is not simply the machinery on track, but the atmosphere surrounding it. Fans wandered freely through open paddocks, stood metres away from priceless prototypes and GT cars, and watched mechanics prepare legendary racing machines before they charged towards Eau Rouge. Many visitors described the event as one of the most immersive motorsport experiences in Europe.

This year’s edition introduced two major additions: Heritage Touring Cup 2 and the GT3 Revival Series. Both categories immediately became crowd favourites, particularly the GT3 field, whose Ferrari 458s, Audi R8 LMSs, Aston Martin V12 Vantages and Ford GTs brought modern-era noise and drama to the historic meeting. The sunset and night sessions created one of the defining images of the weekend.

While the absence of the popular Group C category disappointed some long-time visitors, the depth and variety of the remaining grids more than compensated. From 1960s endurance prototypes to 2000s Le Mans legends, the event successfully showcased the evolution of endurance and touring car racing across generations.

Picture gallery Spa Classic

Pictures copyright Tim Havermans