Spa Francorchamps Proximus 05/08/2001   Race Morning   © Janos Ickxfan The two Larbre cars have been very quiet until now. However, the morning warm-up saw the main car (no. 7) quickest with the new addition to the team (no. 17) third, sandwiching the pole-sitting Dutch Viper. Dramatically quick at fifth overall and first in N-GT is the Art Engineering Porsche. An overnight rain brought cooler temperatures to Francorchamps, but the skies cleared as the warm-up period progressed. The Spa 24 is Belgium’s most important motor race (excepting the F1 parade) and the crowds are definitely here. Similar to Sebring and Le Mans this is an “event” as much as it is a sporting spectacle. Therefore there are the hard partiers amidst to true fans. However, a quick look around makes it seem that a higher proportion are of the serious types. Your crack TMS crew have made their predictions: Joost: 1) Larbre #7; 2) Art Eng. #54; 3) Carsport Holland #4 Janos: 1) Belmondo #12; 2) RWS #77; 3) Carsport Holland #3 Thus, both of us along with several pundits pick an N-GT car on the podium. The Marcos is in, posting a respectable 2:56.049 in the warm-up. They will start last, not having posted a time during the official sessions. There have been no last minute changes elsewhere on the grid. There many Belgians of note scattered throughout the field. Perhaps one of the better known is Michel Neugarten (no. 55 Perspective Porsche) who has long competed in GTs of various kinds on both sides of the Atlantic. When not racing, Michel is gainfully employed as a stunt driver for TV advertisements. His job detail includes standing in for a certain Herr Schumacher. Why ruffle the driving suit of a $20m prima donna when you can have the eager and enthusiastic Michel at hand. Pascal Witmeur (#96 Lamborghini) is a long-time regular at Spa who has been involved in the development of both Belgian Procar and the national F3000 scene. Eric Geboers (#18 PSI turbo Porsche) is new to four wheels but is a multiple world champion in motocross. Koen Wauters has done well in circuit racing and in the Rallye-Raid world, but is perhaps even more successful in his profession as a singer and a leader of a children’s choir. The Gillet Vertigo could be a surprise. While the car is an unknown factor, the leadership and crew behind it is well experienced. They are led by Olivier Laine, who was the crew chief at Le Mans for the Champion Audi. WE'RE ANTICIPATING POSTING REPORTS EVERY THREE HOURS OR SO THROUGHOUT THE RACE. Copyright ©2000-©2023 TotalMotorSport