Circuit de Chimay
Circuit de Chimay Notes:
The Circuit de Chimay is a street circuit located near the Belgian border town of Chimay. The story began in 1926 when local motorsport enthusiast Jules Buisseret created a race on roads close to the French border, naming it the Grand Prix des Frontières. The original 10.870 km circuit was fearsomely fast with mostly quick corners and elevations - in Belgium, only the original Spa and Mettet courses were faster. The first event was held in 1926 and continued until 1972 when it was discontinued for safety reasons.
When Belgian Procar driver Guy Nève was killed in a crash at the fast Virage Spikins corner in 1992, the Chimay Circuit was deemed too dangerous for car racing. A new 4.520 km short version of the circuit was inaugurated on June 25, 1995, bringing back car races alongside motorcycle events. The circuit held Formula 1 races on two occasions in its history. Tragically, during the 2014 running, three riders were killed in separate incidents during qualifying and practice. Nevertheless, racing for classic bikes and the Open Trophy continues, with both events held annually in July.
