Dutch Grand Prix (Zandvoort)

Special note: We have a Discord server now, so if you want to join us to watch practices, sprints, or quali remotely (we'll still be at the Celtic for race events), check it out: https://discord.com/invite/wvBfaqhjpS

It's EARLY, but we'll be there - I promise!!! Join us at The Celtic on Market this Sunday for the pre-race starting at 06.30am with lights out at 07.00am. There will be food and (adult) beverages available starting at 7.00am.

Because of the group size and staffing needs, we request that everyone meet the "two drink minimum." That being said, ordering food counts, so even if you're not a drinker, it shouldn't be hard to find something. Basically, just get anything besides tap water, and the Celtic will continue to welcome us with open arms.

New and long-time fans of every driver/team are welcome. If it's your first time and/or you'll be alone, message me and I'll set aside a spot for you in the Organizers' VIP Paddock so you can make some new friends (space permitting).

## Zandvoort

### When was the track built?

Like Silverstone, Zandvoort was first opened in 1948, part of the wave of post-war motorsport enthusiasm that swept across Europe. Originally made up of a mixture of permanent track and public roads that snaked through the sand dunes of the Zandvoort resort town, the Dutch Automobile Racing Club – who initiated the plans for the circuit – brought in 1927 Le Mans winner Sammy Davis to consult on the layout for the original 4.2km track.

### When was its first Grand Prix?

Formula 1 arrived in the Dutch dunes in 1952, with Alberto Ascari dominating the race as he led home a 1-2-3 for Ferrari. Formula 1 would go on to race on and off at the track until 1985 – before, in 2019, the announcement came that the championship would return to Zandvoort for 2020, after a 35-year hiatus. The Covid-19 pandemic meant that became 36 years and a 2021 date.

### What’s the circuit like?

‘Really quick’, ‘pretty insane’, ‘crazy’ and ‘old-school’ were words used by the current crop of F1 drivers when asked to describe the Zandvoort track that many of them tackled in their junior category days. We’d also add ‘undulating’ to that list. The Zandvoort track swoops and flows through the sand dunes, creating a rollercoaster-like feel to the lap. And while the circuit was modernised in time for F1’s most recent return – including increasing the banking angle at the famous Tarzan corner to an Indianapolis Motor Speedway-trumping 18 degrees – Zandvoort remains a proper, challenging drivers’ track.