6 replies to this topic

[Steve L]

I'm planning a holiday in Spain this summer, and am keen to visit the abandoned Sitges race track (I've been to Brooklands and Montlhery, and now want to do the hat trick!).

I was wondering if anyone else has been there recently, and would like to know how easy it is to gain access?

I believe a number of buildings and/or a farm lie within the boundaries of the track, and some areas might be strictly "private property"?

And is there anyone that has to be contacted before or during a visit?

Any help or pointers gratefully received !

[Peter Morley]

I've never had a problem with access to the track (drove most the way round last time I was there). I have been told that there are dogs protecting it etc, but have never come across them.

Various people have visited recently and tell me it is the same as when I was last there a couple of years ago.

I am trying to arrange a meeting between the owner's agent and the latest people who might hopefully back my dream of restoring Sitges, but that is not straightforward (they want to know that the visitors are capable of buying/deveoping the site before agreeing).

So arranging casual visits is probably out of the question, but you should not have any problem inspecting the track - certainly the far banking is accessible, but the part that is lived in is near the larger banking.
Of course if you do find someone there it would be wise/polite to ask permission (if you are a genuine enthusiast rather than wanting to race a moped round the banking there should be no problem).

http://users.pandora...s.bvba1/sitges/

By the way if you want to be really complete you should try to see Miramas in France - but I think security there makes that very difficult.

[Gary C]

I remember when my uncle & aunt holidayed in Sitges in about 1975. They said it was a beautifulplace, obviously no shot of a racetrack in their holiday pictures though !

[Peter Morley]

Originally posted by Gary C
I remember when my uncle & aunt holidayed in Sitges in about 1975. They said it was a beautifulplace, obviously no shot of a racetrack in their holiday pictures though !

I always describe it as a Spanish equivalent to Brighton - similar 1920's style to the place, very close to the main city (Barcelona in this case), it was where the wealthy would have spent their weekends/leisure time. Both are also apparently rather popular with the gay community.

It is hard to imagine a better location for a race track, great weather, pleasant surroundings, the seaside and great connections (motorway & airports nearby).

[Cirrus]

A great (web) site, Peter - I can see why you have your dream!

You must have spent a lot of time getting those wonderful pictures just right. I drive through Brooklands every day on the way to work, and there is a huge amount of construction going on there at the moment. Let's hope Sitges isn't yet a lost cause. Europe needs some sort of living monument to those days, and rural Spain is probably a much better bet than Surrey!

[humphries]

I had a walk, scramble, around the Sitges track about 5 or 6 years ago. Then the dog pack was only too evident and escorted me off what they considered their patch and I could only get round about two thirds distance.

If it could be saved then great but when I went in the Tourist Information office nobody there knew about the site! Even when I pointed out the kidney-shaped oval at Terramar on one of their maps they only shrugged but I found it easy enough. I think there is more interest now.

The only problem I can see is access. A housing estate is next to the site and I'm not sure the residents would want the traffic or the noise.

John

[Peter Morley]

Originally posted by Cirrus
A great (web) site, Peter - I can see why you have your dream!

You must have spent a lot of time getting those wonderful pictures just right. I drive through Brooklands every day on the way to work, and there is a huge amount of construction going on there at the moment. Let's hope Sitges isn't yet a lost cause. Europe needs some sort of living monument to those days, and rural Spain is probably a much better bet than Surrey!

The photos were taken pretty haphazardly, I just snapped away, with my digital camera, as we walked round the track!!
It helps that the weather was so good, the sun must have made up for my lack of photographic skill.

Oddly enough I met a British Investment broker last night who spends the week in Brussels and weekends with his family in Sitges! One of his company's partners is a local investment agency - so another possibility for the resurrection of Sitges opens..

Fortunately the circuit has a preservation order on it, so it should not be destroyed, but things like that aren't really worth a light (change of government, big enough back-hander etc can wipe it out).
And it isn't clear whether the order covers the circuit buildings, it would be a shame if something that has survived this long, and in such good condition, should be destroyed now.