Circuit De Chimay: 100 Years of Racing

Outstanding iconography: hundreds of unpublished and archive photographs capturing the highlights of the Grand Prix des Frontières, the Classic Bikes events and the legendary European Bug-In. Text in English and French.

In Belgium, only the Spa-Francorchamps circuit can rival the history and prestige of the Chimay layout. Created in 1926 with the very first Grand Prix des Frontières, this road circuit has, over the decades, become a must-see event for lovers of speed, competition and pure emotion. On the winding roads of the “boot” of Hainaut, the greatest names have shone: Jacky Ickx, Didier de Radiguès, Paul Frère, the Pilette brothers, Lucien and Mauro Bianchi, as well as two-wheel giants such as Giacomo Agostini, Barry Sheene, Phil Read and Johnny Cecotto. Chimay has also welcomed Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt, Henri Pescarolo, Derek Bell, and even some unexpected figures such as Mister Bean and Christophe Dechavanne. Today, the spirit of the circuit remains intact: Supermoto in spring, Classic Bikes and the Open Trophy in summer, not to mention the spectacular European Bug-In, which draws thousands of Volkswagen and Beetle enthusiasts to Chimay every year.

Text in English and French.

Pierre Danvoye is a journalist who was born, grew up and still lives in Chimay. Since the 1970s, he has attended most of the events held at the circuit as a spectator. He is the author of several best-selling titles, including the official centenary book of Sporting de Charleroi (2004) and the autobiographies of Daniel Van Buyten (2014), Bertrand Caroy (2023) and Gaëtan Vigneron (2023).