Chimay in jeopardy

Licence pulled on safety grounds

Just weeks before the meeting planned to mark the 80th anniversary of racing at Chimay, the Belgian track has lost its licence to hold car races.

Promoters at the street circuit, which was first used in 1926, have had to cancel the Historycar Festival scheduled for 22/23 July because the track licence has suddenly been withdrawn by the RAC of Belgium.

Although permits have been granted for motorcycle racing, the RACB has refused the car permit on safety grounds and the organisers have cancelled the event, which relied heavily on the Top Hat Racing movement for feature races.

Top Hat boss Julius Thurgood has pledged to fight for the future of racing at Chimay.