Belgium Grand Prix

I have been going to a different Formula One race every year for quite a while. I know I could get to see more of the race at home with the camera and replay and commentary but you can't get the feel of the race you get in person.

This year my race was the Belgium Grand Prix. For those of you that don't follow F1 the experience is over 3 days. Day one has two "Free Practice" sessions and is on Friday. Day two is on Saturday and has "Free Practice 3" and after that qualifying for the race on Sunday. Qualifying takes an hour and is split into Q1, Q2, and Q3.  All determine the starting position that they start in and is known as "Go fast day". Sunday is the actual race.

One other thing to mention is that a race venue like Belgium can have up to 3 races on Sunday. That means 3 sets of races on Sunday, 3 sets of qualifying on Saturday and 3 sets of practice sessions on Friday and Saturday. When you think of the price of a 3 day ticket and what you get for 3 days and 3 races it is a great deal.

I have said it before that Formula One races in some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. If you planned a vacation around a race you would be going to the top world attractions as well as seeing a great race.

As for seeing the race in person as opposed to TV it is like going to a football game when you can watch it on TV. You miss the pregame activities, the feeling in the crowd, and what goes on during commercials. F1 on TV does not include the other races. It does not include the pre-race activities like seeing Michael Schumacher's son drive a car that he won a race in at Belgium and you will miss the excitement in F1 of the crowd following their team or driver. For Belgium you would not have a feel for the elevation change of the track. The climb up the hills with the cars going over the crest and down hills with a high speed turn at the bottom. I walked the track on Friday and really got a feel of the elevation change.

The new F1 owners are making the fan experience a priority. During the three days go to the fan zone where you can see driver interviews, meet members of each team and watch entertainment. It is more than just a race.

If you are into racing, look at the schedule, pick a destination and have the time of your life.