Old Chimay – A lap around the original circuit

A photo tour at the old Chimay Circuit, made by Herman Liesemeijer. I take you on a lap around the 10.450 km (6.494 Miles) long original street circuit of Chimay in Southern Belgium.

We start our lap at old Chimay on the original Start/Finish straight. It was replaced by a new Start/Finish straight in 1985…

Here the corner called “Porte de Mons”, built in 1985 and leading to the new Start/Finish straight, which also short cut the section through the city of Chimay.

But we follow the old Chimay Circuit, which ran through the city of Chimay!

This section of old Chimay was called La Bouchère.

Hard braking was necessary here because it was the end of a long high speed section.

Exit La Bouchère.

A few fast kinkf before we enter the longest straight of old Chimay…

Which is interrupted by a roundabout now!

Pedal to the metal at the “Ligne droite de Salles” (Sales Straight).

After three km (1.8 Miles) full throttle we enter the fast “Virage Spikins” (Spikins Corner), one of the most exciting corners at old Chimay.

After Spikins Corner a right kink. The piece of asphalt on the left is a remain from an additional chicane, built in 1985.

The first of two banked 90° right hand corners just before the village of Salles. These corners are most likely built in 1960.

Full throttle uphill…

And very close alongside Chapelle de l’Arbrisseau. Even if it is a church, this was one of the most dangerous passages of old Chimay!

A few very fast kinks…

And after one Mile full throttle you had to brake very hard before “Virage Mairesse” (Mairesse Corner). Imagine what would happen if you brake too late for this corner!

Old Chimay meets new Chimay… On the right you see the exit of the new circuit section. The next part of old Chimay is still operational.

This section is called “Petit Pont” (Small Bridge).

Since 1985 the Pilette Chicane reduce the speed at this point.

We turn right at “Virage de Beauchamp”, the third angle of the circuit.

And again a chicane, Chicane Bourgoignie. Just like the other chicanes introduced in 1985, so not used in the original layout!

Very close alongside the houses, at Virage Vidal!

The final kink comes in sight…

Who brings us back at Start/Finish, were our lap at old Chimay ends.

Watch all versions of the Chimay Circuit in these videos.

© Text and pictures: Herman Liesemeijer