Sitges Terramar Autodrome

The evening before I was going to leave for the summer holiday, M, M and I had a very enjoyable evening in a pub in my hometown (and M´s town of birth). Talking about where I was headin´ (Barcelona area) the subject quickly changed to the ´Sitges Terramar Autodrome´, an abandoned racetrack that M has reported on earlier. As we spoke M pinpointed its location on his smartphone (Google Maps) and forwarded the information to me.

Thus prepared I was ready to move! It turned out that the first campsite we were to visit (selected by my spouse) was only 300 meters away from the legendary circuit! The Terramar track is one of the few surviving ovals with bankings, in Europe, which is still in pretty good shape (as opposed to Brooklands, Avus & Monthlery) allthough it has been abandoned for about 80 years now. As a matter of fact it was only used once for an official race (1923), since then only marginal clubraces were held at the beautiful track.

The circuit´s inner terrain is now private property and houses a couple of farms, when H (my son) and I tried to enter we were stopped by two ladies who told us the circuit was off limits for us, we should talk to the boss who would be there ´mañana' (the day we would be moving on, damn!). All we could do was try to circumnavigate the track and try to steel a view. That, in itself,  was more than worth while.

It seems the circuit is still in good order, maintenance work was carried out on the main straight and signposts indicate that it's still being used for club-events. To my son and I this was a beautiful 'Automotive highlight' in our Spanish holiday. Other 'Automotive highlights': In the Sierra Nevada we encountered a heavily disguised MB Axor truck, and while taking in gas, a 'dazzle wrapped' BMW 1-serie's prototype pulled up right next to us. 

  

Comments

[Mattijs]

M to R: What a coincidence the camp site was so close to the track! A neat story that once again proves that happiness is in the little things. Moving around the track, trying to take a peek inside must have felt like treasure hunting. The wrapped up Beamer as a modern counterpart. Close enough to get an impression, but still be able to keep the dream alive!

[Steve Lewis]

Nice memories! When I worked at the VW Design Center in Sitges we often tried to visit the track and we were regularly chased off by the farmer that owned the land, once with a shot gun in his hands!
We never quite managed to complete that lap in the studio's SEAT Cordoba!
I'm off to Sitges this Friday for a short break, I must make a note to myself to get some pictures this time(I never took any in the 10 years that I lived there!)

[Markus]

The circuit is in ok condition. Last year we had a chance to drive some rounds. Here are our photos:
http://www.formfreu.de/?p=8961

[Steve Lewis]

Cool! Maybe if I ask the farmer nicely this time he'll let me do a few laps too. I've only got to find myself a cool car this weekend.
Stay tuned!

[Rik]

@Steve & Markus: The fact that you were able to drive on the track makes me quite envious!

I'll have to live with the memory of chasing a 'Leyland DAF 45' 10-tonner, with no hands on the wheel (the testdriver sitting next to me, told me to do so) on the 'Leyland' testtrack in the UK. On a banked track you can do this, the vehicle finds its own way, increasing the speed means the vehicle climbs up the banking. @ 125 km/h the truck climbed very close to the top of the banking at about 50 cm's from the railing: quite exhilarating!!

[Imre]

Great story Rik. Couple of weeks ago, when I visited my brother in Barcelona, I went to Sitges, but just for the beach.. If I would have known this! Good reason to go there again asap.
Thanks!

[Markus]

There is a facebook-page "Autódromo Nacional Terramar Bcn". Its from the people who live there. Its a bit strage, because there is also private photos, but you can see in their albums lots of cars going around. Sometimes they have club meetings and stuff. .. not sure if they speak english.. just get in contact with them.
M

[huib]

Appealing story. Is the long straight not straight but curved in the helicopter view, or is it the perspective?