Porsche Club Racing – Spa-Francorchamps

Date: October 6–8, 2023

Event Organiser: Dutch Porsche Club Racing

Format: Optional practice Friday, qualifying Saturday, two 1-hour races Sunday

Conditions: Dry

Best Lap Time: 3:16.439

Tyres: Yokohama Advan A052

Race Report

Summary: Spa-Francorchamps Guest Entry – Porsche Club Racing (6–8 October 2023)

There are few circuits in the world that inspire awe quite like Spa-Francorchamps, and in October 2023, Porsche 903 finally made it to this legendary track. After five years of licensing, rebuilding, and planning, the invitation to join the Dutch Porsche Club Racing series marked not just a calendar highlight — but a personal milestone. With its sweeping elevation changes, iconic corners, and old-school character, Spa offered an entirely new challenge. For Kenn van Hauen, the goal was simple: stay safe, soak it in, and finish strong.

The weekend format included optional Friday practice, Saturday qualifying, and two one-hour races on Sunday. Preparations had been meticulous — including the installation of a new FIA-compliant fuel tank and a full lighting setup for safety during low-light conditions. Still, hurdles remained. From a last-minute issue with race numbering, to a comedy of errors involving a side mirror and unfastened seatbelt just before the start of Race 1, Spa proved that even dreams come with drama.

Despite the chaos, the driving improved session by session. Qualifying was cautious by design — the priority was survival over lap time — but the real learning came in race conditions. A slow, disrupted first race was followed by a much cleaner second stint where van Hauen found flow, unlocked new speed, and recorded a personal best of 3:16.439, shaving over 1.5 seconds off his earlier best. From the climb through Raidillon to the tricky braking at La Source, Porsche 903 came alive on the straights and powered through both races fault-free.

With 51 cars on track and adrenaline running high, Spa delivered on every front. A runner-up trophy was the surprise ending to an unforgettable weekend, capping off not just a race, but a journey years in the making. The Yellow Monster had arrived — and Spa had left its mark.

Read the full official report here.

Photo Gallery: Spa 2023

Spa-Francorchamps — the world's greatest racetrack — and a dream come true to finally race there. A once-in-a-lifetime moment immortalised. Time to drive — checking how the car runs, easing into Spa for the first time in real life after countless sim laps, and building pace one corner at a time. Close friends and family rocked up in force to support 903 — including a surprise early appearance by the girls for the Friday action. A powerful start to a special weekend. The boys gathered around 903, reflecting on its total transformation since arriving from the U.S. — engine, wiring, safety, systems… practically everything rebuilt but the brakes. Final checks in the garage before heading out — Phil gives 903 the all-clear to race. Out on track for the first time — soaking in every moment and pinching yourself to believe it's real. Heading to the start — adrenaline building, spoiler proud, and the rear-engine roar coming to life. Lap after lap, confidence grew — still cautious in the corners, but on the straights the 50-year-old classic comes alive with a roar. Charging through Raidillon — the climb, the roar, and the iconic silhouette of 903 in full flight. Another brilliant photo, here capturing the stunning coniferous forest setting that frames most of the track. Fantastic framing through the safety fencing — catching the 903 mid-corner in an epic trackside shot. A bold close-up by the camera man resulting in an iconic snap of Eau Rouge. The field charges into Les Combes at the end of Kemmel Straight — a rapid right-left sequence that flows into a sweeping bend. Climbing out of Eau Rouge and up Kemmel Straight — the photo barely does justice to the brutal steepness of this legendary ascent. Spot Phil's clever sticker work — a makeshift '8' saving the day after a number mix-up, before officials finally settle on number 90 for the races. Exiting the Chicane onto the final straight — timing is everything here, setting up a strong finish and a clean launch into the next lap. No more posing — time to switch on, focus in, and mentally prepare for what lies ahead on track. Climbing 102 feet through Raidillon's crest — a make-or-break section where Spa's 12% gradient compresses suspensions and demands full trust in grip and commitment. Having climbed Kemmel and cleared Les Combes, 903 now sets up for the final right-hander before the fast, flowing descent begins. Perfect timing — credit to the cameraman who caught 903 flying past this trackside sign at just the right moment. Nailed it. A great angle on the final Chicane — a tight double corner, each over 90 degrees, demanding sharp braking and precise placement before the straight. Crossing the finish line is always sweet — but even sweeter when it's ahead of the car that 'stole' our racing number. Crossing the line — the finish, the relief, and the legacy. Spa conquered. Trophy in hand — a podium result and a perfect end to an unforgettable Spa debut.

Video Highlights

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