Nivelles-Baulers

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Nivelles-Baulers circuit.

Nivelles-Baulers was a 2.314-mile race track near Brussels, Belgium locally referred to as Nivelles.

Built in 1971, the circuit hosted two rounds of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix in 1972 and 1974 during the time when the race was supposed to alternate between Wallon and Flemish circuits. Designed to be a safe alternative to Spa, Nivelles was perhaps too safe. It had massive runoff areas, was flat and featureless, and was described by many drivers as being bland and sterile. Nivelles was not popular amongst the paying spectators since they thought that they were not close enough to the action.

The track ran into economic problems very early in its life. The organiser went bankrupt in 1974. They were however able to find enough sponsors to organise that year's Formula 1 race. In 1976 it was once again Nivelles' turn to organise the Belgian Grand Prix, but the track was not considered safe enough for Formula 1 because of the condition of the tarmac. Come 1980 the circuit was deemed too dangerous for car racing, but Motorcycle sport continued until 1981. When the circuit licence expired the 30th june 1981, the track was finally closed. Until the late 1990s the pit buildings and the circuit were left abandoned, and it was possible to drive illegal laps around the track. However, in the early 21st century the track was demolished and is now a part of an industrial estate. But it is still possible to see traces of the circuit if you know where to look.