Introduction
In the picturesque countryside near Ronda, Spain, the Ascari Racetrack stands as a testament to automotive passion and engineering excellence. This private motorsport resort offers a unique blend of high-performance driving, luxury amenities, and breathtaking natural beauty. Unlike many traditional racetracks, Ascari combines the thrill of motorsport with the exclusivity of a private club, creating an unparalleled experience for automotive enthusiasts.
History and Development
The Ascari Racetrack was the brainchild of Dutch businessman and racing enthusiast Klaas Zwart. Founded in 2003, the track was born out of Zwart’s vision to create a safe, challenging, and beautiful environment where car lovers could push their limits away from public roads. The development of Ascari was a labor of love, with Zwart investing an estimated €40 million to transform the former sheep farm into a world-class motorsport facility.
The track’s construction began in 2000, with Zwart personally overseeing the design to ensure it harmonized with the existing landscape. After three years of meticulous planning and construction, Ascari opened its doors to a select group of members in 2003. In March 2022, ownership of the facility changed hands, with two companies from Switzerland and Argentina acquiring the property from Zwart, signaling a new chapter in Ascari’s history.
Track Design and Features
The Ascari Racetrack is a motorsport enthusiast’s dream come true. Stretching 5.425 kilometers (3.371 miles), it boasts an impressive 26 corners, making it one of the longest and most varied circuits in Europe. What sets Ascari apart is its unique design philosophy – many of its turns are inspired by famous corners from renowned tracks around the world, offering drivers a globetrotting experience in a single lap.
The circuit’s layout is a technical masterpiece, featuring a mix of fast straights, challenging chicanes, and sweeping curves. With a width of 12.2 meters, the track provides ample space for overtaking and side-by-side racing. The circuit’s elevation changes, with grades up to 12% and banked turns reaching 18%, add another layer of complexity and excitement for drivers.
Ascari’s design isn’t just about speed; it’s also about beauty. The track weaves through the Andalusian landscape, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and olive groves. This harmonious blend of high-performance engineering and natural beauty makes every lap at Ascari a memorable experience.
Facilities and Amenities
Ascari is more than just a racetrack; it’s a comprehensive motorsport resort. The centerpiece of the off-track facilities is the clubhouse, a stunning example of modern architecture that pays homage to traditional Spanish villas. Inside, members find a luxurious restaurant serving gourmet cuisine, perfect for refueling after a day on the track.
The resort also features high-end garages and pit facilities, ensuring that both cars and drivers are well-cared for. For those looking to extend their stay, Ascari offers on-site accommodations, allowing guests to wake up to the sound of engines and the smell of rubber on asphalt.
One of the most unique features of Ascari is its trackside pool. This oasis of calm provides a perfect contrast to the high-octane action on the circuit, offering a place for relaxation and reflection with a view of the track.
Membership and Access
As a private club, Ascari operates on an exclusive membership model. When it first opened, membership was limited to just 500 individuals, creating a tight-knit community of automotive aficionados. While exact current membership numbers are not publicly disclosed, the club maintains its commitment to exclusivity.
Ascari offers various membership tiers, catering to different levels of engagement and access. Some memberships include personal garage space, priority booking for track time, and access to club events. For those unable to commit to full membership, Ascari occasionally offers guest passes and corporate packages, allowing a wider audience to experience this automotive paradise.
Events and Activities
The heart of Ascari’s appeal lies in its track days and driving experiences. Members can bring their own vehicles or choose from Ascari’s fleet, which includes everything from high-performance road cars to ex-Formula 1 racers. Professional instruction is available for those looking to improve their skills or experience the thrill of driving a race car for the first time.
Beyond individual track time, Ascari has become a favored location for automotive manufacturers. The track’s varied layout and picturesque setting make it ideal for product launches, vehicle testing, and promotional filming. Major brands like Porsche, Ferrari, and Mercedes-Benz have all utilized Ascari’s facilities.
While not primarily designed for spectator events, Ascari has hosted select racing competitions, including rounds of the EuroBOSS Series between 2006 and 2008. The track also caters to corporate events, offering unique team-building experiences that combine the excitement of motorsport with luxury hospitality.
Environmental and Community Impact
Despite its high-performance nature, Ascari is committed to environmental sustainability. The resort has implemented various eco-friendly initiatives, including energy-efficient facilities and responsible water management practices. The track’s design, which follows the natural contours of the land, minimized environmental disruption during construction.
Ascari has also had a positive economic impact on the Ronda region, creating jobs and attracting high-end tourism. The resort works closely with local authorities to manage noise levels, ensuring a harmonious relationship with the surrounding community.
Notable Visitors and Experiences
Over the years, Ascari has attracted a star-studded list of visitors from the worlds of motorsport, entertainment, and business. Professional drivers like Martin Brundle and Christian Danner have praised the track’s challenging layout. Celebrities such as Jay Kay of Jamiroquai and actor Dolph Lundgren have been spotted enjoying Ascari’s facilities.
One of the most memorable events at Ascari was the global launch of the racing video game Gran Turismo 6 in 2013. The game features an accurate digital recreation of the Ascari circuit, allowing virtual racers worldwide to experience this unique track.
The lap record at Ascari stands as a testament to the track’s capabilities. In 2019, Klaas Zwart himself set the overall record of 1:38.46 in an ex-F1 Jaguar R5, showcasing the blistering speeds achievable on this private playground.
Future Outlook
As Ascari moves forward under new ownership, it continues to cement its place as one of the world’s premier private motorsport facilities. The combination of its challenging track, luxurious amenities, and breathtaking setting ensures its appeal to automotive enthusiasts for years to come.
Looking ahead, Ascari faces both opportunities and challenges. The growing interest in experiential luxury and the enduring passion for motorsport bode well for the resort’s future. However, the automotive industry’s shift towards electrification may require adaptations to cater to the next generation of high-performance vehicles.
Whatever the future holds, Ascari Racetrack remains a unique jewel in the crown of global motorsport – a place where the love of driving, the pursuit of speed, and the appreciation of natural beauty come together in perfect harmony.
