Ascari Race Resort, a paradise for petrol-heads
The Ascari Race Resort is so much more than a challenging track with a combination of curves that reminds you of some of the most renowned tracks in the world. With a stunning pits-complex, luxurious restaurant, pool with terrace, and the amazing view over the Spanish hills, Klaas Zwart´s private circuit is a real paradise for the true car racing enthusiasts.
“I just wanted a place where I could drive whenever I wanted to,” says Klaas Zwart, thus downplaying the rumours that the Ascari Race Resort was some sort of childhood dream for him. “We used a helicopter to have a look at locations that met our requirements. It eventually took us over a year before we found the perfect spot, but as soon as I saw this place, I knew that this was the one.
It’s located in between the hills, meaning that the noise dies down rather fast. At the other side of the mountain, there’s a military training ground, so noise pollution is not an issue there. Additionally, the valley has plenty of natural resources for its own water facility and there were no obstacles such as roads, train-tracks, pipes or cables. There was absolutely nothing when we started here, except the beautiful surroundings. It was also important that we hardly had to cut down any trees in order to build the track,” continues the enthusiastic Klaas Zwart about the piece of land he bought back in 2001, located some 10 kilometres away from the Spanish city of Ronda.
Famous curves
That’s when the long trajectory to get all the necessary permits started, but this eventually had a positive outcome as well. Being a self-made businessman who made his money with technical inventions for oil winning, there was no need for Herman Tilke to help out with the design of the track. “When we flew over the complex, I immediately knew how I wanted the track to run through the nature pretty smoothly.
The different parts of the track are connected by curves that remind one of famous ones at big tracks, such as Copse Corner at Silverstone, a small Eau Rouge at Spa-Francorchamps, Druids at Brands Hatch, Bathurst, and so on.” Safety was another crucial issue during the construction of the track in 2002. “That’s also the reason why we’re driving counter-clockwise. Additionally, we have well-trained marshals around, plus outlet strips and traffic barriers with plenty of tires,” reveals Klaas Zwart.
