The 2026 Ardennes Circuit Commemoration takes place this weekend!
Following the successful revival of the Ardennes Circuit Commemoration by the Royal Automobile Club de Spa, the heart of Bastogne will once again celebrate motoring history on Saturday, August 8th and Sunday, August 9th, with Place McAuliffe serving as the event headquarters. On the programme are scenic drives through the region, high-quality refreshment stops, exhibitions and plenty of opportunities to relive the golden age of motoring.
The Ardennes Circuit Commemoration is a tribute to an outstanding two- and four-wheeled motoring heritage. The event follows in the footsteps of the Province of Luxembourg's legendary Circuit des Ardennes, the very first road racing circuit in motorsport history, created at the beginning of the 20th century. Although the original race disappeared after only a handful of editions, its legacy lives on, starting with Bastogne's famous Circuit des Ardennes roundabout.
After a successful inaugural edition in July 2025, Pierre Delettre and his team decided to build on that momentum. The tradition therefore continues this year, with the 2026 edition taking place this weekend, on August 8th and 9th.
"Our headquarters on Place McAuliffe will once again be beautifully decorated and will provide an exceptional setting throughout the weekend," explains the Royal Automobile Club de Spa. "In collaboration with the Ars Mechanica Foundation, we will present an exhibition paying tribute to Belgium's mechanical heritage, featuring production cars and motorcycles built by Fabrique Nationale (FN). Visitors to the Drivers' Club will also be able to admire the exceptional craftsmanship of Krugger motorcycles and discover a live mechanical restoration project. The FN exhibition, the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit Museum, Spa Six Hours, Yacco, Krugger and the BEHVA, the Belgian Historic Vehicle Association, will all be represented in dedicated exhibition areas. And, of course, there will once again be a miniature model stand for collectors and enthusiasts."
Around eighty cars and motorcycles built up to 1976 will set off on Saturday morning towards Libramont, with a first refreshment stop at Domaine de la Héronnière before the lunch halt on the town square. After returning to Bastogne via Neufchâteau, participants will enjoy an evening cocktail reception hosted by chef Julien Lapraille, one of the region's best-known television personalities. A convivial atmosphere is guaranteed.
On Sunday, the route will head towards the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg before returning to Belgium for the traditional stop in Habay-la-Neuve, close to the route of the original Ardennes Circuit. The cars and motorcycles will arrive back at Place McAuliffe in Bastogne early in the afternoon before driving to the town's main shopping street, where they will be displayed throughout the afternoon for the enjoyment of what is expected to be a large holiday crowd.
The Royal Automobile Club de Spa also invites owners of pre-1976 classic vehicles to join the participants by displaying their own cars and motorcycles in the town centre for a symbolic participation fee of €10.
As last year, the 2026 Ardennes Circuit Commemoration will conclude with a prize-giving ceremony focused on elegance, authenticity and conviviality, followed by one final gathering in the Drivers' Club.
Also worth noting is the presence of Belgian rally star Bruno Thiry and co-driver Alain Lopes, who will take part in both days of the event at the wheel of a Chevrolet Corvette C1 and a Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray.
Throughout the weekend, Bastogne and the surrounding region will celebrate the rich heritage of the automobile and the motorcycle. A unique opportunity to relive some unforgettable motoring memories.
Photos: Royal Automobile Club de Spa / J.F. & J. Fiasse
Where can you see the participants?
Saturday, August 8
- Bastogne – Place McAuliffe: 10:00
- Sainte-Ode (Magerotte): 10:40
- Libramont – Domaine de la Héronnière: 11:09 (refreshment stop)
- Bertrix (Rossart): 11:49
- Libramont – Town Square: 13:09 (lunch stop)
- Neufchâteau (Warmifontaine): 15:00
- Léglise (Ebly – Garage Gérard): 15:28 (refreshment stop)
- Vaux-sur-Sûre (Lescheret): 16:05
- Bastogne – Place McAuliffe: 16:55
Sunday, August 9
- Bastogne – Place McAuliffe: 09:40
- Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Surré): 10:05
- Attert (Nothomb): 10:42
- Habay-la-Neuve – Place de la Liberté: 11:12 (refreshment stop)
- Léglise (Wittimont): 12:39
- Vaux-sur-Sûre (Rémichampagne): 13:05
- Bastogne – Place McAuliffe: 13:21