Night darkness envelops eastern Belgium as a heavy duty vehicle goes on its way. Originating from Herstal industrial estate via Eupen, then through Hohe Venn towards Malmedy – all by country roads, one kilometre at a time. The destination is the legendary Spa-Francorchamps race track.
On board: a Komatsu PC800 demolition excavator weighing 90 tonnes, securely loaded on a VarioMAX 3+5-axle lowbed combination. Both belong to the machinery fleet operated by the company De Meuter. At the destination, the final chapter of a hallmark of the racing world awaits – the “Uniroyal tower” is going to be demolished.
Spectacle deep in the night
The convoy reaches Malmedy shortly before four in the morning. There is not a soul at the otherwise usually bustling site. Flickering warning beacons tell you that something special is just around the corner. After driving through the apartment blocks, the precision work starts for driver Ronny Van Droogenbroeck: roundabouts, kerb stones, narrow passages – every manoeuvre is perfect, and his years of experience are clear to see. With a fine touch, he raises the lowbed when needed thanks to the high stroke on the VarioMAX, adjusting and steering the enormous freight calmly and precisely through the town.
The overall vehicle length comes to around 35 metres, whilst the weight of the excavator with the particularly long outrigger is some 90 tonnes. The company De Meuter from the Flemish town of Ternat relies on Faymonville technology, which does not let it down when it comes to such jobs. “We have only been using the VarioMAX for one and a half years, but it has already impressed us on several occasions,” says Ronny Van Droogenbroeck. “Together with the intermediate dolly, it steers extremely concisely and also responds optimally even with very heavy loads.” This project in Spa-Francorchamps goes beyond the norm for the man at the wheel. And there are several reasons for that: “We are often on the road in cities like Brussels or Liege. The space there for manoeuvring or loading is always tight. Here is Spa we have plenty of room – and of course a very special atmosphere.“
A new tower for Spa
Shortly after five o’clock, the gates to the race track open. The heavy duty vehicle drives onto the famous “Ardennes rollercoaster” – where formula or GT super cars usually fight over hundredths of a second. Past the pit lane, where the teams hustle and bustle on race days, the combination moves across the track cutting a lonely figure. Even a hare crosses the path of the eye-catching convoy, unimpressed by its presence.
The destination is the area at the foot of the Uniroyal tower. This is where the journey comes to an end. The chains are loosened, the demolition excavator is unloaded sideways via the reinforced bed – everything goes hand in hand. As early as the next day, the demolition of the around 40-year-old tower begins – a landmark familiar to generations of motorsport fans. A new tower is expected to be built here: bigger, higher and with new capabilities.
Whilst dawn breaks over Spa, the De Meuter team leaves the site. The demolition excavators are left behind, ready for their first “bite” into concrete. Thus begins a new era on a track that captivates racing fans worldwide.
Publication: 11/2025