Day 16 - Dutch GP Qualifying Practice

Rob wanted to be at the track as they opened so we got breakfast at 7. Rob did not eat since he was still full from last night’s feast of a dinner and fancy banana split. 

Traffic was lighter today since it was a weekend and we got to the track and in a decent parking spot by 8:20. 

The security bag search was more thorough today at check in, but we got through in 5 minutes. Rob had already scoped out where he wanted to take photos this morning at the TT World Tribune stands between the Madijk and Ossebroeken turns as the sun would be to our backs at that time. Today was more breezy than yesterday so the morning was cool until Noon. We watched the three classes of free practice 3 from this spot. This is Jorge Martin from Spain whom we hope wins on Sunday.

A big jack rabbit had a favorite spot in the middle of the track. He got tired of it and crossed the track during practice a few times, running in all directions, assessing the height of the barriers, and tiring himself out. Eventually he found a way out when a track steward urged him along so he would not cause a crash. This was one of his close calls. 

We had an hour break around Noon and got the same lunch as yesterday. The crowds were easily twice the volume today and ranged in age from little kids to a few elderly folks. A plane did really cool air tricks with corkscrews and smoke. 

Most of the commentators speak Dutch over the loud speakers. A lady spoke occasionally in English, usually to summarize the sessions. 

With our lunch in hand we walked over to a grassy berm at the De Bult Tribune on the same side but further down at the Stekkenwal corner. We stayed out there for the rest of the day to watch qualifying.

Michele tried one of the pay portable bathrooms and was pleased with its conditions. Flushing toilets and sinks with soap! Fifty cents well spent. 

The afternoon sessions were busy with Moto3 qualifying, MotoGP free practice 4 and two qualifying sessions back to back, then Moto2 qualifying. One bike caught fire! 

After MotoGP qualifying was done at least half the crowd left. We stayed for Moto2 qualifying until the last three minutes when a red flag came out from a crash. The rider was ok but the bike was on the race line so the session was halted to remove the bike safely. They restarted as we were leaving, but the results would not change with such little time left in the session. 

A few more shots from the day.

Valentino Rossi did a wheelie for the fans when he finished third in qualifying. 

We got back to the hotel without issue as Rob is now an expert at the triple multi-entrance roundabout combo on the way there. 

We both took showers immediately as we were covered in dirt from the dust being kicked up by the wind and all the people walking along the grassy area where we sat. 

We had a nice dinner in the hotel restaurant again and another banana split. As we sat there, Michele saw a man on a horse go trotting by on the bicycle path in front of the hotel. She thought the wine got to her and she was seeing things. Speaking of horses, we forgot to mention that when we were at one of the D-Day beaches, these cart horses were training in the ocean. It helps to strengthen them. I had to zoom way in to capture them.

Tomorrow we check out of the hotel and head to the track early for the race in the hopes that we beat some of the traffic. After the race, we drive south to a hotel near Amsterdam airport for our last night in Europe.