Nivelles-Baulers

Nivelles-Baulers was a race track near the town of Nivelles (Nijvel in Dutch), not far from Brussels in Belgium. It was built in 1971 and measured 3.724 kilometres, with seven corners and a clockwise direction of travel. Roger Caignie and John Hugenholtz designed it as a safe alternative to Spa-Francorchamps. The layout was flat and had very large run-off areas. Many drivers found it dull, and spectators felt they were too far from the action.

The circuit hosted the Belgian Grand Prix in the Formula One World Championship in 1972 and 1974, at a time when the race was meant to alternate between Walloon and Flemish venues. Emerson Fittipaldi won both events, driving a Lotus in 1972 and a McLaren in 1974. The 1974 race was the last World Championship round held at the track.

Nivelles was due to host the Belgian Grand Prix again in 1976, but the condition of the tarmac meant the track was not considered safe enough for Formula One. By 1980 it was judged too dangerous for car racing, and only motorcycle events continued, until 1981. When the circuit licence expired on 30 June 1981, the track was closed for good.

Until the late 1990s the pit buildings and the circuit stood abandoned, and people could drive unauthorised laps there. In the early 21st century the track was demolished. The site is now part of an industrial estate, although traces of the circuit can still be seen.