Do I need an ACO membership card during the race week?

[Vsix and Vtec]

sahajesh said:

as long as the enclosures aren't over-crowded, it's good

Unfortunately, during last years centenary it was packed out to beyond capacity. There was a queue at times that stretched all the way from the door of the George Durrand Clubhouse doors to the bar, completely blocking the stairs. You had almost no hope of a seat at a table, and your food queue was just as long as the bar. Add to this the card machines struggling to hold a network signal because of the sheer volume of phones connected to the same mast and you get some idea as to how oversubscribed it was. I ended up getting given a free pint because the trader got so fed up of trying again and again that he just waved me off saying "gratuit" and sighing in exasperation.

[//j17]

Sounds like you have 2 options:
1. Pay the basic fee just to get tickets, then join the long queue for a public bar.
2. Pay the extra fee to get tickets, then join the long queue for a members bar.

As a many time Le Mans veteran but first time (basic) ACO member not feeling I've missed out on much not paying the extra...

[Red9zero]

//j17 said:

Sounds like you have 2 options:
1. Pay the basic fee just to get tickets, then join the long queue for a public bar.
2. Pay the extra fee to get tickets, then join the long queue for a members bar.

As a many time Le Mans veteran but first time (basic) ACO member not feeling I've missed out on much not paying the extra...

I paid the extra (another first time ACO member here) and beginning to wish I hadn't

[LM240]

Vsix and Vtec said:

sahajesh said:

as long as the enclosures aren't over-crowded, it's good

Unfortunately, during last years centenary it was packed out to beyond capacity. There was a queue at times that stretched all the way from the door of the George Durrand Clubhouse doors to the bar, completely blocking the stairs. You had almost no hope of a seat at a table, and your food queue was just as long as the bar. Add to this the card machines struggling to hold a network signal because of the sheer volume of phones connected to the same mast and you get some idea as to how oversubscribed it was. I ended up getting given a free pint because the trader got so fed up of trying again and again that he just waved me off saying "gratuit" and sighing in exasperation.

Whoever decided to put a bar at the top of the stairs needs shooting. At least put a queuing system that goes away from the stairs. Constantly blocked, making stairs and access to stand a pain.

The bar behind/within the ACO stand near the toilets needs to be up and running more.

Also, queue for ages at that bar. Get to front and be told machine doesn’t work, go to other bar, join their long queue with receipt just to pay… return with receipt and a scribble and then get your drink.

Sometimes the organisation is painful.

Turn up with membership to get the gift bag thing with free programme at the stand. We don’t have any more, they are at the enclosure next to Dunlop. I have an idea, go get some more then!

Even with two memberships if you want to book more than two people together in the stands, they don’t ‘talk’ to each other. So you can’t book more people on the one booking, making it very hard and stressful on ticket day.

There have been many improvements with the IT and circuit facilities, but there remain many baffling elements.