Arnage Town Friday afternoon
Discussion
This was the first year we've made it into Arnage for some of the pre-race day festivities.
It started with a really pleasant lunch by the roadside and then escalated into an amusing long afternoon of showboating cars and some water pistol action.
It may seem so childish but felt it was quite harmless. Out of several hours of the repetitive humour, I saw 3 people get the arse. One local who proceeded to get out of the car, pick up a jug of beer and slosh it across the crowd then smash the glass.
The 2nd was a bloke who jumped out of his Suzuki Cappuccino and attempt to intimidate the squirters before getting back in the cup-cake sized car and drive off.
The 3rd was a guy in the very well stickered up green Focus ST/RS, got a bottle of orange squash out of his boot and poured it all over the white t-shirt of the guy with the water pistol - not quite sure what provoked this.
I was surprised that people got arsey when I thought most people would know the score coming to le mans, and especially when they have driven through the mayhem once already, or at least observe what's going on in front.
There were several hilarious moments of people lapping it up and asking for more, driving round a few times, including an F40 who had a passenger with a super-soaker actively taking part - good on you guys. Many red corvettes passed though who all seemed to be enjoying it. The guy in the beack buggy thing was absolutely drenched after multiple passes with his own roof mounted sprinkler - fair play!
I was pleased to see motorbikes and classic cars were left alone though, there was some respect there.
All through this the Gendarmerie were present and keeping control of the situation in a very hands-off way which kept a really light mood, we left before beer took hold of the crowd...
to the guy with the bugle - quality sounds!
It started with a really pleasant lunch by the roadside and then escalated into an amusing long afternoon of showboating cars and some water pistol action.
It may seem so childish but felt it was quite harmless. Out of several hours of the repetitive humour, I saw 3 people get the arse. One local who proceeded to get out of the car, pick up a jug of beer and slosh it across the crowd then smash the glass.
The 2nd was a bloke who jumped out of his Suzuki Cappuccino and attempt to intimidate the squirters before getting back in the cup-cake sized car and drive off.
The 3rd was a guy in the very well stickered up green Focus ST/RS, got a bottle of orange squash out of his boot and poured it all over the white t-shirt of the guy with the water pistol - not quite sure what provoked this.
I was surprised that people got arsey when I thought most people would know the score coming to le mans, and especially when they have driven through the mayhem once already, or at least observe what's going on in front.
There were several hilarious moments of people lapping it up and asking for more, driving round a few times, including an F40 who had a passenger with a super-soaker actively taking part - good on you guys. Many red corvettes passed though who all seemed to be enjoying it. The guy in the beack buggy thing was absolutely drenched after multiple passes with his own roof mounted sprinkler - fair play!
I was pleased to see motorbikes and classic cars were left alone though, there was some respect there.
All through this the Gendarmerie were present and keeping control of the situation in a very hands-off way which kept a really light mood, we left before beer took hold of the crowd...
to the guy with the bugle - quality sounds! Edited by MiniDiva on Thursday 17th June 19:42
Hear, hear.
Those who take it in good humour are to be congratulated, thankfully it's not a rarity these days. The chap in the red Elise (Belgian IIRC) got quite wet, and his Mrs utterly drenched and he wore it well... as you said, that was on his second lap. Did he get out of the car and get all punchy? No.
In fairness though if those in the cars are up for being fair game, a few of the water-pistollers could take heed and apply the same spirit. Some were being a little OTT as the afternoon wore on, and whilst it's funny for a few squirts I do think that loading up cars with gallons is overdoing it a bit.
Vintage cars and locals would be off limits in my moral maze too, but seemed to be fair cop to some.
Anyhoo, it was a nice atmosphere in general, and I'm sure the bar owners and waiting staff weren't complaining once they totted up the takings for the day!
Those who take it in good humour are to be congratulated, thankfully it's not a rarity these days. The chap in the red Elise (Belgian IIRC) got quite wet, and his Mrs utterly drenched and he wore it well... as you said, that was on his second lap. Did he get out of the car and get all punchy? No.
In fairness though if those in the cars are up for being fair game, a few of the water-pistollers could take heed and apply the same spirit. Some were being a little OTT as the afternoon wore on, and whilst it's funny for a few squirts I do think that loading up cars with gallons is overdoing it a bit.
Vintage cars and locals would be off limits in my moral maze too, but seemed to be fair cop to some.
Anyhoo, it was a nice atmosphere in general, and I'm sure the bar owners and waiting staff weren't complaining once they totted up the takings for the day!
here here..Whats to say he didn't have thousands of pounds of Camera equipment in there that said water has just been squirted.
Any car with roof down/windows open isn't far cop imho who knows how much can be damaged like cameras sat navs even vid recorders even upholstery. The supersoakers are firkin powerful i had one in the face last year in my Griff when I had the roof down. I had my £1000 camera on the parcel shelf amongst sat nave radios etc..I really wanted to get out and give the drunken bum a Punch but decided against due to the numbers...But why should some scum be allowed to ruin my fun day car stuff just coz i aint spinning my wheels for his entertainment..
BB
Any car with roof down/windows open isn't far cop imho who knows how much can be damaged like cameras sat navs even vid recorders even upholstery. The supersoakers are firkin powerful i had one in the face last year in my Griff when I had the roof down. I had my £1000 camera on the parcel shelf amongst sat nave radios etc..I really wanted to get out and give the drunken bum a Punch but decided against due to the numbers...But why should some scum be allowed to ruin my fun day car stuff just coz i aint spinning my wheels for his entertainment..
BB
My friend went through Arnage behind me with his window open 
Yep, some tosser decided to squirt a water pistol through the open window into the interior of a 100k Aston 
Needless to say he was not happy
As for the earlier comments about knowing what to expect etc why the hell do these Muppet's think its OK to spray anything at a car? Am I missing something?
Yep, some tosser decided to squirt a water pistol through the open window into the interior of a 100k Aston Needless to say he was not happy As for the earlier comments about knowing what to expect etc why the hell do these Muppet's think its OK to spray anything at a car? Am I missing something?
I was behind my friend who was driving the green Focus RS when he got squirted. Fortunately I wasn't silly enough to have my windows down going through (was driving the stickered up blue 350Z). Not sure what provoked my mate to get out as he's normally a really chilled out chap. I 'think' it was due to teh extreme squirting the chap was doing. Fair play for him getting my mate wet but keeping the super soaker going through his window for a very long time probably wasnt called for. I imagine if he was in a £500 smoker it wouldnt have mattered but the fact it was worth a few quid it was a bit OTT, although he should've just done his window up and carried on but hey ho!
Had a good laugh driving through there, we even found a drive-by bar where they were pulling pints and serving you through the car windows in the town centre!!
Chris
Had a good laugh driving through there, we even found a drive-by bar where they were pulling pints and serving you through the car windows in the town centre!!
Chris
Lots of people don't know what to expect as it is something that they would never do and it can come as a shock. I got caught a few years ago, I didn't know it went on, wife was not too happy as she was a bit glamed up, best frock and all that.
I avoid Arnage now I know better,remember someone's harmless fun can be someone's day spoilt.
I avoid Arnage now I know better,remember someone's harmless fun can be someone's day spoilt.
I think there is a marked difference between a tiny squirt (i.e a few drops of water) and the continued spray of super soaker type water pistols.
I took a couple of drops of water in arnage, but it was literally only that. That I think is OK.
If it had been a big persistant spray off a super soaker, I would have gone down the violent route I think. It is simply disrespectful to other persons and their property.
It has become part of driving through certain areas, but it can be done in a respectful way.
There is always the worry that certain people would find it amusing to urinate into the bottle of the super soaker and direct it at people.
I avoided the worst of times in the known areas, but generally found everyones behaviour very good this year. Heavy Police presence was most welcome.
I took a couple of drops of water in arnage, but it was literally only that. That I think is OK.
If it had been a big persistant spray off a super soaker, I would have gone down the violent route I think. It is simply disrespectful to other persons and their property.
It has become part of driving through certain areas, but it can be done in a respectful way.
There is always the worry that certain people would find it amusing to urinate into the bottle of the super soaker and direct it at people.
I avoided the worst of times in the known areas, but generally found everyones behaviour very good this year. Heavy Police presence was most welcome.
DS240 said:
I think there is a marked difference between a tiny squirt (i.e a few drops of water) and the continued spray of super soaker type water pistols.
I took a couple of drops of water in arnage, but it was literally only that. That I think is OK.
If it had been a big persistant spray off a super soaker, I would have gone down the violent route I think. It is simply disrespectful to other persons and their property.
It has become part of driving through certain areas, but it can be done in a respectful way.
There is always the worry that certain people would find it amusing to urinate into the bottle of the super soaker and direct it at people.
I avoided the worst of times in the known areas, but generally found everyones behaviour very good this year. Heavy Police presence was most welcome.
Think you summed it up perfectly.I took a couple of drops of water in arnage, but it was literally only that. That I think is OK.
If it had been a big persistant spray off a super soaker, I would have gone down the violent route I think. It is simply disrespectful to other persons and their property.
It has become part of driving through certain areas, but it can be done in a respectful way.
There is always the worry that certain people would find it amusing to urinate into the bottle of the super soaker and direct it at people.
I avoided the worst of times in the known areas, but generally found everyones behaviour very good this year. Heavy Police presence was most welcome.
I took the big hit... but then I was standing in the road holding my mates Fezza when they decided I would be a better target.
fair do's really kept me nice and cool on the walk back to the track.MiniDiva said:
I am surprised that people get so arsey when they really should know the score coming to le mans, and especially when they have driven through the mayhem once already, or at least observe what's going on in front of you.
Please stay away from Le Mans next year if you think this pathetic childish behaviour is acceptable. We went to the Arnage viewing area from the Houx and later back to the campsite. We had no option but to drive past the t
ts blocking the road as there are no other roads we could take. We were stopped by a 20 year old pissd idiot who put his hands on MY car to stop me driving it, licked MY side window because I said I wasn't doing a burn-out then two others did the same. I virtually ran them over and could hear their clothes and belts and whatever else rub against my car as I drove through them. Fortunately its not scratched. Who the hell do they think they are ? what right have they to touch my car and if I dare complain or have a go at them I run the risk of having my car damaged or at the very least called a wker etc (which I was called anyway) for not wearing away my very expensive tyres for a bunch of brainless morons. Next year we will be forced to keep the car in the campsite. Thanks morons. I must say there are some idiots who go over the top, they do seem like the minority though. If you have been to le mans before you don't really have much room to complain about getting wet as you should know from seeing it happen and put up your windows/roof, just give them some revs and noise, thats all they want and it doesn't make life any harder for you. Just try not to go through later on or at night as it tends to go mad as the liquid lunch is in full effect.
And no I'm not one of the people who throws eggs or sprays water, what my father and I contemplated was having a water pistol in the car and getting our own back if we were squirted to give them a taste.
And no I'm not one of the people who throws eggs or sprays water, what my father and I contemplated was having a water pistol in the car and getting our own back if we were squirted to give them a taste.
andycskis said:
I must say there are some idiots who go over the top, they do seem like the minority though. If you have been to le mans before you don't really have much room to complain about getting wet as you should know from seeing it happen and put up your windows/roof, just give them some revs and noise, thats all they want and it doesn't make life any harder for you. Just try not to go through later on or at night as it tends to go mad as the liquid lunch is in full effect.
And no I'm not one of the people who throws eggs or sprays water, what my father and I contemplated was having a water pistol in the car and getting our own back if we were squirted to give them a taste.
It is not being squirted that is a problem - it is being squirted while in your car and in that happening your car getting squirted.And no I'm not one of the people who throws eggs or sprays water, what my father and I contemplated was having a water pistol in the car and getting our own back if we were squirted to give them a taste.
It is pretty much down to luck if it is a little (acceptable [b]to some[b/]) or a lot. I don't think a little sign saying "I don't mind a bit, but please don't ruin my interior" will carry much weight.
It's all very well saying put the roof up or don't drive, but one of the pleasures about driving in France or anywhere hot is being able to have the roof off without feeling like you are running the gauntlet.
I am the owner of the Green RS,
The reason why I lost it was because a joke is a joke but full on blasting me in the face for ages while wearing £200 sunglass and getitng my stero soaked is not funny. I like a good joke and my fault for having my window down but there is a limit and have respect for people and there stuff. We ended up there as we only got lost coming back to the campsite and I was not driving around I was going back round to turn right. Anyway who thinks that is funny can A: GO F'.k yourself and B: prob own a £500 sh@#ter and one day when you work hard enough for something nice in your life you will understand where I'm coming from.
Ps: I got the last laugh as he was soaked in orange juice for the rest of a hot Friday afternoon.
Other then that had a great time and thank you everyone for the great comments on our group of cars.
The reason why I lost it was because a joke is a joke but full on blasting me in the face for ages while wearing £200 sunglass and getitng my stero soaked is not funny. I like a good joke and my fault for having my window down but there is a limit and have respect for people and there stuff. We ended up there as we only got lost coming back to the campsite and I was not driving around I was going back round to turn right. Anyway who thinks that is funny can A: GO F'.k yourself and B: prob own a £500 sh@#ter and one day when you work hard enough for something nice in your life you will understand where I'm coming from.
Ps: I got the last laugh as he was soaked in orange juice for the rest of a hot Friday afternoon.
Other then that had a great time and thank you everyone for the great comments on our group of cars.
Got caught coming through Arnage - elise with no aircon I though my back would be less soaked if I left the roof off.
Issue was while trying to get away with a face full of water I nearly hit a woman and her kid trying to cross the road and then got beer on me and the seats
Have a sense of humour and was so hot I didn't mind about water but people get silly..... I was more cross as my mate knew I was rolling topless and didn't take the side streets !
Issue was while trying to get away with a face full of water I nearly hit a woman and her kid trying to cross the road and then got beer on me and the seats
Have a sense of humour and was so hot I didn't mind about water but people get silly..... I was more cross as my mate knew I was rolling topless and didn't take the side streets !
MiniDiva said:
First Post BLAH
Firstly to get it out of the way.Who the f*ck are you to make fun of anyone else's choice of car, So what if you've got an Exige that doesn't mean that anything slower isn't a valid choice of car.
I thought Pistonheads was about the enjoyment of the drive, not about what badge/engine of what was being driven! Seems for some I'm clearly mistaken.
- disparaging comment about the OP's personal/weight/car appearance*
I was a Le Mans Virgin, I knew that the Mulsanne straight was the spot where sillyness happened, so when we pottered through there about 12-1 on the Friday after leaving the GBW on the way to the PH Meet in Mulsanne town square. It all seemed rather well behaved, got stopped and asked if I could beet the Burnout of the car in front. I said I couldn't, just shot off the spot instead, all good natured and frankly much better behaved than I had been led to believe.
I had been told it got worse later on in the afternoon, so after leaving PH meet we went out and round the south of the track to AVOID the Mulsanne straight. Due to the blocked off 2nd access road to the other side of Blue Nord we HAD to travel back through Arnage which I didnt see as being an issue, on approach it just looked like it had every other time over the last couple of days, people in the bars drinking and watching, Which had previously yielded a few nice comments about the cars.
So on we went, then I clocked what was happening up ahead and sent the windows up, but due to the somewhat aging nature of the cappuccino its DS window is the slowest thing EVER. So before I'd got to the spot where people get stopped for burn outs some scrote starts emptying his super soaker in through the CLOSING window of my car, not at me, just "in", I'm sorry but when someone goes out of their way to try and cause damage to MY property when I'm making it abundantly obvious that I do not want it to get damaged frankly they disgust me.
If I'd been driving a 7 or something without carpets lining every inch of the interior then ok, water in the car, no biggy, But I'm driving a small car prone to rust issues mainly due to WET carpets and them rusting out the floor pan. Mine has no such rust because I keep the roof in good condition and the interior dry. So to have someone actively try and cause damage to my P&J boils my piss.
So I hopped out of the car and off the scrote runs to hide behind his s
t house of a friend.At which point I returned to my car and off we went.
If the weather had been worse that day and I'd not have had the opportunity to get the roof off and let it dry out in the sun I'd be stuck with damp carpets eating away at my body work till I could get it home and in the garage with seats out.
I have no sour feelings about the whole event and will be there next year. But at the time someone was trying to damage MY Property and I don't give a f*ck if you think I look 'weenery' I'll let the scrote know what I think of him and ideally prevent any further damage.
If you (the scrote) are on here, I hope someone fills your car with water next year, then you can foot the repair bill.
Think before you act like a tard and give an entire event a bad name.
I'm pleased to see that some (August555, madbadger, Rs2oo, Lensey, Fbloke, DS240, fatboy18 and Ballistic Banana) seem to agree that it's unacceptable.
</rant>
See you next year, cracking weekend
Hey listen, sorry to offend you all so much with my post.
From my side of the road (the other side to where you both kicked off) it was literally just a couple of kids with water pistols, none of this pouring of water or whatever. Sounds like there were some dicks on that side. From where we were it seemed quite respectful, well as much as possible and no queueing for the roundabout. Also we left in the early evening before the real piss heads came out of the woodwork - I cannot stand them as much as anyone else, touching the car or opening doors is a massive no no, and Jesus there were a lot if them around after the football on Saturday!
I realise I have come across less favourably but hey this is pistonheads and we all get a grilling from time to time for writing something less diplomatically than one should. Today it is my turn.
And sorry, but it is true I can't stand the cappuccino but again that is one persons opinion over anothers - and is completely irrespective of what car I drive myself. Fair play on driving it to le mans.
I too have been in that situation on previous years, I just got on with it and Just didn't go back for more and have given up taking a nice sports car these days.
It was a great weekend with some awesome racing, that is the key point!
From my side of the road (the other side to where you both kicked off) it was literally just a couple of kids with water pistols, none of this pouring of water or whatever. Sounds like there were some dicks on that side. From where we were it seemed quite respectful, well as much as possible and no queueing for the roundabout. Also we left in the early evening before the real piss heads came out of the woodwork - I cannot stand them as much as anyone else, touching the car or opening doors is a massive no no, and Jesus there were a lot if them around after the football on Saturday!
I realise I have come across less favourably but hey this is pistonheads and we all get a grilling from time to time for writing something less diplomatically than one should. Today it is my turn.
And sorry, but it is true I can't stand the cappuccino but again that is one persons opinion over anothers - and is completely irrespective of what car I drive myself. Fair play on driving it to le mans.
I too have been in that situation on previous years, I just got on with it and Just didn't go back for more and have given up taking a nice sports car these days.
It was a great weekend with some awesome racing, that is the key point!
Edited by MiniDiva on Tuesday 15th June 23:05
Well Le mans would be a very boring place if none of us made the effort and did not take our Sports cars down there, you would hope the people sitting in the bars of Arnage and surrounding areas would be appreciative of this but sadly there's many that see the cars as targets
It would be nice if the ACO could have a word with the local police and town authorities and bring in the banning of water pistols during race week.
It was a solo run down for me and with a car doing not too many miles to the gallon a very expensive weekend, 4 tanks of fuel! So please ban the bloody water throwing
It would be nice if the ACO could have a word with the local police and town authorities and bring in the banning of water pistols during race week.
It was a solo run down for me and with a car doing not too many miles to the gallon a very expensive weekend, 4 tanks of fuel! So please ban the bloody water throwing
Edited by fatboy18 on Tuesday 15th June 23:17
MiniDiva said:
Hey listen, sorry to offend you <-----> he key point!
thanks for that, you've redeemed yourself. I agree that its very much not to everyone's taste, But thanks for seeing that its each to their own.Edited by MiniDiva on Tuesday 15th June 23:05
Getting 4 people, a 16 man tent, a gazebo + clothes and camping gear into a MK1 MR2 and the Cappuccnio was a feat in its self, worth every mile I drove. Great weekend and I will not hesitate to take it again. Just get my DS window motor replaced first...
Fatbo18 is correct, it would be much less fun outside the track if everyone left their exotica at home!
edit: and I knew I recognised that Viper
Edited by Switch` on Tuesday 15th June 23:39
Arnage Friday evening was bloody brilliant.
'Gulp' guys with the horn, mimicking the police siren was quite impressive even the police thought it was funny.
We spent the whole evening there and the only people we saw with water pistols were two kids, everyone else was just enjoying the cars, the company and drinking the pub out of beer.
'Gulp' guys with the horn, mimicking the police siren was quite impressive even the police thought it was funny.
We spent the whole evening there and the only people we saw with water pistols were two kids, everyone else was just enjoying the cars, the company and drinking the pub out of beer.
fozzyfoster said:
I imagine if he was in a £500 smoker it wouldnt have mattered but the fact it was worth a few quid it was a bit OTT, although he should've just done his window up and carried on but hey ho!
This is exactly why ive never taken my S2000 to the main 24. every year i take my old snotter volvo that i paid £120 for! My S2000 is by no means worth a lot compared to a lot of other cars that go there, but it is my pride and joy, and i wont have the drunken english yobs chucking water / beer / piss in it when i have my windows / roof down.I saw a few french families soaked through to the skin for having their roofs down in the nice weather, its totally not on in my opinion.
If it wasnt for the fact ive made quite a few friends that go to the main 24 every year now, i probably wouldnt bother going, and would just watch it on eurosport instead!
This year we had to drive through all the drunken yobs on the way back to Houx from Anarge. I got stopped, but had no chance of wheel spinning a 1988 volvo 740 which has at best 100bhp and was 5 up anyway! Its a shame because i would love to take my s2000 to the main 24, but its not worth the potential hassle of the roof getting slashed, or interior getting ruined. I'll stick to taking it to the classic next month where hopefully, there wont be the yob culture down there that there is for the main 24.
Sorry for the rant, but its really disappointing that the main 24 has got like this. I have to admit, this year wasnt so bad, and i think mad friday was calmed down a little by the rainfall come about 10pm.
I enjoyed Anarge on friday, apart from the tw@t with the megaphone. Some of the stuff he came out with was quite funny, but the constant repetition of "Come on son, light them up" got a bit tiresome after a few hours!
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