LMC - Thoughts on the event
Discussion
With the classic over for another two years I wondered what everyone's thoughts on the weekend were.
Compared to 2012 it felt much busier everywhere. Spectator numbers aside though it felt a bit 'samey'.
The shops and stalls are pretty much the same with lots of high-end 'lifestyle' stuff, the food on sale is the same, the cars on track were almost all the same. The one difference for us was that camping in Maison Blanch was better than Bleu Nord we were in last time.
Overall we all came away feeling that it was the same event all over again, just bigger. I know that's stating the obvious given the nature of the event and I know the weekend is mostly about the road trip, camping and the chance to loaf with sausages and beer but I'm wondering if we'll find a similar but different event to go to next time.
Compared to 2012 it felt much busier everywhere. Spectator numbers aside though it felt a bit 'samey'.
The shops and stalls are pretty much the same with lots of high-end 'lifestyle' stuff, the food on sale is the same, the cars on track were almost all the same. The one difference for us was that camping in Maison Blanch was better than Bleu Nord we were in last time.
Overall we all came away feeling that it was the same event all over again, just bigger. I know that's stating the obvious given the nature of the event and I know the weekend is mostly about the road trip, camping and the chance to loaf with sausages and beer but I'm wondering if we'll find a similar but different event to go to next time.
I enjoyed it as much as 2012. I didn't think the gaps between the races was too bad and spent that time wandering around the paddocks, grabbing a beer or some food, or walking to a different viewing location.
Despite being busier than last time, there was still the high-quality well-behaved friendly crowd with no idiots spoiling it for others like at the main race.
A grid of 1980's cars would be good to see.
We got onto the circuit after the racing and held the inaugural Le Mans Classic 100m dash for unfit middle-aged blokes, so we have to go back again next time to gets the cup (€1 deposit)
Despite being busier than last time, there was still the high-quality well-behaved friendly crowd with no idiots spoiling it for others like at the main race.
A grid of 1980's cars would be good to see.
We got onto the circuit after the racing and held the inaugural Le Mans Classic 100m dash for unfit middle-aged blokes, so we have to go back again next time to gets the cup (€1 deposit)
So, at first weather was very bad but without that, we would not have laughed as much !
About race cars, it was approximately the same than in 2012 with less 917 but with the 250 GT Breadvan (really happy to see that).
However, I think that cars on the Bugatti Track were much intersting than 2012, like each year I visit campings to see some supercars and it was a really great idea : Jaguar XJ220 TWR <3 , a Ferrari LaFerrari (3 seen during the event) and a Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package.
The best event of the world, see you in 2016 !
About race cars, it was approximately the same than in 2012 with less 917 but with the 250 GT Breadvan (really happy to see that).
However, I think that cars on the Bugatti Track were much intersting than 2012, like each year I visit campings to see some supercars and it was a really great idea : Jaguar XJ220 TWR <3 , a Ferrari LaFerrari (3 seen during the event) and a Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package.
The best event of the world, see you in 2016 !
It's still great seeing cars like this racing, and at night too. But I tend to agree about much of the rest - I think the organisers are trying to make it an up-market event, but the reality is that most of the people who come aren't interested in much of the stuff being sold by the various vendors. But maybe that doesn't matter - I happily ignored the vast majority of it with no problems at all
The Goodwood FOS caters to a big mix of crowds, the majority of whom come to see the cars and drivers, and seems somehow as though it doesn't need to try quite so hard to let the different elements blend together. Yet the whole dress code nonsense at the LM Classic is just pointless given the modernity of the circuit and its surroundings.
Anyhow, I don't let the (over-)price of the beer and the pretentious elements of the weekend detract from the overall enjoyment of spending time with friends and enjoying seeing cars in their natural environment.
It was my first time to the LMC so I didn't know fully what to expect.
I have to say that as a whole I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. My Dad and I took a lazy drive down pretty much ignoring the autoroute and using the route suggested by Lowdrag in one of the earlier threads. We drove through some lovely countryside and some stunning French villages and towns and got plenty of waves from the locals as we got nearer to LM.
We stayed at Speed Chills on Bleu Sud which was fantastic- a wonderful atmosphere created by like minded enthusiasts happy to chat about cars all day and late into the evening over beer and wine. The staff were friendly, the facilities good and it provided a great base.
As for inside the circuit, I've nothing to compare my experiences with as I've only ever done the 24hrs before. There was plenty to see but you cannot begin to grasp how spread out everything is and how many miles you end up walking over the weekend. Prices were indeed laughable inside the circuit but not unexpected! The gaps between races were excessive in my opinion and it felt like we'd been there far too long before any actual racing took place! Views of the track aren't the best if you don't buy grandstand tickets but to be honest, the racing was only one of many elements that made the weekend.
What I enjoyed most was the sense of camaraderie between the various classic car owners, the friendliness of so many people, the unbelievable array of cars that had come down from the UK (were there any classics left in GB last weekend?!!), the banter and the opportunity to enjoy a few glasses of wine and single malt each evening in the presence of some beautiful machinery.
I will certainly be back in 2016...
I have to say that as a whole I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. My Dad and I took a lazy drive down pretty much ignoring the autoroute and using the route suggested by Lowdrag in one of the earlier threads. We drove through some lovely countryside and some stunning French villages and towns and got plenty of waves from the locals as we got nearer to LM.
We stayed at Speed Chills on Bleu Sud which was fantastic- a wonderful atmosphere created by like minded enthusiasts happy to chat about cars all day and late into the evening over beer and wine. The staff were friendly, the facilities good and it provided a great base.
As for inside the circuit, I've nothing to compare my experiences with as I've only ever done the 24hrs before. There was plenty to see but you cannot begin to grasp how spread out everything is and how many miles you end up walking over the weekend. Prices were indeed laughable inside the circuit but not unexpected! The gaps between races were excessive in my opinion and it felt like we'd been there far too long before any actual racing took place! Views of the track aren't the best if you don't buy grandstand tickets but to be honest, the racing was only one of many elements that made the weekend.
What I enjoyed most was the sense of camaraderie between the various classic car owners, the friendliness of so many people, the unbelievable array of cars that had come down from the UK (were there any classics left in GB last weekend?!!), the banter and the opportunity to enjoy a few glasses of wine and single malt each evening in the presence of some beautiful machinery.
I will certainly be back in 2016...
I enjoyed it, however its my third time and I definitely think the first time was the best. My comments are:
1. It started (and therefore finished) too late to stay until the end and get the ferry home on Sunday night, making it encroach on Monday. What is wrong with it starting at 3pm like the 24H?
2. The lack of food stalls on the outside of the start/finish line is ridiculous, the queues were massive!
3. There should be 1980's cars (Grp C etc) included
4. The marching band and all the b
ks is just pointless
5. The village is full of over priced tat
6. The BIGGEST problem was the TV screens. They obviously had cameras around the track so why not show the bloody racing rather than a loop of old races? The commentary would talk about a spin etc and the screens would be showing a film from yesteryear....!!! Madness!
Will be back in 2016 as my son will be doing the Little Big Mans, it may be the last time we go though.
Has anyone done the Nurburgring Oldtimer?
1. It started (and therefore finished) too late to stay until the end and get the ferry home on Sunday night, making it encroach on Monday. What is wrong with it starting at 3pm like the 24H?
2. The lack of food stalls on the outside of the start/finish line is ridiculous, the queues were massive!
3. There should be 1980's cars (Grp C etc) included
4. The marching band and all the b
ks is just pointless 5. The village is full of over priced tat
6. The BIGGEST problem was the TV screens. They obviously had cameras around the track so why not show the bloody racing rather than a loop of old races? The commentary would talk about a spin etc and the screens would be showing a film from yesteryear....!!! Madness!
Will be back in 2016 as my son will be doing the Little Big Mans, it may be the last time we go though.
Has anyone done the Nurburgring Oldtimer?
Sealine South said:
I enjoyed it, however its my third time and I definitely think the first time was the best.
Dad and I thought exactly the same, to the point where we're considering alternatives for next year and 2016 - maybe do a sort of rotation of two or three different events like Spa, Nurburgring, and maybe Monaco.Sealine South said:
Has anyone done the Nurburgring Oldtimer?
That was one I mentioned too, so I'd be interested in any comments. And another one to look at is the circuit des ramparts event in Angouleme. The one which I'm quite sad seemed to die out, as I never made it there, was the event they ran at the old circuit in Reims.Nick M said:
Sealine South said:
I enjoyed it, however its my third time and I definitely think the first time was the best.
Dad and I thought exactly the same, to the point where we're considering alternatives for next year and 2016 - maybe do a sort of rotation of two or three different events like Spa, Nurburgring, and maybe Monaco.Sealine South said:
Has anyone done the Nurburgring Oldtimer?
That was one I mentioned too, so I'd be interested in any comments. And another one to look at is the circuit des ramparts event in Angouleme. The one which I'm quite sad seemed to die out, as I never made it there, was the event they ran at the old circuit in Reims.My 1 st year after 5 years of FOS and deciding change was needed.
Positives
Overall it was great to see the racing and impressed with how some cars were really being chucked about. Also great that it's more of a road trip getting there. Great show of club cars on the Bugatti circuit. Choice of camping in the track was spot on.
Negatives
The extremely limited selection of food and drinks absurdly expensive - ended up going for 3 course meals in the town centre as it was only €5 more than just a burger and chips on site.
It was suppose to be about the racing but anywhere other than the grandstand looking at the timing board it was almost impossible to follow. They need more big screens and what's on them to be real time / current. Sunday after racing finished within an hour it was almost all gone yet too late in the day to go home, why not leave stuff out so people can wanted about like at FOS?
Too many boring modern Ferraris being driven round between races. Too many boutique shops selling expensive tat.
Would go again but maybe not the next one or two, Silverstone classic next year, then maybe the 24 as no longer after seeing how the site and better camping works am I too put off, I think it's good to attend different events each year as all get too repetitive otherwise.
Positives
Overall it was great to see the racing and impressed with how some cars were really being chucked about. Also great that it's more of a road trip getting there. Great show of club cars on the Bugatti circuit. Choice of camping in the track was spot on.
Negatives
The extremely limited selection of food and drinks absurdly expensive - ended up going for 3 course meals in the town centre as it was only €5 more than just a burger and chips on site.
It was suppose to be about the racing but anywhere other than the grandstand looking at the timing board it was almost impossible to follow. They need more big screens and what's on them to be real time / current. Sunday after racing finished within an hour it was almost all gone yet too late in the day to go home, why not leave stuff out so people can wanted about like at FOS?
Too many boring modern Ferraris being driven round between races. Too many boutique shops selling expensive tat.
Would go again but maybe not the next one or two, Silverstone classic next year, then maybe the 24 as no longer after seeing how the site and better camping works am I too put off, I think it's good to attend different events each year as all get too repetitive otherwise.
Interesting that one poster belittles the bands etc but then says that his son is taking part in Little Big Mans next time. I find the LBM the most pointless of a lot of pointless things at the LMC, who wants to see other peoples kids ride around in posh go karts? What possible interest is it to other race goers? I have no problem with what they do, but do it on the Friday or on a bit of the infield. I do not usually post these things, but LBM would appear (and I am happy to be proved wrong) is a chance for kids with rich daddies to show off.
I also find the modern car demo runs etc boring and feel it should not happen on race day.
Now before you think I am all negative, this was my 4th LMC. Year 1, 2 and 3 I took pre war cars. Year 2 I leant another of my cars to a friend to take. This year only my 68 Rover made it, the other car broke down the night before we left so a friends modern stepped in. All my cars have been driven from Aberdeen, some 1150 miles away. I am typing this from Sable sur Sarthe, as I make a week of the event.
Was 2014 good? Oh yes. Better than previous? No, no Saab racing this year! Seriously, as good as previous years and different enough. I am already starting the planning for the return in 2016.
I also find the modern car demo runs etc boring and feel it should not happen on race day.
Now before you think I am all negative, this was my 4th LMC. Year 1, 2 and 3 I took pre war cars. Year 2 I leant another of my cars to a friend to take. This year only my 68 Rover made it, the other car broke down the night before we left so a friends modern stepped in. All my cars have been driven from Aberdeen, some 1150 miles away. I am typing this from Sable sur Sarthe, as I make a week of the event.
Was 2014 good? Oh yes. Better than previous? No, no Saab racing this year! Seriously, as good as previous years and different enough. I am already starting the planning for the return in 2016.
we camped with Speed chills as well, good set up.
I have said it before and will say it again, it is the friends you take that make these events the fun they are, the drive down/back stories, the jokes told, the experiences you share. I must have seen only 3-4 hours of racing all weekend, but the 30 mins stood on the pit wall and garages during Grid 6's first run out were epic……until we were rumbled and removed. You can not pay for that, or judge it by value for money etc, we went for a great weekend at the races and had a great weekend at the races
We will do it in 2016 and in silly cars again, enjoying every minuet of it
I have said it before and will say it again, it is the friends you take that make these events the fun they are, the drive down/back stories, the jokes told, the experiences you share. I must have seen only 3-4 hours of racing all weekend, but the 30 mins stood on the pit wall and garages during Grid 6's first run out were epic……until we were rumbled and removed. You can not pay for that, or judge it by value for money etc, we went for a great weekend at the races and had a great weekend at the races
We will do it in 2016 and in silly cars again, enjoying every minuet of it
This was my first ever Le Mans of any kind, and I thoroughly enjoyed it in our red Lancia MonteCarlo. Biggest gripe for me though was the food on our 1st Tickets / Pistonheads Blue Nord camping hospitality. Breakfast great, Friday night meal great, but WTF were the Saturday and Sunday night meals all about???? The Saturday pulled pork/ cous cous / beetroot and salad was random and watery, Masterchef would have been baffled with that one (!) and Sundays "steak" I would have not given to my dog, if I had the poor fecker would still be chewing it now. Not sure what the food budget is per head, but I can assure you a decent rump steak can be bought easily for £4 so there really should be no excuse to serve horrors like that to us. The caterers need to be spoken to for sure on the quality for the future. I puposly did not take a BBQ as we had catering paid for, but to have to survive on that meant I walked back into the track to buy something else.
Edited by Furyblade_Lee on Tuesday 8th July 21:24
TFatC said:
Interesting that one poster belittles the bands etc but then says that his son is taking part in Little Big Mans next time. I find the LBM the most pointless of a lot of pointless things at the LMC, who wants to see other peoples kids ride around in posh go karts? What possible interest is it to other race goers? I have no problem with what they do, but do it on the Friday or on a bit of the infield. I do not usually post these things, but LBM would appear (and I am happy to be proved wrong) is a chance for kids with rich daddies to show off.
It's got nothing to do with showing off. One could argue that explaining the ins and outs of yon car collection on here, in an unrelated post, is a little showy! I have to say I agree that LBM should be away from the racing. However as it occurs whilst the French are still organising themselves and the track is empty then let it go. For me the racing could start earlier
Oh and also. I am clearly extremely wealthy building a car for my son to fulfil a dream. We don't all spend 10k on a 'posh kart'
Camberwell said:
I thought it was same old same old really, food poor and expensive but that's any sporting event these days.
The cars were what I was there for and they didn't let us down really.
The weather sucked big time - watching anything in the rain is no fun.
+1 to most of that, but we managed to dodge the worst of the weather by just having some very lazy mornings and letting it pass.The cars were what I was there for and they didn't let us down really.
The weather sucked big time - watching anything in the rain is no fun.
Saturday night down at Arnage for dinner and then spectating was great.
Sunday afternoon watching plateaux 4, 5 and 6 down by Tetre Rouge in the warming sun was great - sound echoing off the wall, cars being driven quickly, seeing them hoon off down the Mulsanne... Great end to a great weekend.
And having the chance to hang out with dad and talk b
ks such as the worst cars we'd ever driven (an old Land Rover, in case you were wondering ) and drinking wine into the night was great. He'd never say it, and I'd never say it, but we both know it's great to do things like that together.Also had one of my best mates there, with his father and son (our god-son), who I may have led astray by helping him climb over some large steel gates so he could take some photos of the the Wright brothers memorial
Sealine South said:
We don't all spend 10k on a 'posh kart'
But I suspect many do...Fair play to you for wanting to enter that, but I do tend to agree with the previous poster that it's a chance for rich kids / parents to show off.
Just do us all a favour and build an epicly quick kart based car which blows them all into the weeds
That would be entertaining to watch !! 
I loved it all.The band was ace, Gwen Stefani tunes played on a massive xylophone - what's not to love? The little big mans is a chance to admire/ridicule/ignore other peoples pretentious brats and the BMW's in between races are going to be spectacular when one stuffs it into the armco at Arnage.
The whole experience is the deal - the trip to the south coast, the ferry full of millions of pounds of exotica, the frankly superb French roads and total lack of people/traffic on the way there. The search for petrol stations, the fking massive queue to get in on Saturday, the relaxed chill at Arnage on Sunday, the massive American iron battling little race cars, the smell, the sound, the 'how fking much' beers, the non English speaking french lady who runs your B&B and cooks runny eggs every morning, the tales, the memories, the sunshine, the good/bad cuisine, the flog back to Blighty and the final st in your own toilet and cup of proper tea, followed by a sleep in your own bed - it's all superb - see you next time?
The whole experience is the deal - the trip to the south coast, the ferry full of millions of pounds of exotica, the frankly superb French roads and total lack of people/traffic on the way there. The search for petrol stations, the f
king massive queue to get in on Saturday, the relaxed chill at Arnage on Sunday, the massive American iron battling little race cars, the smell, the sound, the 'how fking much' beers, the non English speaking french lady who runs your B&B and cooks runny eggs every morning, the tales, the memories, the sunshine, the good/bad cuisine, the flog back to Blighty and the final st in your own toilet and cup of proper tea, followed by a sleep in your own bed - it's all superb - see you next time?Gassing Station | Le Mans | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff