Le mans Classic 2018 -Best plan Newbie
Discussion
Hi
Looked at few threads on this event... simply 3 cars plus mates going down from the North of England. Obviously there are on the face of it loads of options , bit of a mine field really . Any body got any tips etc timings on ferries etc ... we would rather not carry our accomadation but happy to be put in pre -erected tents etc.. is a Chateau a good option...??
Apologies if this has been discussed to death before after first hand views..
Many Thanks
Looked at few threads on this event... simply 3 cars plus mates going down from the North of England. Obviously there are on the face of it loads of options , bit of a mine field really . Any body got any tips etc timings on ferries etc ... we would rather not carry our accomadation but happy to be put in pre -erected tents etc.. is a Chateau a good option...??
Apologies if this has been discussed to death before after first hand views..
Many Thanks
The Portsmouth-Caen (Ouistrium) Route will see the oldest more vulnerable cars for the journey, Its the shortest route in France.
I would avoid pre erected tents as these are often really poor quality tents and no more then a sheet as a sleeping bag.
Take a look at AirBnB you may be able to get a place down there as the dates were only released a few weeks ago. Even try expedia as they often put apparments and houses on there now.
If you do intend on camping, you could pick up a tent down there. There is a big decathlon on the Mulsanne.
Register with your car clubs as you may be able to get onto the parade round the circuit before the race.
Hope this helps.
I would avoid pre erected tents as these are often really poor quality tents and no more then a sheet as a sleeping bag.
Take a look at AirBnB you may be able to get a place down there as the dates were only released a few weeks ago. Even try expedia as they often put apparments and houses on there now.
If you do intend on camping, you could pick up a tent down there. There is a big decathlon on the Mulsanne.
Register with your car clubs as you may be able to get onto the parade round the circuit before the race.
Hope this helps.
Well plenty of time to organise things but 1 tip is to join the ACO before you book (but after July this year) you can then get discounts on entry, grandstands, free pit passes and access to plenty of places, if you split the cost between all of you you will cover the cost of the ACO. You can also get the ACO grandstand and this gives you all access to the bar and food (better and cheaper than outside) plus decent showers and loo's. If you are also going to the main event next year you will get all the discounts on that too. Not sure if anyone does pre erected camping at the classic but i suspect someone will be doing it.
Unlike the main event very little happens on the week before so no point arriving until Friday or perhaps thursday at the earliest
Unlike the main event very little happens on the week before so no point arriving until Friday or perhaps thursday at the earliest
I've done the last two in groups of 4 or 5 cars and camped offsite 15-20 mins away (hour plus getting there when busy though!). Go down from Kent earylish Thursday. Would get there Thursday late afternoon/early evening if staying offsite. Fridays a pretty good day there due to all the car clubs all over the Bugatti site and infield and also the various pits for the different age groups of cars and can take most of day. Can be pretty jammed roads getting in and car parks all filled if you are a bit late driving in both Friday and Saturday. Need to work what car groups you want to see and when on Saturday evening and night/Sunday when the race gets going eventually. We've normally had grandstand tickets on Saturday to help meet up and watch start. They also had a couple of outings for Group C cars before the race and various other stuff on track. Enjoy seeing Groups 4, 5 and 6 in dark do Mulsanne corner on Saturday night 11-1am ish and accelerating away towards Indianapolis as enclosure goes alongside quite away along straight (finding the carpark can be tricky).
Some of the groups can become 45 mins of safety car processions if the weathers a bit damp. The start is fairly late Saturday and the kids cars event before can drag on. Road down on Thursday and back on Monday was less packed with decent cars in 2016 than 2014 but still a great driving experience and some of the service stations are better than a lot of UK car shows. Grandstand seats Saturday good for sun shade/rain protection and a sit down and seeing the old style starts and build up. Dover Calais has more frequent crossing but you'd get a better rest on the longer ferry routes if you get timings right. Mates from Scotland stayed over near M20 in Kent last year before main race on the Wednesday night. Village bakeries good if you find them and some village shops do open on Sunday whereas all the supermarkets shut Sundays. Driving circuit parts on public roads from just after Terte Rouge to just before Porsche curves (except the chicanes) pretty good Thursday and/or Monday worth doing as well if not doing a paid car club parade lap.
Some of the groups can become 45 mins of safety car processions if the weathers a bit damp. The start is fairly late Saturday and the kids cars event before can drag on. Road down on Thursday and back on Monday was less packed with decent cars in 2016 than 2014 but still a great driving experience and some of the service stations are better than a lot of UK car shows. Grandstand seats Saturday good for sun shade/rain protection and a sit down and seeing the old style starts and build up. Dover Calais has more frequent crossing but you'd get a better rest on the longer ferry routes if you get timings right. Mates from Scotland stayed over near M20 in Kent last year before main race on the Wednesday night. Village bakeries good if you find them and some village shops do open on Sunday whereas all the supermarkets shut Sundays. Driving circuit parts on public roads from just after Terte Rouge to just before Porsche curves (except the chicanes) pretty good Thursday and/or Monday worth doing as well if not doing a paid car club parade lap.
We've been going since 2012. Train from dover is cheap but an awful soul destroying drive down the motorway from Calais. Overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre or Caen much more civilised and the ferry queue is more like a classic car museum and a great event in itself, everyone wandering about talking. Drive down avoiding motorways through the forests.. google the sherman tank en route.
Treat the event itself like a cross between a classic car show and a test match. Wander round the clubs and stands, then pitch up somewhere with beer and occasionally look up and see whats happening on track. Camp on site, eat curious french sausages, drink lots and lots of cheap beer/ 5l wine boxes. Treat it not as a sporting event or single race (which it isn't) but as a cracking road trip followed by a weekend away with entertainment. And sausages.
Treat the event itself like a cross between a classic car show and a test match. Wander round the clubs and stands, then pitch up somewhere with beer and occasionally look up and see whats happening on track. Camp on site, eat curious french sausages, drink lots and lots of cheap beer/ 5l wine boxes. Treat it not as a sporting event or single race (which it isn't) but as a cracking road trip followed by a weekend away with entertainment. And sausages.
The drive down from Calais to le mans is in my opinion one of the best bits, yes the motorway to rouen is boring but after that take the old roads, you will see loads of old cars and that is what having an old car is all about. The tunnel will be full of wonderful cars both going and coming back so plenty of people to talk to and travel down with even if you are on your own. Missed the first classic but been to everyone since. Always take a large car to the main Le mans as i am there for a week but for the classic always take the little old car and travel light.
chasingracecars said:
I would avoid pre erected tents as these are often really poor quality tents and no more then a sheet as a sleeping bag.
Completely Disagree.I had a pre-erected tent on the 1st Tickets/Pistonheads Bleu Nord site last year and the tents and equipment were top notch. Highly recommended. Had to bring my own sleeping bag but everything else was provided.
gt6 said:
The drive down from Calais to le mans is in my opinion one of the best bits, yes the motorway to rouen is boring but after that take the old roads..
Why go all the way to Rouen?Yes, jump on the A16 to get the hell out of Dodge/Calias but don't switch on to the A28 when you reach Abbeville, jump off on to the "D" roads instead. Set your satnav to avoid motorways and tolls then head south from Abbeville, through Grandvilliers and Gournay-en-Bray to Les Andelys. Then it's Evreux, L'Aigle and Bonnetable to bring you in to Le Mans on the D20B and the circuit from the East, avoiding most of the traffic.
Take a ~7am train and you're in Les Andelys for lunch/the circuit late afternoon.
As ever some good advice here so just to add to it all:
Had you considered going Hull to Zebrugge
Have a look at hotel options or static home rentals
Familiarise yourself with the whole circuit which will involve a certain amount of creative navigating but well worth it during the race.
I'm not sure whether the expanded Indianapolis / Arnage complex needs a certain type of ticket to park, If it does get one
There is so much to see in the Paddock but also around the Bugatti circuit where the car clubs park up with some properly obscure cars
Unlike the Revival this is not some fancy dress show, wear what you like and ignore any dress codes i.e. Be French
Had you considered going Hull to Zebrugge
Have a look at hotel options or static home rentals
Familiarise yourself with the whole circuit which will involve a certain amount of creative navigating but well worth it during the race.
I'm not sure whether the expanded Indianapolis / Arnage complex needs a certain type of ticket to park, If it does get one
There is so much to see in the Paddock but also around the Bugatti circuit where the car clubs park up with some properly obscure cars
Unlike the Revival this is not some fancy dress show, wear what you like and ignore any dress codes i.e. Be French
hi to fellow Le Mans Classic travellers. im considering going to the 2018 Classic for first time. on my own. all the deals I look at, are for minimum 2 people. (inc pistoheads area) so have been looking at a budget method. i'm driving from Calais, modern car. and as its a Range Rover, considering sleeping in rear etc. is this impossible/banned etc. I don't seem to be able to find just a camping site to take a typical small tent with me, and pitch up, with some access to showers etc. the only thing putting me off so far, is shower access. where can I buy a public camping pass for the weekend please. all links, are via ticket agencies, and thus are 2 person deals. I can sort my ferry crossing, drive down, and get my general admission/paddock etc. or can I just rack up at a campsite, and pay on entry? and whats the car park like for modern vehicles.... any tips please. thanks, John.
I have been to both Le Mans 24 hrs and Le Classic Le Mans solo. Leave the UK Friday night, get to the circuit early morning, have a kip, then go from there, head home after the event.
I do not like camping. I've always booked a car parking space in Parking Blanc which is very handy for the circuit entry at the start of the pits straight. Here you get a designated car space so you can go in and out as you wish if you feel like a break or a trip to another part of the circuit. I've always slept in the car, no problems, but maybe a windshield blind is helpful depending on the arising sun and parking direction! I have seen people attempt to use a tent in Parking Blanc but this is frowned upon because it usually means pitching in an vehicle access way, which pisses off fellow attendees. I've seen marshalls stop this happening.
As regards showers, I'm an ACO member so have access to the showers in the ACO tribune. Non ACO members can access the shower blocks dotted around the circuit.
On all the occasions I have been to LM I have had a tribune seat which I think becomes extra important if you're by yourself as you get a reasonably comfy base.
When you do go solo it's easy to make new mates with the people parked reasonably close by. Beers are good for achieving this.
R.
R.
I do not like camping. I've always booked a car parking space in Parking Blanc which is very handy for the circuit entry at the start of the pits straight. Here you get a designated car space so you can go in and out as you wish if you feel like a break or a trip to another part of the circuit. I've always slept in the car, no problems, but maybe a windshield blind is helpful depending on the arising sun and parking direction! I have seen people attempt to use a tent in Parking Blanc but this is frowned upon because it usually means pitching in an vehicle access way, which pisses off fellow attendees. I've seen marshalls stop this happening.
As regards showers, I'm an ACO member so have access to the showers in the ACO tribune. Non ACO members can access the shower blocks dotted around the circuit.
On all the occasions I have been to LM I have had a tribune seat which I think becomes extra important if you're by yourself as you get a reasonably comfy base.
When you do go solo it's easy to make new mates with the people parked reasonably close by. Beers are good for achieving this.
R.
R.
johnboyairey said:
hi to fellow Le Mans Classic travellers. im considering going to the 2018 Classic for first time. on my own. all the deals I look at, are for minimum 2 people. (inc pistoheads area) so have been looking at a budget method. i'm driving from Calais, modern car. and as its a Range Rover, considering sleeping in rear etc. is this impossible/banned etc. I don't seem to be able to find just a camping site to take a typical small tent with me, and pitch up, with some access to showers etc. the only thing putting me off so far, is shower access. where can I buy a public camping pass for the weekend please. all links, are via ticket agencies, and thus are 2 person deals. I can sort my ferry crossing, drive down, and get my general admission/paddock etc. or can I just rack up at a campsite, and pay on entry? and whats the car park like for modern vehicles.... any tips please. thanks, John.
My second man (woman) has bailed so I have a good set of single tickets for sale. You would still need to sort camping but it's an easy way to get set.Advert on the other thread or PM me for details.
Ta
The Leaper said:
I have been to both Le Mans 24 hrs and Le Classic Le Mans solo. Leave the UK Friday night, get to the circuit early morning, have a kip, then go from there, head home after the event.
I do not like camping. I've always booked a car parking space in Parking Blanc which is very handy for the circuit entry at the start of the pits straight. Here you get a designated car space so you can go in and out as you wish if you feel like a break or a trip to another part of the circuit. I've always slept in the car, no problems, but maybe a windshield blind is helpful depending on the arising sun and parking direction! I have seen people attempt to use a tent in Parking Blanc but this is frowned upon because it usually means pitching in an vehicle access way, which pisses off fellow attendees. I've seen marshalls stop this happening.
As regards showers, I'm an ACO member so have access to the showers in the ACO tribune. Non ACO members can access the shower blocks dotted around the circuit.
On all the occasions I have been to LM I have had a tribune seat which I think becomes extra important if you're by yourself as you get a reasonably comfy base.
When you do go solo it's easy to make new mates with the people parked reasonably close by. Beers are good for achieving this.
R.
R.
thanks for the advice. 'The Leaper' sounds great, I think this is sort of what someone told me once, but I couldn't be sure. so I can book an entrance ticket/paddock, im not fussed about a grandstand seat, i'm always moving around a track anyway, as im a keen hobby track photographer. so just carry a folding chair etc. I do not like camping. I've always booked a car parking space in Parking Blanc which is very handy for the circuit entry at the start of the pits straight. Here you get a designated car space so you can go in and out as you wish if you feel like a break or a trip to another part of the circuit. I've always slept in the car, no problems, but maybe a windshield blind is helpful depending on the arising sun and parking direction! I have seen people attempt to use a tent in Parking Blanc but this is frowned upon because it usually means pitching in an vehicle access way, which pisses off fellow attendees. I've seen marshalls stop this happening.
As regards showers, I'm an ACO member so have access to the showers in the ACO tribune. Non ACO members can access the shower blocks dotted around the circuit.
On all the occasions I have been to LM I have had a tribune seat which I think becomes extra important if you're by yourself as you get a reasonably comfy base.
When you do go solo it's easy to make new mates with the people parked reasonably close by. Beers are good for achieving this.
R.
R.
So, I can sort of turn up, on Thursday evening, at the Parc Blanc car park, and pay on entry? and stay there. till Monday morning. I would have already my entrance ticket/paddock pass.... I can queue up early morning for a shower/toilet etc, not too far away? (included, or pay for showers?) and I could (if needed) find plenty of take away type food around the circuit. I will be taking a coolbox of food/treats/beer/and space for some ice if I can get it. I will get a car top cover to shield the sun, and I can sweat it out at nights, in the car. I just don't want to go on an assumption, that I can sleep in a car, only to chucked out, and be high and dry! can you confirm the above? thanks in advance.
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