It's Le Mans time again! Instead of the crazy prototype racers of the 24 Hours, this weekend is all about the classic racers and a more relaxed pace. Well, right up until the Group C run...
PH is out with Jaguar, with regular updates to be posted here with some behind the scenes shots too. Follow the rest of the antics at PistonHeads and Matt Bird, and if you are after the artsy photos find us on Instagram at PistonHeads_SpeedMatters
Standard procedure from a high-speed passenger ride appears to be churning out comments like "my ears are still ringing", "I'm still rearranging my internal organs" and so on. I won't say any of those things about the F-Type SVR Le Mans lap, but it was one of the best as passenger rides go.
And it's even better at night!
What a circuit! It's quite hard to appreciate from spectating, obvious though this sounds, just how dark sections of it are. As you're thundering towards the chicanes on the Mulsanne straight, it really is pitch black. It's narrower than you think, too. And all the time, in a convertible at least, the smells and sounds of Le Mans come pouring in too: BBQs, music, fans cheering. It's superb fun.
The F-Type held up well too, at least with as much information as you get from the passenger seat. We hit nearly 190mph, the (optional) ceramic brakes felt strong enough to deal with that performance and it felt more agile than I expected too. The noise isn't bad either...
Saturday, Jaguar hospitality, 1600h
Well that was fun! Having originally been allocated an F-Type to drive in the Jaguar parade, a spot of reorganisation and renegotiation saw me in an XK150 for the two laps. It was very hot and quite scary at points, but what an experience.
The car in question, getting very hot
An XK150 has no synchro in first or second gear. This particular car had a very high bite point too. With a mad rush to get out after ages waiting, I found reverse, then nearly first and, finally, the gear. Stress and sweat levels rising already.
However, once out on the track and rolling, the XK150 was a joy. Give it time and the wand-like gearstick is quite satisfying, the engine is super torquey and the brakes are stronger than I expected. Oh sure, we were overtaken by an XE diesel and the steering is hard work, but that will go down as one of the most memorable laps I've ever completed. Later on there's chance to see it done properly with a pro in an F-Type SVR - can't wait!
Saturday 1000h, Jaguar hospitality
If there are many better Saturday mornings than watching a grid of 65 Jaguars race at Le Mans, I haven't come across them yet. In the sunshine with straight sixes howling, it really is a fantastic way to kick off the weekend's racing.
Much of the attention is on some bloke called Harris in the Stratstone E-Type Lightweight, but there are dozens of other magnificent Jags out there. I've just watched about 15 E-Types scream through - I couldn't tell you the exact differences between FHCs, semi-lightweights and full lightweights, but it was brilliant to watch. That's before mentioning the D-Types, XKs and saloons...
So we're off to a good start at Le Mans. A very good start. And the Group C race is next!
Friday 1530h, Chateau Rive Sarthe
Miracles do happen! Having been moved along from our Le Mans pit stop area yesterday, Ben and Dafydd were stuck without a location to meet fellow PHers. What would happen to all our lovingly prepared goody bags?
Fortunately we were invited to join in with Retro Rides meet at the Chateau Rive Sarthe, and what a fantastic event it was! On top of beautiful surroundings and fabulous weather, there was a great selection of cars. Personal highlights included a Ford GT arriving with two Diablos, a Ferrari 456 and a Rover SD1 (guilty pleasure that one, sorry). But there were all sorts, including a Citroen BX 16v, an Aston Vanquish, a gaggle of Caterhams and - this was a PH meet after all - TVRs from SEAC to Sagaris.
All this with cold drinks and good burgers - what more do you need? A big thanks to all of you for coming along, and to our hosts. I don't think this will be out last visit!
Made it. Having left my house just before eight this morning I've made it to Le Mans. Alright, that did involve a diversion to meet with the Jaguar cavalcade as well as a few stops, but it certainly feels like it's been a very long day. Apparently the huge traffic jam (keeping us pretty much stationary for 90 minutes) was cause by an overturned lorry. Carrying logs. Let's hope it doesn't happen on the way home...
Rather a good GT, funnily enough
Whatever, the F-Type SVR we've been loaned for this weekend has been a glorious car for the trip. There's plenty that irks, but they can follow in a more detailed story. For sitting on an autoroute in great style and comfort there can't be much better. And it's so ruddy fast! The response to it has been fantastic as well, which I was surprised at.
You may question its worth over a regular R - I certainly have - but at the moment there's nowhere I'd rather be than the SVR. Actually, bed sounds rather better now. Night!
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