Who is doing Le Mans?
Discussion
MODS please dont delete/move, im aware there is a Le Mans section but want to put this out to the SC.
So then chaps and chapesses, who is planning on making the trip over this year? I have never done it before and it is on the list of things to do.
I am currently trying to sort the time off at work an plan on going out with a few friends in a group. Where do you regulars recommend staying if you want to be fairly near the track without loads of noise (I mean from idiots as opposed to cars!). I have heard some sites can be pretty rowdy with cars damaged etc.
Also would people be up for a bit of a SC group get together for the trip down?
Jim
So then chaps and chapesses, who is planning on making the trip over this year? I have never done it before and it is on the list of things to do.
I am currently trying to sort the time off at work an plan on going out with a few friends in a group. Where do you regulars recommend staying if you want to be fairly near the track without loads of noise (I mean from idiots as opposed to cars!). I have heard some sites can be pretty rowdy with cars damaged etc.
Also would people be up for a bit of a SC group get together for the trip down?
Jim
Only really started to discuss it a couple of days ago. I may struggle with the time off at work due to the olympics and wont know for about a week on that front.
As for timings etc I was going to have a read of a few forums and come up with a plan. Probably do Portsmouth for the ferry, and just go out Friday morning for the weekend but as I say I haven't done it before so need advice really.
Just thought it would be interesting to see how many of the familiar faces will be going. A decent group would be fun.
As for timings etc I was going to have a read of a few forums and come up with a plan. Probably do Portsmouth for the ferry, and just go out Friday morning for the weekend but as I say I haven't done it before so need advice really.
Just thought it would be interesting to see how many of the familiar faces will be going. A decent group would be fun.
I've been a regular now for 10+ years to both the 24hr and the Classics.
If you want a 'Arrive and start a beer fest' then stay near the circuit. If you want to enjoy the event and get out & about and use your car then do as we do and camp further out. We camp in the grounds of a Chateau about 15kms NE of Le Mans. A very comfy site with very good showers, restaurant, pool etc ( www.chateau-de-chanteloup.com ) See the 24hr section of their web site.
We tend to travel out of Portsmouth on either the Wednesday or Thursday over night crossing and return on the Monday out of Le Havre. Highly recommend getting up to Hon Fleur (fishing port with loads of harbour side restaurants) for a decent lunch before getting the late afternoon ferry home.
You can easily buy tickets at the circuit but parking ones are becoming more difficult to get hold of. (May be easier now Peugeot have pulled out. Less French attending!!)
Go into and enjoy lunch in Arnage. You will love the atmosphere and there are always some very tasty cars cruising around. If you time it right you can drive well over half the circuit as the public road sections are open on the Weds, Thurs & Fri before closing for practice. Also visit the Chinese restaurant along the Mulsanne straight during the day. Again on the Weds, Thurs & Fri. DO NOT be tempted to drive like a t
t as the cops do not take kindly to this!!!!
Do get along to the night practice just before dusk and watch the pre race atmosphere build.
Do go and watch night time racing and try and get to Arnage corner late in the evening. If the budget will stretch try and get Grand Stand tickets.
Loads of other stuff to tell but mainly just go and enjoy.
If you want a 'Arrive and start a beer fest' then stay near the circuit. If you want to enjoy the event and get out & about and use your car then do as we do and camp further out. We camp in the grounds of a Chateau about 15kms NE of Le Mans. A very comfy site with very good showers, restaurant, pool etc ( www.chateau-de-chanteloup.com ) See the 24hr section of their web site.
We tend to travel out of Portsmouth on either the Wednesday or Thursday over night crossing and return on the Monday out of Le Havre. Highly recommend getting up to Hon Fleur (fishing port with loads of harbour side restaurants) for a decent lunch before getting the late afternoon ferry home.
You can easily buy tickets at the circuit but parking ones are becoming more difficult to get hold of. (May be easier now Peugeot have pulled out. Less French attending!!)
Go into and enjoy lunch in Arnage. You will love the atmosphere and there are always some very tasty cars cruising around. If you time it right you can drive well over half the circuit as the public road sections are open on the Weds, Thurs & Fri before closing for practice. Also visit the Chinese restaurant along the Mulsanne straight during the day. Again on the Weds, Thurs & Fri. DO NOT be tempted to drive like a t
t as the cops do not take kindly to this!!!!Do get along to the night practice just before dusk and watch the pre race atmosphere build.
Do go and watch night time racing and try and get to Arnage corner late in the evening. If the budget will stretch try and get Grand Stand tickets.
Loads of other stuff to tell but mainly just go and enjoy.
^^ what he says 
Plus, if you are going over watch out for the jolly french police chappies who are normally waiting on the first bit of decent road out of pretty much any port.
Last year I went across on the chunnel, stayed overnight in Ashford and caught the early train. Was better than the ferry but costs more.
S
Plus, if you are going over watch out for the jolly french police chappies who are normally waiting on the first bit of decent road out of pretty much any port.
Last year I went across on the chunnel, stayed overnight in Ashford and caught the early train. Was better than the ferry but costs more.
S
Hi Jim
I have also been going for a number of years now (since 2002)
I have been going with a bunch of mates, each year we would all chip in to buy more and more kit.
We now have our own campsite inside the circuit at tetre rouge, I met with the event organisers a couple of weeks ago to collect the contracts for the site and they told us that we had the best campsite in the whole of Le Mans.
24 hour security so cars and kit are safe
Pay per car not per person (for camping)
100 yard walk to the track - no need for a grandstand ticket
wrist bands to identify those on the site and those without cannot get in
Bar with draught beer
On site catering
Sky TV (for watching the race or the European championship)
I head down on the Tuesday and back home on Monday so that we get the best out of it. I would strongly recommend not going just on Friday as you will miss most of the fun
If you want to book into our campsite have a look at www.teamlangoustine.com or give me a shout and I will see if there are any spaces left (75% of people book the site year after year). I have booked 3 pitches myself and only need 2 so if Andy has sold out already then I have got one that needs a home.
Vantage point 100 yards from the site
I have also been going for a number of years now (since 2002)
I have been going with a bunch of mates, each year we would all chip in to buy more and more kit.
We now have our own campsite inside the circuit at tetre rouge, I met with the event organisers a couple of weeks ago to collect the contracts for the site and they told us that we had the best campsite in the whole of Le Mans.
24 hour security so cars and kit are safe
Pay per car not per person (for camping)
100 yard walk to the track - no need for a grandstand ticket
wrist bands to identify those on the site and those without cannot get in
Bar with draught beer
On site catering
Sky TV (for watching the race or the European championship)
I head down on the Tuesday and back home on Monday so that we get the best out of it. I would strongly recommend not going just on Friday as you will miss most of the fun
If you want to book into our campsite have a look at www.teamlangoustine.com or give me a shout and I will see if there are any spaces left (75% of people book the site year after year). I have booked 3 pitches myself and only need 2 so if Andy has sold out already then I have got one that needs a home.
Vantage point 100 yards from the site
Thanks for all the excellent advice chaps. Really like the idea of camping out of the action a bit and using the car, but also like the idea of having a few beers each day!!
Adam is the option your talking about the TL campsite option 1 on the website? That seems good value if you get two entry tickets as well?
I will see in a week if I can get the time off and take it from there. If I can I will get a list together in true PH style to see how many are interested?
Thanks again for all the pointers.
Adam is the option your talking about the TL campsite option 1 on the website? That seems good value if you get two entry tickets as well?
I will see in a week if I can get the time off and take it from there. If I can I will get a list together in true PH style to see how many are interested?
Thanks again for all the pointers.
Hi Jim
Yes it is option 1 - we have one of our monthly beer and curry Le Mans planning meets this Friday, I will check availability for you but they do tend to sell out quickly.
Just to be clear on the use of the car during your stay, the site is well marked out and not oversold so there are clear roads in and out. The access to the site is inside the security perimeter so no stray cars can get in or near. We tend to drive about during the morning / afternoon and then settle back at the bar on site before deciding the plans for that night. so best of both worlds really.
I will let you know
Yes it is option 1 - we have one of our monthly beer and curry Le Mans planning meets this Friday, I will check availability for you but they do tend to sell out quickly.
Just to be clear on the use of the car during your stay, the site is well marked out and not oversold so there are clear roads in and out. The access to the site is inside the security perimeter so no stray cars can get in or near. We tend to drive about during the morning / afternoon and then settle back at the bar on site before deciding the plans for that night. so best of both worlds really.
I will let you know
V8 BYF said:
Hi Jim
Yes it is option 1 - we have one of our monthly beer and curry Le Mans planning meets this Friday, I will check availability for you but they do tend to sell out quickly.
Just to be clear on the use of the car during your stay, the site is well marked out and not oversold so there are clear roads in and out. The access to the site is inside the security perimeter so no stray cars can get in or near. We tend to drive about during the morning / afternoon and then settle back at the bar on site before deciding the plans for that night. so best of both worlds really.
I will let you know
THanks Adam, if you could that would be great. Yes it is option 1 - we have one of our monthly beer and curry Le Mans planning meets this Friday, I will check availability for you but they do tend to sell out quickly.
Just to be clear on the use of the car during your stay, the site is well marked out and not oversold so there are clear roads in and out. The access to the site is inside the security perimeter so no stray cars can get in or near. We tend to drive about during the morning / afternoon and then settle back at the bar on site before deciding the plans for that night. so best of both worlds really.
I will let you know
Been for the last 6 years. Booked up for this years too. Brilliant fun, you'll love it!
Can you not book in with the PH trip to Le Mans!?
I started off camping in Beausejour, but it was a pain in the arse to go to the grandstands that we had tickets in or the main village. Back then it was only the Porsche Curves as a viewing area, but two (?) years ago they built the banked viewing area that V8 BYF has pictured. A much needed improvement. They also have a tram now that runs to and from certain areas making it's out of the way spot a bit better.
I camped there for 2 years before moving to Karting Nord. I've been there for the last 4 years and don't plan on moving. Nice central spot, track side, so you only have to walk 20 meters or so. I wouldn't personally go back to camping in Beausejour, only a trek through it's woods to the good viewing...
We've a good setup now and have combined with a bunch of Brum lads to have an awesome setup and a brilliant time had by all.
We've got all the luxuries that you could ever want and more really. Generator, fridge freezer, chest freezer, tables, chairs, sofas, 42" TV + Sky dish for coverage while at the campsite, 5 burner gas BBQ, kitchenette setup, flag poles, professional PA system - smoke machine, microphone, lazer lights (one blokes job), Hawaiian bar and palm trees which last year netted us much money as strangely turned out. Then two gazebos to cover from the rain or seek shade from the sun if needed. Le Mans setup's just seems to grow. Ours comes down in a rented long wheel base Sprinter, which can easily take a pallet load of beer.
Last year we all dress up as Gents and did the pit walk, there's a new random theme for this year. It's all much randomness. 3 full cooked meals a day, we eat like kings is also a bonus. Oh and I can't squeeze much of a setup in the 7.
I personally make sure I get the camera out and watch a good bit of the racing. But I think at Le Mans that not everyone goes for the racing first up and then the social. For many it's the other way around, but they have fun each way, as the social side is part of it. We go down for Wednesday and return Monday. The banter starts on the drive down in convoys, everyone you meet has the same interests and everyone gets on like a house on fire.
It's great fun where ever you end up camping, with or without a grandstand ticket (we haven't bought one for the last few years), who ever you end up camping with.
For many years I've stickered up the car, but it costs me a small fortune in doing it, so I think I'll give it a pass this year....or will I? Who knows!
Here's a rough lay out to see where you'd like to camp.
Oh, edited to day that it books up fast, the decent crossings and campsites, so I'd get it together, keep up at the back!
Can you not book in with the PH trip to Le Mans!?
I started off camping in Beausejour, but it was a pain in the arse to go to the grandstands that we had tickets in or the main village. Back then it was only the Porsche Curves as a viewing area, but two (?) years ago they built the banked viewing area that V8 BYF has pictured. A much needed improvement. They also have a tram now that runs to and from certain areas making it's out of the way spot a bit better.
I camped there for 2 years before moving to Karting Nord. I've been there for the last 4 years and don't plan on moving. Nice central spot, track side, so you only have to walk 20 meters or so. I wouldn't personally go back to camping in Beausejour, only a trek through it's woods to the good viewing...
We've a good setup now and have combined with a bunch of Brum lads to have an awesome setup and a brilliant time had by all.
We've got all the luxuries that you could ever want and more really. Generator, fridge freezer, chest freezer, tables, chairs, sofas, 42" TV + Sky dish for coverage while at the campsite, 5 burner gas BBQ, kitchenette setup, flag poles, professional PA system - smoke machine, microphone, lazer lights (one blokes job), Hawaiian bar and palm trees which last year netted us much money as strangely turned out. Then two gazebos to cover from the rain or seek shade from the sun if needed. Le Mans setup's just seems to grow. Ours comes down in a rented long wheel base Sprinter, which can easily take a pallet load of beer.
Last year we all dress up as Gents and did the pit walk, there's a new random theme for this year. It's all much randomness. 3 full cooked meals a day, we eat like kings is also a bonus. Oh and I can't squeeze much of a setup in the 7.
I personally make sure I get the camera out and watch a good bit of the racing. But I think at Le Mans that not everyone goes for the racing first up and then the social. For many it's the other way around, but they have fun each way, as the social side is part of it. We go down for Wednesday and return Monday. The banter starts on the drive down in convoys, everyone you meet has the same interests and everyone gets on like a house on fire.
It's great fun where ever you end up camping, with or without a grandstand ticket (we haven't bought one for the last few years), who ever you end up camping with.
For many years I've stickered up the car, but it costs me a small fortune in doing it, so I think I'll give it a pass this year....or will I? Who knows!
Here's a rough lay out to see where you'd like to camp.
Oh, edited to day that it books up fast, the decent crossings and campsites, so I'd get it together, keep up at the back!
Edited by Gingerbread Man on Wednesday 25th January 17:29
I take the P'mouth/Le Havre crossing and take a back route to LM. Rarely see a Gendarme, certainly last year for the Classic, didn't see a single one. Might be different for the main event, but the roads and scenery are so nice we didn't feel the urge to drive like loonies.
TBH most of the loony speeds are done by the LM goers who want to save £200 and go via the Chunnel, but they seem to forget the 5 hour drive and probably £200 (each way for the Tiv!) in petrol...oh plus the €750/1500 fine if they get caught!
And wholeheartedly agree on Honfluer. Fab place. If possible I book the Sunday night there on the return to wash away the dirt from camping and get something decent to eat, especially if you can get a quayside table from one of the restaurants, before heading back on the Monday.
TBH most of the loony speeds are done by the LM goers who want to save £200 and go via the Chunnel, but they seem to forget the 5 hour drive and probably £200 (each way for the Tiv!) in petrol...oh plus the €750/1500 fine if they get caught!
And wholeheartedly agree on Honfluer. Fab place. If possible I book the Sunday night there on the return to wash away the dirt from camping and get something decent to eat, especially if you can get a quayside table from one of the restaurants, before heading back on the Monday.
ecain63 said:
Can somebody put together a plan for this years trip? If we get figures and dates up early we might get some takers.
Eddie
The race will be on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th of June (to avoid the F1 clash). Most people go down for the Wednesday although people also come down earlier (Monday say) and later.Eddie
Wednesday and Thursday have practice/ qualifying sessions running on the track.
Friday has a pit walk and the drivers parade in the city centre - short tram in.
You can also drive a section of the track on Friday due to a good proportion of the track being public road.
Saturday morning has a few warm up races. The race kicks off at 3pm.
Sunday, race finishes and people pack up and tend to leave.
Some people will leave Monday morning to save the rush. Campsites still open, but not manned security as such.
All pitches are premarked these days, so no need to rush down and claim your spot of turf as it were, it'll be waiting for you.
You need a general entry ticket per person. This'll get you into the main village and the Porsche Curves viewing areas. I think there are a few other viewing areas too!?
Grandstands are optional. Plenty of places to watch without a grandstand seat. These can cost £50+ per seat. Stand 34 is a grandstand above the pits which is quite good to watch the start/ finish if you've never been before. Good view, but not much action with it being a straight. It's under cover and you can peer down into the pit lane, but you can't see into the garages.
Campsite tickets work per car (spread costs) and tend to be a 2 person and a car per site average. You can get bigger pitches but these have probably all gone by now.
Crossing is obviously per car (spread costs) but then general entry/ grandstand is per person obviously. Helps to have a passenger at tolls due to them being on the left.
Crossing wise - quite a few. Ummm to name but a few...
Channel Tunnel
Newhaven - Dieppe
Dover - Calais
Portsmouth - Le Havre
Portsmouth - Caen
Tickets wise - Also a good few people selling tickets.
1st Tickets (personal recommendation).
Pistonheads gated camping (run by the above 1st Tickets).
Team Langoustine.
ACO directly.
Many many more.
If you drive from Calais to Le Mans, there are 2 toll roads, so budget for these.
Edited by Gingerbread Man on Wednesday 25th January 21:36
iiyama said:
Seriously thinking about the Classic this year. If I'd have known I'd have tapped up V8 at Brekkie last Sunday!
Not sure weather Ill take the car as logistics come into play, if I have a passenger I have very little luggage space!
I absolutely loved the Classic 2010. Much less frenetic (watching/getting around/finding room in restaurants etc.), some fabulous cars to ogle (remember sitting in a bar opposite the paddock entrance as 6 BWM M1 race cars drive past Not sure weather Ill take the car as logistics come into play, if I have a passenger I have very little luggage space!
) and much easier to get a beer from the track side bars. And some of the cars in the spectator car park/camp sites are to die for, seriously, you name it and its there, from Mac F1s to Bentley Blowers, probably find both ends of the Bugatti spectrum if you looked hard enough. Awesome.The main LM has its place, but the Classic is more me. Oh, and if booking through a car club, you can get to drive the full circuit. 2010 I managed 3 laps supposedly behind a pace car, but was able to drive fairly quick, this year the TVR CC have arranged a 30 minute 'anything goes' session on Friday evening. But I got tickets to take my car mad son to the British F1 GP, his first ever GP, and its the same weekend
I will be back at the Classic 2014
PS You only need a tent for 2, a couple of sleeping bags (unless you are REAL good friends
) 3 pairs of pants and a credit card/cashBeen having a look at ferry options. I dont think I could do 8hours on a stinking ferry so the below could be an option. Only 4hours each way on the fast cat thingy? Going out Wednesday coming back Sunday night. Only thing is its going out from Poole and coming back to Portsmouth
Your booking so far
Outbound Sailing
Route Poole to Cherbourg
Departure Wed 13 Jun 2012 07:00
Arrival Wed 13 Jun 2012 10:30
CONDOR EXPRESS
Return Sailing
Cherbourg to Portsmouth
Sun 17 Jun 2012 20:15
Sun 17 Jun 2012 22:15
NORMANDIE EXPRESS
Vehicle Car 5.00m x 1.83m
Car 5.00m x 1.83m
Passengers 2 Adults 2 Adults
On board accommodation 2 x Seat
Price
Price 208.00 GBP
Add to this the cost of the camping and entry which appears to be in the region of £460 for 2, you would be looking at about £350 per person if two share the car. Add some food, beer and optimax tokens and jobs a good un. Obviously I cannot confirm yet due to work, but how many would be up for a group get together at these prices?
Alternatively we could just do a cheap weekend to the ring!!!
Your booking so far
Outbound Sailing
Route Poole to Cherbourg
Departure Wed 13 Jun 2012 07:00
Arrival Wed 13 Jun 2012 10:30
CONDOR EXPRESS
Return Sailing
Cherbourg to Portsmouth
Sun 17 Jun 2012 20:15
Sun 17 Jun 2012 22:15
NORMANDIE EXPRESS
Vehicle Car 5.00m x 1.83m
Car 5.00m x 1.83m
Passengers 2 Adults 2 Adults
On board accommodation 2 x Seat
Price
Price 208.00 GBP
Add to this the cost of the camping and entry which appears to be in the region of £460 for 2, you would be looking at about £350 per person if two share the car. Add some food, beer and optimax tokens and jobs a good un. Obviously I cannot confirm yet due to work, but how many would be up for a group get together at these prices?
Alternatively we could just do a cheap weekend to the ring!!!
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