The figures are in

[lowdrag]

It would seem that this year broke all records, with over 260,000 tickets sold and - congratulations to those who were reasonable and not tyre-burning-supersoaking idiots - the sale of beer breaking all records too.

[FartKong]

Excellent, largest crowd for 20 years I heard? We definitely contributed to some of those beer sales although 8 euro a pint inside the circuit was taking the piss.
Roll on next year!

[550M]

5 or 6 Euros was the norm. Like to think we did our bit for the local economy!

[fatboy18]

I find that really surprising, the Lombard Grandstand I was in for the start had a lot of empty seats, also there were empty seats in the Pit stands opposite, even walking around it seemed a lot quieter than other years?

[lestiq]

I certainly noticed the attrition rate of everyone this year, we didn't spend anywhere near enough as long in the grandstands as years gone by, I think the weather has to have been a factor, we just couldn't be bothered to walk around as much this year.

[Panclan]

There were quite a few empty pitches on Bleu Nord, it was even more apparent from the big wheel.

[Some Gump]

We spent more time trackside this year than any other. Pretty confident we did something like 20 hours trackside for the race out of the 27 hours (if you count the 3hr "baggsy a sweet spot for the start). The sun helped, but god that 5 - 6 hr stint on saturday was arduous, no shade on the inside of Dunlop - Terte Rouge to be had at all...

[GadgeS3C]

I was surprised at the record turnout when I heard it on RLM.

Saturday evening in Arnage was pretty quiet with far fewer "interesting" cars than in the past. I suspect many people with classics are doing the Classic instead. Or maybe the muppets have put people off.

[XJ Flyer]

GadgeS3C said:

I was surprised at the record turnout when I heard it on RLM.

Saturday evening in Arnage was pretty quiet with far fewer "interesting" cars than in the past. I suspect many people with classics are doing the Classic instead. Or maybe the muppets have put people off.

At a guess I'd say it's more likely,that the combination of French autoroute speed limits and enforcement thereof on the run there and back and non interest in Hybrids and neutered GT's,amongst circuit alterations over the years might be a better explanation.

As for the Classic it's probably still likely to at least be of more interest for anyone with something suited to the French speed regime for the run there and back.But in the case of anyone for who a quick run on clear French roads there and back was part of the fun it's probably still going to be a liability best avoided.

[moribund]

I think those with enough dosh for a top level car are more than likely to have several, and this year because of the return of Porsche the playboys brought their 911 instead of their Lambo etc.

There was a huge number of Porsches, to the point that GT3 spotting became part of a drinking game during our steak dinner in Arnage on Friday night. Unfortunately 911's are not so sexy in bulk, and we missed the variety.

[Great Dane]

lowdrag said:

It would seem that this year broke all records, with over 260,000 tickets sold and - congratulations to those who were reasonable and not tyre-burning-supersoaking idiots - the sale of beer breaking all records too.

Thanks lowdrag.. we were there and behaved ourselves.. very emotional when #95 won

[allojon]

The official figures : 263 300
Spectators at the circuit
- 263 300 spectators at the circuit, 18 300 more than in 2013.
- 29 500 spectators for the first day’s practice (Wednesday 11th June), 54 000 the second day (Thursday 12th June).
- 24 000 spectators at the test day (Sunday 1st June).

[lowdrag]

Now add to that everyone else; press, security, drivers, mechanics, management, etc. etc. It must come to about 280,000 all in. For a town of usually 150,000 that is one hell of an influx to cope with.

[allojon]

Press
- 1 423 journalists (written press/radio/photographers/new media) accredited (1 405 en 2013)
- The 1 423 journalists came from 49 different countries (42 in 2013).
In France only there were 4 063 media hits (figures including articles published in the written press or on internet as well as radio and TV reports), the equivalent in terms of space buying of 17 344 000 €.
Television
- 1 023 TV personnel were present at the Le Mans 24 Hours for TV production.
- 104 teams of TV reporters were on the spot.

[lowdrag]

I forgot the most important people too - the marshals. 1,600 accredited plus spouses plus two tickets each for friends. That's another 5,000. Caterers, off-site help - it all adds up. Thought we were more press than that though, or at least it seemed it at briefings.

[allojon]

And our traveller friends?

[lowdrag]

3.14 thousand of them I believe

[allojon]

Ha Ha!

[DeanoX]

Traffic felt heavier this year to backup the attendance figures.

I noticed no change in the variety of nice modern cars. I think you can always detect fewer classics in a Le Mans Classic year. If I could...I would do both.

Stayed on BN, didnt see the reported incidents, drove to St Saturnin and back on Friday - didnt see any of the roadside antics, just had an exceptionally nice time at the GBW. I enjoyed Houx Roundabout in the distant past, now I just avoid the troublespots. Well not even avoid, just dont go out looking on Friday. I do miss parking up on the grass between Mulsanne and Indy and watching the world go by though. I understand that grass will be going next year.

As regards the influx of 260+ thousand people. It never ceases to amase me how well received we all are by the locals despite the traffic carnage, the (small pockets) of behaviour, the clogging up of the supermarkets with beer laden trolleys etc etc. Every single local simply smiles and waves :-)

[Dave200]

XJ Flyer said:

At a guess I'd say it's more likely,that the combination of French autoroute speed limits and enforcement thereof on the run there

Please give it a rest. I'm guessing that you didn't even attend this year...

Unless you've got any evidence (even anecdotal) that isn't just your opinion, please pipe down about this. It's getting tiresome.

My group all managed to make good progress both on and off the autoroutes on Wednesday, Sunday and Monday. The only Gendarmes we saw during this time were pulling a tanker out of a ditch on the side of the road.