The ''I'm so excited it's nearly here thread'!!
Discussion
On the boat next Wednesday evening, night in St Malo then heading to Le mans via lovely B roads on Thursday morning.
13th year in a row and I think I'm as excited as any previous trip. Really hoping to see a return to winning ways for porsche and being being there to witness it. I've always felt the history of the place. Looking back on photos from the really early days through to the ford/Ferrari era and onto the porsche years I've always wished I could have been there, but in years to come this Audi era will be another defining period which people will have wished they watched. I just don't want to miss any of it.
I keep wondering if they'll be a year I don't leave the circuit after the finish, absolutely shattered and not already be missing it as I drive off, anticipating next years plans or ways to improve the trip. The love is strong though and long may it continue.
I think this years race could be a classic.
Well, here's hoping for dry weather, safe journeys, great fun, an obscene amount of beer and wine and a great race.
Still need to do the big car wash and apply a few stickers, but roll on Wednesday.......
13th year in a row and I think I'm as excited as any previous trip. Really hoping to see a return to winning ways for porsche and being being there to witness it. I've always felt the history of the place. Looking back on photos from the really early days through to the ford/Ferrari era and onto the porsche years I've always wished I could have been there, but in years to come this Audi era will be another defining period which people will have wished they watched. I just don't want to miss any of it.
I keep wondering if they'll be a year I don't leave the circuit after the finish, absolutely shattered and not already be missing it as I drive off, anticipating next years plans or ways to improve the trip. The love is strong though and long may it continue.
I think this years race could be a classic.
Well, here's hoping for dry weather, safe journeys, great fun, an obscene amount of beer and wine and a great race.
Still need to do the big car wash and apply a few stickers, but roll on Wednesday.......
I've seen 2 of the group of 6 I'm with today and the excitement has been quite subdued at their homes, but the guys are overflowing quietly for each of them with next Wednesday evening being our start on the journey down. One PHer in our group admits he looks forward more to his annual pilgrimage to LM than his family holidays....it's no problem as long as SWMBO doesn't find out!
We are having our second Le Mans meeting down the pub this evening, as a follow up to our first meeting down the pub last Friday. I'm taking 6 newbies this year..... Excitement levels are picking up, particularly as they all seem to have collectively 'got' Le Mans during the past few days build up. I'm even sending regular weather reports.... just so they can fully embrace the full experience. Personally, I'm really looking forward to it. The car seems to be running really well, and I'm starting to put a few essentials aside as and when I think about them. Sunday will be the day I get on it properly - need to sort out travel insurance etc
Last full work day on Monday which is pretty full so will help the day hurry up.
Packing and ironing over the weekend with a last check list of things.
We are going on the early am ferry from Dover as we reside in the Northwest it will be a very early AM jaunt to the terminal Wednesday.
Not working on Tuesday so day at home with the Mrs and kids then clean car pack it sticker up and off!
See you lot there!
Packing and ironing over the weekend with a last check list of things.
We are going on the early am ferry from Dover as we reside in the Northwest it will be a very early AM jaunt to the terminal Wednesday.
Not working on Tuesday so day at home with the Mrs and kids then clean car pack it sticker up and off!
See you lot there!
This will be my 13th in a row too. I went for the first time in 2003 with my dad. Every year I've tried to get him to come again but work hasnt allowed it. Now he's semi retired and he's coming with me for a week's camping! I couldnt be more excited and I cant wait to see what he remembers and what's changed about the place since he was last there.
We leave on Tuesday morning and I cant wait!!!
We leave on Tuesday morning and I cant wait!!!
Number 35 ((edited) + the first Classic) on the trot and probably the last - its getting boring, corporate, samey and safe.
The atmosphere is nothing like it was. The circuit is not a patch on its 1981 incarnation - my first year - and the cars are sooooooooooooo dull.
So, no, I'm not that excited but I'm giving it one more go......
The atmosphere is nothing like it was. The circuit is not a patch on its 1981 incarnation - my first year - and the cars are sooooooooooooo dull.
So, no, I'm not that excited but I'm giving it one more go......
Edited by rlw on Saturday 6th June 16:13
rlw said:
Number 34 on the trot and probably the last - its getting boring, corporate, samey and safe.
The atmosphere is nothing like it was. The circuit is not a patch on its 1981 incarnation - my first year - and the cars are sooooooooooooo dull.
So, no, I'm not that excited but I'm giving it one more go......
Wow, That's good going!!The atmosphere is nothing like it was. The circuit is not a patch on its 1981 incarnation - my first year - and the cars are sooooooooooooo dull.
So, no, I'm not that excited but I'm giving it one more go......
After 34 years on the trot you think you can just leave it now?
I saw the circuit pre current facelift and agree it did have atmosphere and character with buildings you'd recognise from 60-70's photos, but the facilities were pretty awful and needed to come on a bit.
I don't personally feel anythings being lost. I feel this is a golden era again for the race. I worry that the tech fest of the LMPs is making it a factory effort only or no chance for wins, but the cars are so impressive in what they can achieve.
I guess one day it has to come where you think, meh I'll leave it this time around. What about a massive shake up of routine to keep it fresh. Just dip into the race and make it more a social trip away instead.
I found when previous accommodation has let me down on booking up again and you have to make new plans it stops you getting in a rut and adds new experiences to the event.
Have fun if it is to be the last one...
First time ever trip, took a fair while to get wife on-side (she was until I told her about the squat bogs, luckily for me it was all booked by then) leaving tomorrow.
Fair to say, quite a bit excited.
Hoping for #19 win, sunshine and Viper finishing well, expecting Audi dominance, rain and hangover. Probably merguez incidents too.
Fair to say, quite a bit excited.
Hoping for #19 win, sunshine and Viper finishing well, expecting Audi dominance, rain and hangover. Probably merguez incidents too.
No more work till a week on Wednesday. 
The camping stuff is mostly in the car. I have sorted out the ADAC membership. I have printed my e-tickets and a spare set. I think I know where all the "stuff" is. Just need to sort it all out by Sunday afternoon, pick up my brother from Euston, then get some
and be ready for an o'dark thirty start 
to get to Dover for 07.00 on Monday. 
The camping stuff is mostly in the car. I have sorted out the ADAC membership. I have printed my e-tickets and a spare set. I think I know where all the "stuff" is. Just need to sort it all out by Sunday afternoon, pick up my brother from Euston, then get some
and be ready for an o'dark thirty start to get to Dover for 07.00 on Monday. My 5th time; 1991 Herbert/Mazda with my Dad post GCSEs. 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015. Missed last year due to the birth of my second child.
Our group fluctuates from 3 to many more. 9 this year, 6 newbies.
Looking forward to night qualifying, friday eve in town and PH@CBW. And the race.
Our group fluctuates from 3 to many more. 9 this year, 6 newbies.
Looking forward to night qualifying, friday eve in town and PH@CBW. And the race.
Edited by eastsider on Friday 5th June 19:47
Edited by eastsider on Friday 5th June 19:47
Trial fitted all my camping stuff into the boot seem to fit, just some cloths for me,bit of food (first nights nosh)then just the paper work bits, camping pass , insurance, break down cover, , i think i will check the bearmountain site for full list
realy getting a buzz now
peterz3 (pistolpete)
realy getting a buzz now
peterz3 (pistolpete)
rlw said:
Number 34 on the trot and probably the last - its getting boring, corporate, samey and safe.
The atmosphere is nothing like it was. The circuit is not a patch on its 1981 incarnation - my first year - and the cars are sooooooooooooo dull.
So, no, I'm not that excited but I'm giving it one more go......
About the same for me, first year 1978. OK it is not the same, the village has lost the atmosphereThe atmosphere is nothing like it was. The circuit is not a patch on its 1981 incarnation - my first year - and the cars are sooooooooooooo dull.
So, no, I'm not that excited but I'm giving it one more go......
and maybe some of the campsites have lost the "olde worde charme" but we find the racing just as good,
maybe better. RLM has lost a bit of an edge without the campsite tours and back to basics commentry" plus the pit lane not having the "lets get the car going for a final lap" or "find a can of fuel/spare part in the hedge" bits, but now cars are now going flat out 24 hours! Miss the fair and the "atmosphere" there also.
BUT in 78 there was no RLM, no drivers parade, very basic WC, and I mean basic, no CBW and more. Were the cars better? Maybe louder but if they fail after 4 hours? Eco run to the flag?
2 newbies this year, maybe 5 next year. Hope for many years to come
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