Alternatives to Le Mans?

[DickP]

Good evening gents!

If for whatever reason you were unable to attend Le Mans 24hr on one year due to clashing with some other event that you can't escape from, what alternatives are there of a similar theme and venue for that same year?

[Hammond1073]

Last year we couldn't do Le Mans so did Blancpain GT series 24 hour race at Spa instead.
Got to say great racing but no where near the atmosphere as Le Mans.

[Great Dane]

N24 for sure

[FredericRobinson]

Spa 24 as already mentioned, although more cars on a smaller track with lower driving standards and Spa weather can lead to lots of safety car, especially on the Saturday.

Sebring.

[indyxe]

We went to Wec Nurburgring this year and really enjoyed it, great venue, facilities, and most importantly was a fantastic atmosphere.

Next year as well as Le Mans, we are going to Wec Nurburgring and the weekend later Spa Blancpain 24HR cant wait

[paulyv]

Monaco Historique 2016 in May?

http://acm.mc/en/grand-prix-historique-de-monaco-2...

Edited by paulyv on Wednesday 16th December 18:14

[kel176506]

Me and a few mates did the N24 the year it was the weekend after Le Mans (2014 I think). Being June the weather was fantastic and the race was brilliant. The atmosphere is very different but I would recommend the N24 to anyone that enjoys Le Mans.

If you do go and haven't been before (like we were), do your research on where you want to watch from (like we didn't!). We watched from the main F1 circuit for a while then wandered toward the real Nurburgring where the hardcore fans camp out and build some serious "temporary" structures. The atmosphere in the woods is awesome and you can get scary close to the circuit in places. We also came across several wooden huts that sold Currywurst and cold bottled Bitburger beer while wandering.

At some point in the evening we got lost and stayed on the inside of the circuit (hard to describe) where access for viewing the track is nearly impossible. We eventually made it back to the town Adenau where we were staying and watched the race the next day from a brilliant viewing point in the town.

Hoping to do it again in 2016! And make it a regularly thing like Le Mans!

[cailean]

As said, WEC Silverstone/Spa/Nurburgring,Blancpain Silverstone/Brands Hatch/Spa 24hrs, N24, also Silverstone 24hr, Le Mans Classic 2016

[watky555]

We did "Lonestar Lemans" at the circuit of the Americas this year, needed an emotional break from LM24 over the last ten years.

Long way to go for a race event, but connected with a quick visit to New York and a Camero hire car waiting us it was a welcome change, no atmosphere like Lemans but the lack of crowds and an amazing Tudor Sports car race before made it for us.


I will do it again...

[Vette_1978]

I'm intrigued as to what event means non attendance at LM.

[TheHoof]

watky555 said:

We did "Lonestar Lemans" at the circuit of the Americas this year, needed an emotional break from LM24 over the last ten years.

Long way to go for a race event, but connected with a quick visit to New York and a Camero hire car waiting us it was a welcome change, no atmosphere like Lemans but the lack of crowds and an amazing Tudor Sports car race before made it for us.


I will do it again...

Good to hear; I'm considering a COTA run this year as I fear it won't be on the WEC calendar for much longer.

OP - if you're willing to travel to the US perhaps as part of a longer trip, I'd consider a trip to either Daytona 24, Sebring or Petite Le Mans. I really fancy Sebring. Bathurst 12hr is also on my bucket list but that is would need to be part of a much larger trip around Aus/NZ.

As others have suggested, if limiting ones focus to Europe it would have to be N24 or Spa 24 plus a visit to the easy to get to and reasonably priced WEC season opener at Silverstone to get my LMP1 fix.

[theaxe]

I've done Daytona before and I'm heading there again next year. It's the off-season so flights and hotels are fairly inexpensive.

Being able to see the whole circuit and the use of the banking make it a different experience to LM. It does lack a bit of the atmosphere though.

[DobboMk2]

I am going back to the N24 this year. Have done Le Mans 7 times and N24 3 times. Now I live in the US, a trip to Europe is a rarity but this year I can make it happen and I’m choosing the N24 over Le Mans.
Personally, I prefer the atmosphere. Less supercars in the campsites, more enthusiasts with old skool Opels and VWs. The viewing blows Le Mans away. There are plenty of spots to be found out in the woods where you will be the only person watching. Bit busier by the currywurst and bitburger stands!
Admittedly the race itself doesn’t have quite the same international draw as Le Mans but it is still ultra-competitive with a lot of manufacturer support. Staying in a hotel in 2016 that overlooks the track at Adenau, can’t wait. Booked it just after the 2015 race.

kel176506 said:

At some point in the evening we got lost and stayed on the inside of the circuit (hard to describe) where access for viewing the track is nearly impossible. We eventually made it back to the town Adenau where we were staying and watched the race the next day from a brilliant viewing point in the town.

Kel, I think you must have walked from Hatzenbach/Hocheichen (near the start of the Nordschleife) up to Aremburg on the inside of the circuit. It turns into a path through the woods that pretty much disappears, eventually bringing you out near Metzgesfeld. You follow the track down the hill (my favourite spot to watch from) until your get to the bridge at Breidscheid near to Adenau.

[CHR15 G]

Vette_1978 said:

I'm intrigued as to what event means non attendance at LM.

I am afraid that it is a very close family member of mine's wedding. Managed to slip out of another wedding this summer so that Le Mans Classic is now on the cards.

[fot0]

FIA Endurance at Silverstone next month

[Great Dane]

cailean said:

As said, WEC Silverstone/Spa/Nurburgring,Blancpain Silverstone/Brands Hatch/Spa 24hrs, N24, also Silverstone 24hr, Le Mans Classic 2016

Good plan!