Viewing From The Kart Track

[HangarStraight]

Has anyone viewed the action from the top of the buildings on the go-kart track on the exit of the Porsche Curves / opposite Maison Blanche camp site? From the video below it looks like a really good view of a part of the track that is otherwise nearly impossible to see properly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn_STVmEMkw

Do you need a special pass to gain entry to this area / to the top of the buildings or is it open to all?

[Nosynchro]

Not sure about start but for most of the race you can generally wander up and down the steps. Half decent loos too

[Genuine Barn Find]

We spent a couple of hours here last year.

It’s open to the public from 10pm from memory.
Great view of the Porsche Curves and down to Ford Chicane. Super comfy seats as well. Well worth checking out!

[HangarStraight]

Awesome, thanks for the replies. Perhaps I'll check it out on Wednesday evening!

It's not too far from where I'm staying at Porsche Curves :-)

I was staying in Maison Blanche last year and it was frustrating being so close to this spectacular corner but not really being able to see it!

Edited by HangarStraight on Sunday 26th May 13:40

[JT3K]

During the week is open and general access. Good place to watch the kart circuit if you're trying to shave a half second or so. You can see practice during the week too. Don't know about during the race though.

[RobbyJ]

We tried during the race last year, and no it’s private and you can’t get in. We went karting a few times and tried to get in at least twice and were turned away.

[Jammez]

Yeah, it's a good spot on the terrace in the main building, also above the kart garages is a decent view too.

It was open last year for most of the weekend but there were times they closed it off for private parties.

It seems very difficult to get info from them on when it's open & closed/when they serve food & when they don't.

You can get a decent pizza there + they have a bar up top & the one downstairs which is usually pretty quiet air conditioned on a hot day & has the race on the tv's

[Some Gump]

There are 3 bits you might count as "on the karting building"

The old old pits - always free / open. Great view of the end of porsche curves and if it's a yellow, the carnage of pissed go karting
The newer pits - great view of the final exit bit of porsche curves and them clattering that exit rumble strip. Never ceases to amaze how the cars can do that for 24h.
The posh bar bit above the new new pits. Dunno what it's like, it's always been private hire any time we've tried

Deffo worth a visit but i'd go when it is quieter - you want to be in the far corner of the old pits and cheekily stood on the railings if possible!

[FredericRobinson]

Didn't some of the old pit buildings get demolished in the track alterations?

[joema]

They were still there last year.
You can watch from them.

[FredericRobinson]

Jolly good, it's been a few years since I've been down there, will have to make another visit

[Genuine Barn Find]

RobbyJ said:

We tried during the race last year, and no it’s private and you can’t get in. We went karting a few times and tried to get in at least twice and were turned away.

Did you try after 10pm?

We had no issues - walked straight in and watched for a good few hours

[RobbyJ]

No just during the day on Saturday and Sunday. Will have to give that a try, thanks.