Wednesday 15th May 2024

Le Mans Friday Service at Classic British Welcome

Heading to the 24 Hours of Le Mans? Join us on June 14 to start the weekend in style!

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Can you even say you’ve been to the 24 Hours of Le Mans if you haven’t joined us at the Classic British Welcome for our Friday Service? Just like eating red sausage and drinking warm stubby beers, it’s a well-established tradition and one not to miss the day before the big race.

We’ll be joining more than 1,000 classic and sports cars at the Val de Vray centre in Saint-Saturnin on June 14th for the free event, a 30-minute drive from our private campsite at Bleu Nord. The theme this year is Mercedes-Benz, celebrating 70 years of the legendary 300SL. Beyond the cars on display, there will be plenty of food and drink stalls, live music and even a cinema to add to the atmosphere.

If you’re heading down to Le Mans, there’s definitely no better way to kick-start your weekend on Friday. Due to changes at the venue, there’s less parking this year so we have space for 50 cars inside the event. They are being strict on entry criteria this year due to the reduced space, so if you have a classic or two-seat sports car, add your name to the list here to join us for free. If you don’t, then no need to worry, as you can still use the free park and ride service (just don’t sign up on the list above). If you’re in doubt, feel free to ask in the comments below.

If you’re bringing a Mercedes-Benz along and would like to either take part in the cavalcade or show your car in the main exhibition, email the team at [e-mail].

We advise arriving for the 09:00 opening time, as it’s pretty hectic from 10:00 onwards. Check out the CBW website for more details after signing up here – see you there!

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If you have a classic or two seater sports car, sign up to the calendar here and buy your PistonHeads Le Mans merchandise here.

[Crazy4557]

Until recently this has been a well kept secret and mostly locals and a few of the Le Mans crowd, nowadays it’s completely mobbed and for me it’s lost it’s appeal.

[ettore]

I've added myself to the list but it hasn't added my car - do you know how I can do that?

We'll be in an F-Type P575 (or an XK120).

Edit - have managed it!

Edited by ettore on Thursday 16th May 10:50

[nismo48]

Crazy4557 said:

Until recently this has been a well kept secret and mostly locals and a few of the Le Mans crowd, nowadays it’s completely mobbed and for me it’s lost it’s appeal.

Shame as looks like an interesting gathering

[JamesW]

We're all back on the list again - worlds nosiest Cobra coming this year

[CharlesdeGaulle]

Crazy4557 said:

Until recently this has been a well kept secret and mostly locals and a few of the Le Mans crowd, nowadays it’s completely mobbed and for me it’s lost it’s appeal.

It is in danger of becoming too popular for its own good, but I still enjoy it.

[howardhughes]

I'm loving the Road Runner graphics on the McLaren number plate. Brilliant.

[Truckosaurus]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

It is in danger of becoming too popular for its own good, but I still enjoy it.

[sahajesh]

Not been to CBW for quite a while so may give it a go this year.

[Australiam]

Would an E63s Estate be allowed in? (I know it is not a classic or 2 seater, but as it is a Merc' themed event, I thought it worth asking!)

also - the email address on the sign up page is being bounced? ([e-mail])

Thanks

[Aysedasi2]

sahajesh said:

Not been to CBW for quite a while so may give it a go this year.

I've been several times but the last time I went in 2022 it seemed a pale shadow of previous events with far too many modern cars being given pride of place, cars that are actually 'ten-a-penny' in the car parks at the circuit. A nice way to spend a couple of hours though if the sun is shining, I guess.

[Vsix and Vtec]

It seemed like a great gathering last year, I look forward to desperately seeking shade from the blistering heat whilst admiring some lovely cars again this year!

[LB14]

Anybody know how this works on entry? Is it a case of just telling the attendants on entry that you’re on the PH list?

I’m sure in the past when I’ve attended PH emailed some kind of ‘pass’ to display in your car window, but not had any communication and it’s not that long until set-off ….

[Vsix and Vtec]

I wasn't on any list last year. It seems at least in part down to an acid test of "is my car nice enough". I was driving down the approach looking for the public carpark entrance, and the marshals frantically waved me into the event parking instead with big grins and thumbs up.

[MrC986]

LB14 said:

Anybody know how this works on entry? Is it a case of just telling the attendants on entry that you’re on the PH list?

I’m sure in the past when I’ve attended PH emailed some kind of ‘pass’ to display in your car window, but not had any communication and it’s not that long until set-off ….

I’d expect PH (probably Ben Lowden) to send the relevant info out in the next day or so....you would normally show your PH sign/pass on the way in so they know where you will be parking I.e. by the sports pitches at the top.

[MollyGT3]

Classic or 2-seat sports car - strict entry criteria? That's not what I'm seeing on the list of 50. Would probably sign up for the waiting list but would rather know in advance if we were in or not.

[VladD]

MollyGT3 said:

Classic or 2-seat sports car - strict entry criteria? That's not what I'm seeing on the list of 50. Would probably sign up for the waiting list but would rather know in advance if we were in or not.

They let 911s in last year, so you'll be OK.

[Truckosaurus]

MollyGT3 said:

Classic or 2-seat sports car - strict entry criteria? That's not what I'm seeing on the list of 50. Would probably sign up for the waiting list but would rather know in advance if we were in or not.

Wasn't the idea of the PH list that you could gain entry despite not meeting the 2-seat or Classic rules?

[RL17]

Two doors good, four doors bad…

Been pretty hectic and very busy since 2017 and before

Less crowded early afternoon and they’ve been keen on a 1,000 plus vehicles for many years

[PaulMcC]

Hi,
Bit of a newbie question as this is my first time going to the GBW..
I'm on the list of 50 plus I have two doors and two seats ;-)
Do I need anything else to let the organisers know I'm with the PH gang?

Thanks, Paul

[VladD]

PaulMcC said:

Hi,
Bit of a newbie question as this is my first time going to the GBW..
I'm on the list of 50 plus I have two doors and two seats ;-)
Do I need anything else to let the organisers know I'm with the PH gang?

Thanks, Paul

If I remember last year correctly, PH will email you something to show as you arrive.