Classic first timer - any must do's?
Discussion
Been to 3 x 24' hour weekends before, but for some reason we fancied a change this year and are doing the classic instead.
Camping, in Epinettes, 21 of us,
A few questions:
1. Ive heard about the 'dress code', we are not doing a paddock walk, and will not be hitting any of the Champagne bars/hospitality up in the track, is this really needed? I don't want to dress up, but also don't want to feel like a plonker being the only one not.
2. For the 24, one of our favourite things is the Friday nights drivers parade in Lemans town, and the party atmosphere afterwards, does this also happen at the classic?
3. Is it as busy as the 24? It was almost unbearably busy when we went in 2023, wonder if the classic sells as many tickets?
Outside of this, are there any general pointers, any must see things, must visit areas you can reccomend?
Ta
K
Camping, in Epinettes, 21 of us,
A few questions:
1. Ive heard about the 'dress code', we are not doing a paddock walk, and will not be hitting any of the Champagne bars/hospitality up in the track, is this really needed? I don't want to dress up, but also don't want to feel like a plonker being the only one not.
2. For the 24, one of our favourite things is the Friday nights drivers parade in Lemans town, and the party atmosphere afterwards, does this also happen at the classic?
3. Is it as busy as the 24? It was almost unbearably busy when we went in 2023, wonder if the classic sells as many tickets?
Outside of this, are there any general pointers, any must see things, must visit areas you can reccomend?
Ta
K
The Classic does have a dress code, but it's more an attempt to smarten things up. As long as you're not wearing sports tops, etc.. then anything goes really. We've had a mix of those in shorts and polo shirts all the way to trousers, shoes and a shirt and tie (an ACO one).
There isn't a drivers parade. There would be thousands of drivers for that!!
It's not as busy as the 24 hours, but it is a little busy and seems to get busier every time it is held.
In terms of things to see/do - it really depends on what you like doing. For me it was access to the Paddock areas and some grandstands, different viewpoints. Getting to Indianapolis and Arnage at night - some of those cars are mightily impressive up close.
Seeing the start of a few of the races is quite cool, the first sessions. With the nod to the classic le mans starts of yesteryear. Plus the collection area where cars are formed up ready to go out.
Depending on when you get to Le Mans access to the town is quite easy using the tram.
and if you fancy, there are a lot of car clubs represented - with lots of interesting models to be seen plus some older race cars which aren't competing. They may well have some of the newer race cars there, and by that I mean early to mid 90s. Panoz, etc.. But I haven't looked closely at the event timetable.
It's a fairly relaxed affair.
There isn't a drivers parade. There would be thousands of drivers for that!!
It's not as busy as the 24 hours, but it is a little busy and seems to get busier every time it is held.
In terms of things to see/do - it really depends on what you like doing. For me it was access to the Paddock areas and some grandstands, different viewpoints. Getting to Indianapolis and Arnage at night - some of those cars are mightily impressive up close.
Seeing the start of a few of the races is quite cool, the first sessions. With the nod to the classic le mans starts of yesteryear. Plus the collection area where cars are formed up ready to go out.
Depending on when you get to Le Mans access to the town is quite easy using the tram.
and if you fancy, there are a lot of car clubs represented - with lots of interesting models to be seen plus some older race cars which aren't competing. They may well have some of the newer race cars there, and by that I mean early to mid 90s. Panoz, etc.. But I haven't looked closely at the event timetable.
It's a fairly relaxed affair.
As EPS said the town is going to be very quiet, which is a good thing as you'll see it in a more normal light, not just jam packed with 'tourists'.
I can't remember if it was the Thursday or Friday night at the last Classic where we got back to the circuit via the Tertre Rouge entrance after an evening in town and the circuit was deserted and it was a great experience walking around the familiar trackside areas when they were a ghost town.
Paddock tickets are well worth having, you can get right up close with all the cars.
Make sure you check out the owner's club areas during the day as lots of people leave in the evening (or don't return for the Sunday).
The on-track action sometimes is a bit sparse, especially for the earlier cars as they have a long lap time.
I can't remember if it was the Thursday or Friday night at the last Classic where we got back to the circuit via the Tertre Rouge entrance after an evening in town and the circuit was deserted and it was a great experience walking around the familiar trackside areas when they were a ghost town.
Paddock tickets are well worth having, you can get right up close with all the cars.
Make sure you check out the owner's club areas during the day as lots of people leave in the evening (or don't return for the Sunday).
The on-track action sometimes is a bit sparse, especially for the earlier cars as they have a long lap time.
Classic is more aiming towards being the French Goodwood Revival, so absolutely do put in some effort. You won't be the only one by some distance. That doesn't mean you need to turn up dressed like you're going to the Kings garden party, but chinos, a shirt or polo and a hat are generally the go-to levels I see. Its also a much more relaxed affair than the 24, so don't feel you have to be dashing round the circuit. Read the program, and pick out what era you want to see on track, and set your alarms accordingly. I love the 70s, 80s and 90s cars, with a dash of 50s/60s thrown in, so i watched the group race in the daytime, then retired to Arnage for dinner and some sleep whilst the next group was on track, and was back at the circuit for 3am to see the XJR9 howl round in the darkness.
I go to the Revival and would say around 80-90% are in some kind of period dress! Mostly good 
I've been to the Classic and would say that less than 10% are in period dress.
I'd be interested in others' observations.
The Revival is based on pre 1966.
The Classic cut off is 1981 so there's nothing wrong with any of that later era spectators attire - there's plenty of appropriate options bog standard jeans and t-shirts.
Team Sponsorship was well established by 1981 so that is probably a bonus for choice over and above the Revival - if that's your thing.
Look at the forecast - it could be very hot.
Carry plenty of water - it's 3-4 euro for a small water.
There's not a lot of shade opportunities.
Any specific questions, just ask.
I've been to the Classic and would say that less than 10% are in period dress.
I'd be interested in others' observations.
The Revival is based on pre 1966.
The Classic cut off is 1981 so there's nothing wrong with any of that later era spectators attire - there's plenty of appropriate options bog standard jeans and t-shirts.
Team Sponsorship was well established by 1981 so that is probably a bonus for choice over and above the Revival - if that's your thing.
Look at the forecast - it could be very hot.
Carry plenty of water - it's 3-4 euro for a small water.
There's not a lot of shade opportunities.
Any specific questions, just ask.
Edited by RGG on Tuesday 24th June 12:06
Amazing replies, thank you so much, a lot of great info there!
It's a shame the drivers parade on the Friday isnt a thing, there is a real buzz in the town and makes a nice change of scenery, we will still pop in to town on the Friday for a look around and some grub I reckon.
I'm certainly not planning on rocking up in sports direct's finest, happy in a pair of chino shorts and a polo, so that sounds like a happy compromise
It's a shame the drivers parade on the Friday isnt a thing, there is a real buzz in the town and makes a nice change of scenery, we will still pop in to town on the Friday for a look around and some grub I reckon.
I'm certainly not planning on rocking up in sports direct's finest, happy in a pair of chino shorts and a polo, so that sounds like a happy compromise
Not to hijack this thread but it covers a few of the questions I wanted to ask to understand the scale of the event...
Looking to attend next year now that it's annual, does anyone know whether it will be the Le Mans Classic; Legends (1976-2015) or will it be the Heritage (1923-1975)?
Race action - I'm not expecting it to be like Goodwood Revival or MM but is the racing close fought or is it more like a track day/demonstration type of run with gentleman drivers?
Radio coverage - is there Radio Le Mans coverage or a way for English speaking commentary to keep you up-to-date date on the races?
Does the tram run all night?
Camping - I've seen it's the 3 official sites as options, if you were to turn up late Friday, is it possible to find space?
Looking to attend next year now that it's annual, does anyone know whether it will be the Le Mans Classic; Legends (1976-2015) or will it be the Heritage (1923-1975)?
Race action - I'm not expecting it to be like Goodwood Revival or MM but is the racing close fought or is it more like a track day/demonstration type of run with gentleman drivers?
Radio coverage - is there Radio Le Mans coverage or a way for English speaking commentary to keep you up-to-date date on the races?
Does the tram run all night?
Camping - I've seen it's the 3 official sites as options, if you were to turn up late Friday, is it possible to find space?
goldengooner said:
So no football team shirts, but shirts from Le Mans are ok? the 24 hours shirts? and training shoes with a pair of light trousers? for the paddocks and I take it you are allowed to take photos in the paddocks?
thanks
I've never actually seen anyone turned away, and there's definitely locals in v casual clothing.thanks
As above recommend planning things to see some of the 80's and 90's cars race at night...... flames.
the club parking in the in field is good too.
while it's very busy and if you have a pass the pits are really good to walk about and get a proper close look at the cars.
While just outside the circuit Le Tertre Rouge Bar is really good for lunch / dinner.
the club parking in the in field is good too.
while it's very busy and if you have a pass the pits are really good to walk about and get a proper close look at the cars.
While just outside the circuit Le Tertre Rouge Bar is really good for lunch / dinner.
goldengooner said:
So no football team shirts, but shirts from Le Mans are ok? the 24 hours shirts? and training shoes with a pair of light trousers? for the paddocks and I take it you are allowed to take photos in the paddocks?
thanks
Just wear what you want. Ive been going to the classic since 2016 and Ive never seen any issue with what people wear. I remember our first one in 2016 we worried about the dresscode and wore long trousers and shirts. And promptly boiled whilst everyone else was in shorts and tshirtsthanks
MDT said:
As above recommend planning things to see some of the 80's and 90's cars race at night...... flames.
the club parking in the in field is good too.
while it's very busy and if you have a pass the pits are really good to walk about and get a proper close look at the cars.
While just outside the circuit Le Tertre Rouge Bar is really good for lunch / dinner.
If it’s still under old format this year then there’s no 80s of 90s cars at night I thought.the club parking in the in field is good too.
while it's very busy and if you have a pass the pits are really good to walk about and get a proper close look at the cars.
While just outside the circuit Le Tertre Rouge Bar is really good for lunch / dinner.
Paddock tickets are a must - it’s more old style garages (not like horsey events) so not as dressy as the people wandering the trade stands
GT40s on first few laps at night - saw and heard 7 in a train through Porsche curves - all discs glowing red.
Stay up late for done of the Plateaus - some of them aren’t that spectacular in the day or night
Group C races
Infield parking - plus a cheeky 5 mph h to our if the whole of the Bugatti circuit and back whilst you park
Parade laps
Beer and nap in shade or deck chairs in some of the bars
Did like lunch at Arnage village for this years LM - assume it’s just as good for Classic on arrivals days
MDT said:
As above recommend planning things to see some of the 80's and 90's cars race at night...... flames.
the club parking in the in field is good too.
while it's very busy and if you have a pass the pits are really good to walk about and get a proper close look at the cars.
While just outside the circuit Le Tertre Rouge Bar is really good for lunch / dinner.
If it’s still under old format this year then there’s no 80s of 90s cars at night I thought.the club parking in the in field is good too.
while it's very busy and if you have a pass the pits are really good to walk about and get a proper close look at the cars.
While just outside the circuit Le Tertre Rouge Bar is really good for lunch / dinner.
Paddock tickets are a must - it’s more old style garages (not like horsey events) so not as dressy as the people wandering the trade stands
GT40s on first few laps at night - saw and heard 7 in a train through Porsche curves - all discs glowing red.
Stay up late for done of the Plateaus - some of them aren’t that spectacular in the day or night
Group C races
Infield parking - plus a cheeky 5 mph h to our if the whole of the Bugatti circuit and back whilst you park
Parade laps
Beer and nap in shade or deck chairs in some of the bars
Did like lunch at Arnage village for this years LM - assume it’s just as good for Classic on arrivals days
Leesyvista said:
goldengooner said:
So no football team shirts, but shirts from Le Mans are ok? the 24 hours shirts? and training shoes with a pair of light trousers? for the paddocks and I take it you are allowed to take photos in the paddocks?
thanks
Just wear what you want. Ive been going to the classic since 2016 and Ive never seen any issue with what people wear. I remember our first one in 2016 we worried about the dresscode and wore long trousers and shirts. And promptly boiled whilst everyone else was in shorts and tshirtsthanks
It is busy in places but not 24hr busy, no where near it.
I think they want a smarter feel to the event, but it isn’t goodwood revival vintage suits and 1940’s RAF dress up. Nice shorts and polo is more than enough.
I’ve only been once, but essentials would be;
- Paddock pass. Up close to the cars taking park with virtually no restrictions. Spent a long time looking around.
- Club parking gets you inside the circuit and amongst great collection of varied cars. But normal parking would also do. Walking around the club parking took up a big chunk of the event.
- Parade lap if you have a suitable car to experience the whole circuit. Nice to do and don’t think of it as a track day type in terms of speed or achieving some sort of time.
- Plan what you want to see on the circuit due to the different classes system. I think I only properly watched the group c cars on track so checked on when they would be running.
- Museum worth a look around if you haven’t been before.
Don’t feel any hospitality would have enhanced my visit.
I think they want a smarter feel to the event, but it isn’t goodwood revival vintage suits and 1940’s RAF dress up. Nice shorts and polo is more than enough.
I’ve only been once, but essentials would be;
- Paddock pass. Up close to the cars taking park with virtually no restrictions. Spent a long time looking around.
- Club parking gets you inside the circuit and amongst great collection of varied cars. But normal parking would also do. Walking around the club parking took up a big chunk of the event.
- Parade lap if you have a suitable car to experience the whole circuit. Nice to do and don’t think of it as a track day type in terms of speed or achieving some sort of time.
- Plan what you want to see on the circuit due to the different classes system. I think I only properly watched the group c cars on track so checked on when they would be running.
- Museum worth a look around if you haven’t been before.
Don’t feel any hospitality would have enhanced my visit.
I always think dressing up is a nice idea but it'll probably be 30C so that'll go right out of the window.
We're in an Airbnb east of the city and I am contemplating if we can stay out all night Saturday night and get the first tram in the morning. Not sure I can take the lack of sleep in my mid 40s.
We're in an Airbnb east of the city and I am contemplating if we can stay out all night Saturday night and get the first tram in the morning. Not sure I can take the lack of sleep in my mid 40s.
LayZ said:
I always think dressing up is a nice idea but it'll probably be 30C so that'll go right out of the window.
We're in an Airbnb east of the city and I am contemplating if we can stay out all night Saturday night and get the first tram in the morning. Not sure I can take the lack of sleep in my mid 40s.
I’m not sure if there is any appeal for that at the Classic personally. Stop start action and unlike the 24hrs any actual race results are pretty irrelevant. We're in an Airbnb east of the city and I am contemplating if we can stay out all night Saturday night and get the first tram in the morning. Not sure I can take the lack of sleep in my mid 40s.
The 24hrs, you feel like you invest the time as you’re watching more history being made. Even then, I don’t feel like being trackside 24hrs+ anymore!
Unless you really want to stay up all night.
Gassing Station | Le Mans | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff