'08 Le Mans - A superb event
Discussion
I'm sorry for everyone who had a poor time, I'm sorry for anyones poor experience. . .
I had a absolutely fantastic Le Mans . . .
Awesome drive down on the N138 on Wednesday seeing only 3 UK cars, 2 of which going the other way and no Police except on the autoroute before Rouen.
A new route through Rouen away from everyone else made that section even enjoyable.
Capped off with evening qualifying which was great, that "it's great to be back feeling", with a few beers with good mates.
Thursday, pilgrimage to Carrefour and the hour long 4 bloke debate on how many of which type of gazebo to buy. Hilarious . . . . we're so useless.
Rest of the team turning up or not as the case may be on Thursday, few more beers and up for qualifying again . .
Friday, sort out issues from Thursday . . . Drive out to Saint Saturnin (superb event, well done Lowdrag, now on our list to do each year). Tram into town, drinking all afternoon with good friends and back for a ruby at the camp . .
Saturday, Race day . . Watched the first 4hrs, then back for grub, a little kip. Woke up at 1:30am expecting to find everyone gone, but most had done the same thing. Meant that we got to Arnage for 2am and then onto Mulsanne corner from 3 to 5:30am, later than usual. However, to be there watching Audi close the gap, take the lead, stood in the rain, the closest race in years was an experience no one can take away from me and will stay with me for years. . . Electric as a motor sport addict.
Up Sunday, pack camp and go up for last 2hrs of race, what an epic finish. I felt sorry for Menascion (guessed the spelling badly) the level of skill displayed driving that Puegoet should not be under estimated, a truly great drive.
To see Mcnish get another at last, Kristensen to win an 8th ! Aston winning ! It was a great race througout.
Leaving at 3:45 and having worked out a new cross country route away from Le Mans to N138 meant we never sat in a queue at all, anywhere, except at Terte Rouge . . . The best exit yet and then the drive back up the N138, something we han't done for a couple of years made us realise how much we missed the kids waving and all the folks out in the villages.
Sunday night in Rouen, Team dinner and then a good run home on Monday morning topping up the tan . .
It's taken 6yrs going in a row to get better and better at it. I was fed up with the round the circuit rubbish last year, so I steer clear of it. We stay in a campsite that keeps the pikey element away and keep all our valuables in the boot of the cars.
I'm not saying I don't agree with some of the comments, but this was a fantastic weekend, with good weather, epic racing and we met some fantastic people at the camp site and around the circuit and in town on Friday.
Don't think we haven't had our share of bad luck, review one of my old posts of unluckiest Le Man ever from a couple of years ago and I've similar experiences to all of you.
Every year I come back and this forum is full of the "Le Mans is dead", "long live the classic", "full of hooligans" and in some ways that's true, but it is how you choose to spend your weekend. I've been going for 6yrs and I'm sure there will be plenty of people saying I missed the best years. We met some guys on Sunday who had been going since 1966 !!!! They still don't think they're getting it right but are still loving it.
As a self confessed motorsport addict I am so chuffed to have been there for that race. Yet most of the posts here are about everything else but the race.
My girlfriend spent the weekend at the Isle of Wight festival and they were robbed, or at least their tent ramsacked every single night, one of their group was strip searched twice without anything being found cos he didn't have anything he shouldn't have . . . I know which I would prefer to have been at.
Long live Le Mans, the muppets will end up going somewhere else and the race fans can continue to worship at what is a right of passage for anyone with the whiff of petrol in their veins.
Can't wait for next year.
I had a absolutely fantastic Le Mans . . .
Awesome drive down on the N138 on Wednesday seeing only 3 UK cars, 2 of which going the other way and no Police except on the autoroute before Rouen.
A new route through Rouen away from everyone else made that section even enjoyable.
Capped off with evening qualifying which was great, that "it's great to be back feeling", with a few beers with good mates.
Thursday, pilgrimage to Carrefour and the hour long 4 bloke debate on how many of which type of gazebo to buy. Hilarious . . . . we're so useless.
Rest of the team turning up or not as the case may be on Thursday, few more beers and up for qualifying again . .
Friday, sort out issues from Thursday . . . Drive out to Saint Saturnin (superb event, well done Lowdrag, now on our list to do each year). Tram into town, drinking all afternoon with good friends and back for a ruby at the camp . .
Saturday, Race day . . Watched the first 4hrs, then back for grub, a little kip. Woke up at 1:30am expecting to find everyone gone, but most had done the same thing. Meant that we got to Arnage for 2am and then onto Mulsanne corner from 3 to 5:30am, later than usual. However, to be there watching Audi close the gap, take the lead, stood in the rain, the closest race in years was an experience no one can take away from me and will stay with me for years. . . Electric as a motor sport addict.
Up Sunday, pack camp and go up for last 2hrs of race, what an epic finish. I felt sorry for Menascion (guessed the spelling badly) the level of skill displayed driving that Puegoet should not be under estimated, a truly great drive.
To see Mcnish get another at last, Kristensen to win an 8th ! Aston winning ! It was a great race througout.
Leaving at 3:45 and having worked out a new cross country route away from Le Mans to N138 meant we never sat in a queue at all, anywhere, except at Terte Rouge . . . The best exit yet and then the drive back up the N138, something we han't done for a couple of years made us realise how much we missed the kids waving and all the folks out in the villages.
Sunday night in Rouen, Team dinner and then a good run home on Monday morning topping up the tan . .
It's taken 6yrs going in a row to get better and better at it. I was fed up with the round the circuit rubbish last year, so I steer clear of it. We stay in a campsite that keeps the pikey element away and keep all our valuables in the boot of the cars.
I'm not saying I don't agree with some of the comments, but this was a fantastic weekend, with good weather, epic racing and we met some fantastic people at the camp site and around the circuit and in town on Friday.
Don't think we haven't had our share of bad luck, review one of my old posts of unluckiest Le Man ever from a couple of years ago and I've similar experiences to all of you.
Every year I come back and this forum is full of the "Le Mans is dead", "long live the classic", "full of hooligans" and in some ways that's true, but it is how you choose to spend your weekend. I've been going for 6yrs and I'm sure there will be plenty of people saying I missed the best years. We met some guys on Sunday who had been going since 1966 !!!! They still don't think they're getting it right but are still loving it.
As a self confessed motorsport addict I am so chuffed to have been there for that race. Yet most of the posts here are about everything else but the race.
My girlfriend spent the weekend at the Isle of Wight festival and they were robbed, or at least their tent ramsacked every single night, one of their group was strip searched twice without anything being found cos he didn't have anything he shouldn't have . . . I know which I would prefer to have been at.
Long live Le Mans, the muppets will end up going somewhere else and the race fans can continue to worship at what is a right of passage for anyone with the whiff of petrol in their veins.
Can't wait for next year.
Well posted. I was going to go to the Saint Saturnin thing but forgot to find out where it was (I don't have a map) so couldn't go!
I will be back, had a brilliant time all round. The hooligans were there, but everyone knows where they are and they can be avoided. The plods are annoying. I probably should have taken a bigger tent and bought an airbed. But racing - for 24 hours - through the night - down real roads in part - that's special.
I will be back, had a brilliant time all round. The hooligans were there, but everyone knows where they are and they can be avoided. The plods are annoying. I probably should have taken a bigger tent and bought an airbed. But racing - for 24 hours - through the night - down real roads in part - that's special.
Good post! Agree entirely. Had a top event, and we were also at Mulsanne while TK was working his magic, and saw the Dome go off too.
My first ever "black ops" mission too this year, got trackside between Arnage and Porsche - excellent!
Steve
PS. St Saturnin = Classic British Welcome
My first ever "black ops" mission too this year, got trackside between Arnage and Porsche - excellent!
Steve
PS. St Saturnin = Classic British Welcome
Couldnt agree more.
First post on the site, have been reading for ages and had to put my thoughts across.
I started going in 1993, have not missed once since, and have always been lucky to travel with likeminded friends-the group being varied sizes over the years.
I can honestly say that the event itself has changed- the camping issues get more and more complex-blu sud each year- and even when we arrived this year to a pre purchased "pitch" half of it was on concrete. Mad friday is a great laugh-for the first 2 hours or so, after that it went downhill. Infairness, no worse than any other sporting event where beer is involved. Have your fun, go back to your tent, have a few beers there???? The sooner they dont have a crowd to perform to, the sooner it will stop.
COmplaints that food and beer is too dear?? Sorry, what do you expect?? Try a rugby international if you really want to taste high priced beer. We get plenty from the local supermarket, along with sufficent meat for a couple of days, and thats it.
FOr all of the negatives, I for one could not imagine not going. Yes the event has changed, and to a degree, mad friday gets more and more out of hand (imagine it lasting 10 mins over here in the 1st instance though?) and yes it is cramped for spectating, and we all know the loos in the circuit leave a little to be desired, but hey, have you ever been to Silverstone?? The bogs in blu sud were fine-not palacial- but fine, all weekend. The folks camping next to us seemed somewhat shocked when at 2 in the morning, I had the audacity to ask them to turn the bloody Pink Floyd UP, but hey, we are on holiday.
In summary, i guess the easiest wsay to sum it up for me is on the 2nd thursday quali period (and the 1st time we go into the circuit). I still get a feeling of being back to something special, always have, always will as soon as the first car go past. For those that dont understand what i am saying, i guess from my point, it will always be you that dont seem to grasp it, not me.
PS It was an 18h race this year due to a Champagne problem on Sat afternoon- apologies to anyone that got involved with a disgusting display of singing.
Great to read a positive thread! This was my tenth time, the event changes every year and not always for the better, for example shutting down arnage/indy on Friday. Something that's just as much fun replaces it though (we just went onto mulsanne straight and watched the antics there!) And though I'd like to try the classic as well I'd still go to the 'proper' race too...
Well said. It’s still a great event despite the unfortunate incidents for some on Friday. I can’t believe people are writing off the event and saying they will not come anymore because of a few isolated incidents over one part of the weekend that can be avoided with a bit of planning.
For me this was the first year in a hotel which, when combined with the new tram made it a very civilized weekend. A decent nights sleep in a proper bed, get the tram to the circuit, enjoy the day, go back to your hotel in the afternoon for a lie down, shower and change. Then take the tram into the city centre and party the night away. Perfect! Already got the hotel booked for 2009.
For me this was the first year in a hotel which, when combined with the new tram made it a very civilized weekend. A decent nights sleep in a proper bed, get the tram to the circuit, enjoy the day, go back to your hotel in the afternoon for a lie down, shower and change. Then take the tram into the city centre and party the night away. Perfect! Already got the hotel booked for 2009.
Excellent post, and broadly in line with my experiences. All in our group reckon this was the best trip yet. Excellent night in the Ashford Travelodge chatting and drinking with other PHers on the Wednesday night, followed by an entertaining blast down the autoroute (via Chunnel) on Thursday morning.
There was a great atmosphere on the campsite - meaning friendly and entertaining, not loads of 'drum'n'base sh*te. I have to admit that our neighbours on one side were playing some 'loud' music, but who can object to early Floyd at 1am? Sat drinking whisky by candle light listening to 'Pipers at the Gate' and chatting with your mates in the early hours is a great memory. As were the mad Dutchmen on the other side who started each morning with a bottle of wine, drank solidly all day ('because it's tradition') and were excellent company, bothering no-one and proving the point that to be a pi**ed moron you first have to be a moron.
Incredible racing; great company; good beer and a seemingly permanently lit bbq followed by a stunning drive home cross country means there were few, if any, parts of this year's trip I would change. Yes, there are muppets chucking beer in Arnage and Houx, but out of 60,000 Brits in attendance I'd say there were fewer than 50 acting like to**ers.
The spirit of Le Mans is still out there.
Lugs
There was a great atmosphere on the campsite - meaning friendly and entertaining, not loads of 'drum'n'base sh*te. I have to admit that our neighbours on one side were playing some 'loud' music, but who can object to early Floyd at 1am? Sat drinking whisky by candle light listening to 'Pipers at the Gate' and chatting with your mates in the early hours is a great memory. As were the mad Dutchmen on the other side who started each morning with a bottle of wine, drank solidly all day ('because it's tradition') and were excellent company, bothering no-one and proving the point that to be a pi**ed moron you first have to be a moron.
Incredible racing; great company; good beer and a seemingly permanently lit bbq followed by a stunning drive home cross country means there were few, if any, parts of this year's trip I would change. Yes, there are muppets chucking beer in Arnage and Houx, but out of 60,000 Brits in attendance I'd say there were fewer than 50 acting like to**ers.
The spirit of Le Mans is still out there.
Lugs
Another great trip for me too. 4th trip, third in a row and it just gets better. Drove down Thursday, on my own so it was a Autoroute blast. Only annoying thing was long queue to get in as the first qually session was on.
Spent Friday and Saturday enjoying beers and good company, watched an hour of madness on the road by Bleu Nord/Sud then headed back for more beer. Saw the first hour of the race, went back for a BBQ, then returned to the circuit to watch Starsailor and the night racing. Being in the 1st Tickets enclosure also had access to clean toilets and warm showers with no queues, Eurosport coverage and draft beer when I fancied one.
Spend a bit of time planning, book an organised campsite (no need to spend £££ on MRI/Airtrack Hospitality either), read the Club Arnage Guide, stick to the speed limits and you can do the trip with no hassle. Already planning next year
Spent Friday and Saturday enjoying beers and good company, watched an hour of madness on the road by Bleu Nord/Sud then headed back for more beer. Saw the first hour of the race, went back for a BBQ, then returned to the circuit to watch Starsailor and the night racing. Being in the 1st Tickets enclosure also had access to clean toilets and warm showers with no queues, Eurosport coverage and draft beer when I fancied one.
Spend a bit of time planning, book an organised campsite (no need to spend £££ on MRI/Airtrack Hospitality either), read the Club Arnage Guide, stick to the speed limits and you can do the trip with no hassle. Already planning next year
Great thread!
It was our second trip this year, and I think you just have to remember why you go to le mans. A lot of negative comments seem to come from people that didnt really want to watch the racing but went for a lads night piss up.
We were standing on the pit straight at the start of the race and when you see the head lights coming around the first corner and the cheesy Le Mans music playing I just get goose bumps thinking about it again, and the cars roar past you! It was AMAZING. And then the night racing at arnarge seeing the cars disc brakes light up and the exhausts popping flames.
My only down side was there didnt seem to be that much exotica driving around, but maybe I wasnt looking in the right place. I do hope the ACO dont change the rules that much. It seems a shame that they have to slow the diesals down. I good point was made on radio le mans that if another manufacturer came in with the same budget as audi they could build a petrol car to challenge.
But as McQueen said 'anything before or after is just waiting'.......looks like its back to waiting.
It was our second trip this year, and I think you just have to remember why you go to le mans. A lot of negative comments seem to come from people that didnt really want to watch the racing but went for a lads night piss up.
We were standing on the pit straight at the start of the race and when you see the head lights coming around the first corner and the cheesy Le Mans music playing I just get goose bumps thinking about it again, and the cars roar past you! It was AMAZING. And then the night racing at arnarge seeing the cars disc brakes light up and the exhausts popping flames.
My only down side was there didnt seem to be that much exotica driving around, but maybe I wasnt looking in the right place. I do hope the ACO dont change the rules that much. It seems a shame that they have to slow the diesals down. I good point was made on radio le mans that if another manufacturer came in with the same budget as audi they could build a petrol car to challenge.
But as McQueen said 'anything before or after is just waiting'.......looks like its back to waiting.
Spot on Emsman and Johnno. I've been going since 1996, never seen or want to see mad Friday, never seen lots of drunks, never seen any hooligan activity etc. But I have seen lots of great racing, made short terms friends of a like mind and enjoyed many a hot dog with them in the car park. Yes the beer and food is pricey for what it is but hey this is Le Mans.
Roll on LM09.
By the way, I agree there was a shortage of exotica on the road and in the car parks this year.
R.
Roll on LM09.
By the way, I agree there was a shortage of exotica on the road and in the car parks this year.
R.
I've been since 2003 each year, and this year I left the place thinking it was best year yet.
The race was brilliant. In a number of the classes the fight for the leads were so close, it kept the interest throughout. Two big companies fighting it out for the win and being so close doesn't happen often like it did this year.
I think the ACO have continued to do great work at the circuit. The facilities are better then ever, from the access paths and tunnels, spectator banking and the toilet facilities. Getting around the place and viewing hasn;t been this good before. Character has been lost, but the place needed to progress.
The food continues to be a bit limited at the circuit and bit expensive, but that's big events for you. A short drive from the circuit, we visit some fantastic restaurants.
I found the best 'formula' yet for my LM weekend. We stayed in a village out of the circuit and the route in dropped us straight to the car park with no queueing at any point during the weekend?
Not only was the racing great, but the social side was really nice, with some nice meals and plenty of red wine being enjoyed.
Even the rain and a puncture hadn't wrecked the weekend.
If every year is like this one then I will be going to Le Mans in June for many years to come.
www.lemans24.piczo.com
The race was brilliant. In a number of the classes the fight for the leads were so close, it kept the interest throughout. Two big companies fighting it out for the win and being so close doesn't happen often like it did this year.
I think the ACO have continued to do great work at the circuit. The facilities are better then ever, from the access paths and tunnels, spectator banking and the toilet facilities. Getting around the place and viewing hasn;t been this good before. Character has been lost, but the place needed to progress.
The food continues to be a bit limited at the circuit and bit expensive, but that's big events for you. A short drive from the circuit, we visit some fantastic restaurants.
I found the best 'formula' yet for my LM weekend. We stayed in a village out of the circuit and the route in dropped us straight to the car park with no queueing at any point during the weekend?
Not only was the racing great, but the social side was really nice, with some nice meals and plenty of red wine being enjoyed.
Even the rain and a puncture hadn't wrecked the weekend.
If every year is like this one then I will be going to Le Mans in June for many years to come.
www.lemans24.piczo.com
Tacklebury said:
Roll on 2009, next year it'll be my Stag Do so even more drink and music!
Simon - can you please make a point of telling everyone where you are going to camp next year - so we all know which area to avoid like the plague. I can recommend some camps where loud music and arrogant attitudes seems to be acceptable.Tacklebury said:
Kinky said:
Tacklebury said:
Roll on 2009, next year it'll be my Stag Do so even more drink and music!
Simon - can you please make a point of telling everyone where you are going to camp next year - so we all know which area to avoid like the plague. I can recommend some camps where loud music and arrogant attitudes seems to be acceptable.Been thinking about this - if you're on a stag do it's traditionally accepted that you need to be dressed like a tw*t. I was for mine, my father was before me etc etc. However, at Le Mans that wouldn't make you stand out. Saw several blokes in skirts and blouses, a number of vikings and a handful of superheroes, so what will it be? Suit and tie?
Just curious.
As for a cup of chocolate and a good book well, a tad harsh. Unless there's whisky involved.....
Taxi!
Just curious.
As for a cup of chocolate and a good book well, a tad harsh. Unless there's whisky involved.....
Taxi!
Kinky said:
Tacklebury said:
Kinky said:
Tacklebury said:
Roll on 2009, next year it'll be my Stag Do so even more drink and music!
Simon - can you please make a point of telling everyone where you are going to camp next year - so we all know which area to avoid like the plague. I can recommend some camps where loud music and arrogant attitudes seems to be acceptable.
hing threads that are running.I am quite sue you would look at our Team and dread us camping next to yourself. Yet I've had emails today from the people we met around us saying how much they enjoyed our company and hope we can meet up next year. From a single woman who has been going for 16yrs and complete Le Mans virgins who found us welcoming, helpful and up for a laugh.
Yet we're the Team shirt wearing, beer drinking types you evidently hate. I don't know where you get off making the statements you have about arrogant attitudes, have you met this guy ? I suggest it is you who needs to assess your opinion of other people and your own tolerance for differences . . . . or at least think before casting ascertions liberally around forums
No we don't do loud music, super soakers, keying cars, stealing kit, but we do wake each other with a V8 in the morning, we do let of the occasonal firework. . . . We even get drunk occasionally. Is this allowed ?
Please return to the negative threads as it is evident you have plenty to contribute . . . Personally I think it is the type of people on this thread that will keep Le Mans going by being tolerant, adaptble, flexible and open to change. We'll all keep going where others, perhaps even you, will tell us in 10yrs time we missed the best years and it was so much better 1492 when the tortoise beat the hare
Roll on '09 Le Mans, come see us for a beer Kinky and the stag do are welcome as well
Johno,
I'd suggest you get your facts right before you jump in, with assumptions. Perhaps reading what's left of the posters posts might help explain. And for your reference - I was referring to some very specific instances - and certainly not tarring everyone with the same brush.
And to answer your assumptions about me ... I wear team t-shirts and drink lots of beer.
Tell me where you are camping next year, and I'll be the 1st one over to see you, laden with cold beer, and will celebrate another LM.
But I'll clear off when the stag-do arrives
Anyway - to get the thread back on topic - I had a bloody brilliant time - I spent a lot of time with some really good friends, who are really great friends. I was able to forget about all the stresses and pressures at work, and enjoy a sport I just love. The weather was fine (mostly), and the folks on our camp site were all friendly and extremely pleasant - bar 1 incident, which is best forgotten now. Our site security were top top lads and always good for a chat and a beer on the gate.
Roll on next year
And yes Johno - I will come and find you next year
K
I'd suggest you get your facts right before you jump in, with assumptions. Perhaps reading what's left of the posters posts might help explain. And for your reference - I was referring to some very specific instances - and certainly not tarring everyone with the same brush.
And to answer your assumptions about me ... I wear team t-shirts and drink lots of beer.
Tell me where you are camping next year, and I'll be the 1st one over to see you, laden with cold beer, and will celebrate another LM.
But I'll clear off when the stag-do arrives
Anyway - to get the thread back on topic - I had a bloody brilliant time - I spent a lot of time with some really good friends, who are really great friends. I was able to forget about all the stresses and pressures at work, and enjoy a sport I just love. The weather was fine (mostly), and the folks on our camp site were all friendly and extremely pleasant - bar 1 incident, which is best forgotten now. Our site security were top top lads and always good for a chat and a beer on the gate.
Roll on next year
And yes Johno - I will come and find you next year
K
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