Le Mans 2005

[box]

I'm a Le Mans virgin, but seriously considering going next year. Does anyone have any tips/pointers/advice etc they can give about how to make the most from the trip.
I've done a fair amount of driving in Europe (so no advice like 'drive on the right' please) but specifics re accommodation/camping, whether getting on the boat or train is easier with the 3R, whether to go Thurs or Fri, things to make sure you do and things to make sure you don't do (if that makes any sense at all??)
I guess I could have posted this on the LM forum - but thought I'd ask for Noble advice first........

[Davey S1]

Theres loads on this in the Le Mans section. Look in the archives for a site called beermountain.co.uk or something like that. Very good and very funny.

I'm looking to loose my Le Mans cherry next year too. Also like the look of going to the Le Mans Classic as well.

[obes]

I went for the fist time last year and loved it. I went over on the overnight ferry from Portsmouth. It gets into Caen about 07.30 and is only a couple of hours to LM.

'Mad Friday' was particularly good. Loads of cars to look at. I will def. be going again this year. We stayed at the 'Airtrack' VIP campsite. It was great & will aim to stay again next year. Their site is fenced and secure. It it by the Karting track.

I was going to start a thread about a Noble owner's meet there anyway. I'm sure I can rely on Mike, Paul & Chris...?? at least for another blast next year!!

The guys at Airtracks have promised me some prices next week. If I can convince them into block booking some space would anyone else be up for staying there as a group ?

[Guy Humpage]

There is also Club Arnage for lots of newbie details.

See you there

[crb1]

Owen,
We'll be there. Just confirmed our campsite bookings.
If anyone is interested try.. clubmotorsport.org.uk
That's where we'll be. Excellent facilities.
As for a 3R on the train/ferry. Did both this year. Train is easy. With ferry a bit of sideways helps to get over the ramp.
Next year we are looking at a different route which may involve Plymouth - Roscoff. I'm responsible for organising 2005 so it should be chaos.
Cheers.
Chris

>> Edited by crb1 on Thursday 14th October 19:52

>> Edited by crb1 on Saturday 16th October 19:02

[DanH]

Probably going again, but I don't do the campsites. Stayed in a chateau this year which was nice, although economically more taxing. Especially as you pay for a whole week of accomodation (irrespective of whether you use it - most do).

[smuudge]

Chris, who have you booked your tickets for '05' through? Couldnt see any details on the ACO website relating to next year...we need camping for a Motorhome and entry tickets for 5....
Cheers
Ben

[MisterX]

obes said:

The guys at Airtracks have promised me some prices next week. If I can convince them into block booking some space would anyone else be up for staying there as a group ?

Out of interest, who are you talking to at Airtrack? Stephen Furby or someone else?

[obes]

MisterX said:

who are you talking to at Airtrack?

Don't know any names, just spoke a couple of times to the bloke who answers the phone !

[crb1]

Ben,
I've just sent you an email with the contact details for our campsite.
Cheers.
Chris.
Roll on Vingt Quatre Heures

[MisterX]

obes said:

MisterX said: who are you talking to at Airtrack? Don't know any names, just spoke a couple of times to the bloke who answers the phone !

Just curious. I use them regularly for F1 packages and know all the folk there.

[obes]

Ah I see !
They've published the prices for the packages, but I'm after the price for the camping pitch only. These aren't ready 'till about weds!

[obes]

All booked up now & sorted !
Dan, Saw your post about the hotels bummer! will you knock it on the head or maybe join us at clubmotorsport........
go on, you know you want to !

Anyone else booked up ?

[DanH]

silversix said:

We'll be going. First time, but going bwith a lot of old hands. Thats why I bought the M400. Going down with a load of sevens, and staying in a chateaux. booked tickets for the pit lane grandstand, as apparently it's the best place to watch from.Going to drive round France for the week afterwards, and possibly pay a visit to the 'Ring on the way home. Anybody know how to get enough lugage to keep the wife happy for 2 weeks, into the car?

On her knee

I stayed in a chateau last year. Was nice, but I thought it was overpriced - they insisted on selling a weeks accomodation at 400 ish a pop, but that didn't include a damned thing, so add on ferry, circuit tickets & etc...

[joust]

silversix said:

Anybody know how to get enough lugage to keep the wife happy for 2 weeks, into the car?

Get the luggage set.

Stick everything that fits into the luggage set, and then "fill in" behind the seats with the bags if you need to. Things to remember are to elastic band shoes together "face to face" to make them a nice cuboid shape, and put day to day things in the smaller bags, the once every few days in the two large bags.

Assuming she isn't Imelda, and likes jeans rather than a-different-skirt-every-two-hours you'll make it fit!

J

[silversix]

House, "chateau" is costing £1k for week, sleeps 8 (12 at a push), and belongs to someone who works at Vodafone with my mate. Ferry (seacat) already booked @ £55 return, seats/parking £250, so all in for two of us its worked out at £500 for the week. Not bad in my opinion.

Was thinking of taking no lugage, and just giving the wife a daily allowance of £20 to buy new clothes with.

[CRB1]

Does anyone remember the two Nobles that tagged on to the end of the Friday night drivers parade? Well, how about doing it again but, not with 2 Nobles. No. How about 22 Nobles. Does anyone know where the parade starts!

>> Edited by CRB1 on Sunday 2nd January 20:29