Le mans alternatives?????
Discussion
A mate and I have been talking about hitting the Nur 24hr in 2014, but then we couldn't stop thinking about the IOMTT and then other possibilities such as LM24hr popped up.
Now we're intending to build a list and probably throw a dart and go where ever it lands, but before we do I thought I'd build a list of options first.
So other than the Nur 24h, LM and the IOM-TT, what else is there (cars or bikes) that compares and is worthwhile for the bucket list???
TIA
S
Now we're intending to build a list and probably throw a dart and go where ever it lands, but before we do I thought I'd build a list of options first.
So other than the Nur 24h, LM and the IOM-TT, what else is there (cars or bikes) that compares and is worthwhile for the bucket list???
TIA
S
1000 quid - that sounds like doing it in style. A large group of British and Dutch friends come over for Sebring year after year. They usually buy their flights in Nov/Dec and pay around GBP350 for coach tickets. A 4 day Superticket is the princely sum of $90. Splitting the cost of an RV 5 ways, works out at around $100 each - tenting it is free of course.
Someone said Spa is like Le Mans used to be - I totally get that and suggest that Sebring is also like Le Mans was in the early/mid 80's - only better still, i.e. no concrete fortifications, debris fencing only where it's needed, free access to the paddock/pit-lane/grid, distinct lack of mindless d
heads, ability to set-up camp and grill right on the fence if you get there early, huge, friendly campgrounds in the track infield, pretty much guaranteed perfect weather, unrestricted viewing of the entire circuit, world class (WEC/ALMS) entry list.
Downside is that it is a long way to come for a 4 day event - but, being in Central FL, there is plenty of other stuff to occupy visitors if you choose to stick around.
I think that the "Audification" of Le Mans over the last 5-6 years, coupled with the discovery of the event as a Brits-on-the-piss weekend, by a legion of scum-suckers has taken a lot of the shine off Le Mans, to the point that I don't bother going anymore, having not missed one for the thick end of 30 years.
Someone said Spa is like Le Mans used to be - I totally get that and suggest that Sebring is also like Le Mans was in the early/mid 80's - only better still, i.e. no concrete fortifications, debris fencing only where it's needed, free access to the paddock/pit-lane/grid, distinct lack of mindless d
heads, ability to set-up camp and grill right on the fence if you get there early, huge, friendly campgrounds in the track infield, pretty much guaranteed perfect weather, unrestricted viewing of the entire circuit, world class (WEC/ALMS) entry list.Downside is that it is a long way to come for a 4 day event - but, being in Central FL, there is plenty of other stuff to occupy visitors if you choose to stick around.
I think that the "Audification" of Le Mans over the last 5-6 years, coupled with the discovery of the event as a Brits-on-the-piss weekend, by a legion of scum-suckers has taken a lot of the shine off Le Mans, to the point that I don't bother going anymore, having not missed one for the thick end of 30 years.
Interesting comments Matt. We're thinking about doing Spa 24 this year after going to Le Mans for the first time last year. Whilst enjoyed LM and regret not being able to make it this year, it did get pretty rowdy at times and I would probably appreciate a more relaxed atmosphere this time round. Have you done Spa yourself? If so, I'd love to hear more! I hadn't really been aware of its existance until I started searching for LM alternatives.
Cheers
Cheers
Life Saab Itch said:
Racing at Monza is always good.
Maybe the Monza 1000kms or the Italian GP.
I went to Monza for 2008 GP [when Vettel won in wet]Maybe the Monza 1000kms or the Italian GP.
Didn't really enjoy it as much as i would have liked ,partly due to the wet.
Of those 2 i would try 1000KMs as much longer race and can move around to different
bits of circuit.
Also GP day you only get Porsche Supercup ,GP2 and GP races for your £100s.
Please correct me if you get more on raceday nowadays.
superhans88 said:
Have you done Spa yourself?
Only once, in 2001 when it was part of the FIA GT Championship. Despite being a magnificent circuit, I think Spa is a little too much unlike Le Mans, in that it is very low-key, modestly attended and the facilities are a bit primative. My main concern with Spa is the very unpredictable weather (even in July) and the amount of arduous mountaineering that has to be done to get around, which severely compromises boozing and barbequeing activities.
I would imagine that the WEC 6 hour race might be more action-packed and better attended - but you are almost guaranteed to get soaked to the skin at that race.
Matt Harper said:
...and the amount of arduous mountaineering that has to be done to get around, which severely compromises boozing and barbequeing activities.
Went to the Spa Classic last weekend and had an easy stroll round the full lap on Saturday and Sunday - one day clockwise (i.e. up Eau Rouge) and the other anticlockwise (uphill from Pouhon). Apart from those 2 hills, which I admit are steep (but pretty short), it's reasonably level. Ok, it's not as flat as Silverstone but then the views from the banking at Spa are a lot lot better! Agree you'd not want to be carrying loads of bbq kit with you though 
Matt.. said:
Indy 500?
Not really a Le Mans alternative, in that it's not easy to get to, is essentially a one-day event and Indianapolis is a little light on other stuff to do pre/post race.However, I do have a lot of affection for this event - my brothers and I used to do both Indy and Le Mans through the late 80's and 90's. It was easier for me, as they lived in southern Ohio, so I had a base to operate from.
Today, the 500 is a bit of a poor effort compared to the quite glorious and gladatorial CART turbo era. Tony George and the current IZOD Indycar organisers and marketers have a lot to answer for in bollixing-up what was a truely mind-melting spectacle.
OP would be very, very hard-pushed to do the Indy 500 for 1000 quid.
I might get slammed for this - and at risk of seeing things through purely an American lens, but what about the Rolex 24 at Daytona? Admittedly, it's Grand Am, but the Daytona Prototypes don't look like Scrubbing Bubbles any more - and the last couple of editions have been very entertaining.
Florida in early Feb can be a little bracing at night, of course.
Closer to home, there's always the N24 - the sausage-munchers tend to put on a good show...
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