24hr Le Mans vs Le Mans Classic
Discussion
Who’s done both?
I’ve only ever done the main 24hr event, but missed out this year and it looks doubtful if I’m going to be able to attend next year either.
I am free the weekend of the Classic in July.
Now, here’s my problem - I absolutely love the 24hr event; the drive down, the atmosphere, the company, the sheer amount of ‘other things’ going on around the circuit and in the City. My Le Mans group will be attending the 24hr as usual so won’t be attending the Classic a month later. I’m also really keen to use my 205 GTI for the Classic, but trying to convince anyone to accompany me in a ‘non-air-conditioned, tin-foil death-trap’ (their words) in the middle of the summer might also prove difficult... I do run the risk of being Billy No-Mates for the trip!
So, is the Classic still worth doing?
Cheers.
I’ve only ever done the main 24hr event, but missed out this year and it looks doubtful if I’m going to be able to attend next year either.
I am free the weekend of the Classic in July.
Now, here’s my problem - I absolutely love the 24hr event; the drive down, the atmosphere, the company, the sheer amount of ‘other things’ going on around the circuit and in the City. My Le Mans group will be attending the 24hr as usual so won’t be attending the Classic a month later. I’m also really keen to use my 205 GTI for the Classic, but trying to convince anyone to accompany me in a ‘non-air-conditioned, tin-foil death-trap’ (their words) in the middle of the summer might also prove difficult... I do run the risk of being Billy No-Mates for the trip!
So, is the Classic still worth doing?
Cheers.
We took a 205 GTI down to this years Le Mans and it was loved by everyone. The weather was exceptional this year and so not the most comfortable in that car but it was the perfect French car to take.
I expect the classic it will be loved just as much! I've yet to go but I'm thinking about it next year.
I expect the classic it will be loved just as much! I've yet to go but I'm thinking about it next year.
I did the classic last year for the first time and the 24 a number of times.
There is very little happening other than the classic racing on track. Nothing in town and a few small events outside the track.
There are also long gaps between the 'races' on track.
It is an event that will grow but it is not like the 24, yet.
There is very little happening other than the classic racing on track. Nothing in town and a few small events outside the track.
There are also long gaps between the 'races' on track.
It is an event that will grow but it is not like the 24, yet.
Storer said:
I did the classic last year for the first time and the 24 a number of times.
There is very little happening other than the classic racing on track. Nothing in town and a few small events outside the track.
There are also long gaps between the 'races' on track.
It is an event that will grow but it is not like the 24, yet.
Oh. I was thinking of doing the classic next year. Is there a reason you've put "races"? Is it more just a procession of cars? and not actually good / interesting races? How many races are there in the 24 hour period?There is very little happening other than the classic racing on track. Nothing in town and a few small events outside the track.
There are also long gaps between the 'races' on track.
It is an event that will grow but it is not like the 24, yet.
Cheers in advance
Mannginger said:
Oh. I was thinking of doing the classic next year. Is there a reason you've put "races"? Is it more just a procession of cars? and not actually good / interesting races? How many races are there in the 24 hour period?
Cheers in advance
It isn't 1 24hr race it is lots of vastly shorter ones. Someone will confirm the length per race Cheers in advance
Also but I might be wrong here they don't race in the night.
Entries are grouped roughly by decade, in six periods. Each decade has four races of about 45 minutes spread out equally over 24 hours and the aggregate of the times will identify the winner of each decade. That means there are 24 separate races in all. There are usually something approaching 300 entries so some decades are very large others less so. All this means there's a lot of action in the pits straight so we also go for a tribune seat there, rather than the one we use for the 24hrs. ACO tribune is best because it has bars, food, showers and loos.
Access is easily available to the vast paddock area created behind the pits grandstand, so buy the extra entry ticket for this, well worth it. Maybe getting up real close to the cars, owners and drivers and seeing all the action going on there is the best part of Le Classic.
First time we went (first running of the event) there were maybe 25,000 people there. Last time was maybe 125,000, so it is gaining in popularity.
There are fewer bars and eateries there compared to the 24hrs.
It's not possible to compare it to the 24hrs, it's a totally different type of event. If you like old cars fine, if you like serious long distance racing Le Classic may not be for you.
Note that for 2018 the decade and number of races format of the past may change because there will be an additional Group C race or two which will be a fab addition to the event. I've also read that the number of entries will be closer to 500.
R.
Access is easily available to the vast paddock area created behind the pits grandstand, so buy the extra entry ticket for this, well worth it. Maybe getting up real close to the cars, owners and drivers and seeing all the action going on there is the best part of Le Classic.
First time we went (first running of the event) there were maybe 25,000 people there. Last time was maybe 125,000, so it is gaining in popularity.
There are fewer bars and eateries there compared to the 24hrs.
It's not possible to compare it to the 24hrs, it's a totally different type of event. If you like old cars fine, if you like serious long distance racing Le Classic may not be for you.
Note that for 2018 the decade and number of races format of the past may change because there will be an additional Group C race or two which will be a fab addition to the event. I've also read that the number of entries will be closer to 500.
R.
Correction to my post above.
I think there are 6 decades that each have three races, making 18 races in all over the 24 hours. This means there are reasonable gaps between each race. Maybe the Group C races for 2018 will mean a squeeze on timings and more on track action.
To answer another point in a prior post, racing does take place throughout the 24 hours, including through the night..
R.
I think there are 6 decades that each have three races, making 18 races in all over the 24 hours. This means there are reasonable gaps between each race. Maybe the Group C races for 2018 will mean a squeeze on timings and more on track action.
To answer another point in a prior post, racing does take place throughout the 24 hours, including through the night..
R.
Miner49er said:
@delta0
Were you in the red one? A chap on 205GTIDrivers has written a really nice report on his recent trip.
@Storer
If, like me, you were unable to attend the 24hr next year, would the Classic be worth doing or would you just not bother?
Yes I was. It was a friends car I was in convoy with him. The write up could be his. We went via Reims on the way there.Were you in the red one? A chap on 205GTIDrivers has written a really nice report on his recent trip.
@Storer
If, like me, you were unable to attend the 24hr next year, would the Classic be worth doing or would you just not bother?
The Leaper said:
Entries are grouped roughly by decade, in six periods. Each decade has four races of about 45 minutes spread out equally over 24 hours and the aggregate of the times will identify the winner of each decade. That means there are 24 separate races in all. There are usually something approaching 300 entries so some decades are very large others less so. All this means there's a lot of action in the pits straight so we also go for a tribune seat there, rather than the one we use for the 24hrs. ACO tribune is best because it has bars, food, showers and loos.
Access is easily available to the vast paddock area created behind the pits grandstand, so buy the extra entry ticket for this, well worth it. Maybe getting up real close to the cars, owners and drivers and seeing all the action going on there is the best part of Le Classic.
First time we went (first running of the event) there were maybe 25,000 people there. Last time was maybe 125,000, so it is gaining in popularity.
There are fewer bars and eateries there compared to the 24hrs.
It's not possible to compare it to the 24hrs, it's a totally different type of event. If you like old cars fine, if you like serious long distance racing Le Classic may not be for you.
Note that for 2018 the decade and number of races format of the past may change because there will be an additional Group C race or two which will be a fab addition to the event. I've also read that the number of entries will be closer to 500.
R.
I don't suppose they are letting 90s cars race yet? I would love to see the 787b go around.Access is easily available to the vast paddock area created behind the pits grandstand, so buy the extra entry ticket for this, well worth it. Maybe getting up real close to the cars, owners and drivers and seeing all the action going on there is the best part of Le Classic.
First time we went (first running of the event) there were maybe 25,000 people there. Last time was maybe 125,000, so it is gaining in popularity.
There are fewer bars and eateries there compared to the 24hrs.
It's not possible to compare it to the 24hrs, it's a totally different type of event. If you like old cars fine, if you like serious long distance racing Le Classic may not be for you.
Note that for 2018 the decade and number of races format of the past may change because there will be an additional Group C race or two which will be a fab addition to the event. I've also read that the number of entries will be closer to 500.
R.
Edited by delta0 on Saturday 8th July 08:42
More of a huge car club show as they take over all the run off areas of the Bugatti circuit and lots of the grass and gravel parking areas down behind the village.
Quite a few car club laps on the Saturday morning and a Group C race. Been for last two and usually see the late 1950s/60s and early 70s car from 11pm to 1am Sunday morning down at Mulsanne/Indianapolis straight enclosure. Certainly don't hold back even in greasy conditions. If its wet/showery there can be a lots of safety car processions.
Pretty busy especially as driving in and parking up is difficult as alot less onsite camping.
2016 lacked a few big official displays like Ferrari.
6 pits areas (one for each class) best bit 1 or 2 behind pits/grandstands and rest the other side of the road there where most of the normal 24 hour race Manufacturer hospitality is for main race. Plus a 15 or so special cars concours at the Village just after the tunnel entry. Worth going Thursday so you can see pits and car displays on the Friday.
Probably more inside circuit and more accessible than main race. Less other events outside the circuit. Lots more cars of note driving to and from on the autoroutes although 2014 seemed better.
A bit slow on Saturday pm before the "races" get under way.
Quite a few car club laps on the Saturday morning and a Group C race. Been for last two and usually see the late 1950s/60s and early 70s car from 11pm to 1am Sunday morning down at Mulsanne/Indianapolis straight enclosure. Certainly don't hold back even in greasy conditions. If its wet/showery there can be a lots of safety car processions.
Pretty busy especially as driving in and parking up is difficult as alot less onsite camping.
2016 lacked a few big official displays like Ferrari.
6 pits areas (one for each class) best bit 1 or 2 behind pits/grandstands and rest the other side of the road there where most of the normal 24 hour race Manufacturer hospitality is for main race. Plus a 15 or so special cars concours at the Village just after the tunnel entry. Worth going Thursday so you can see pits and car displays on the Friday.
Probably more inside circuit and more accessible than main race. Less other events outside the circuit. Lots more cars of note driving to and from on the autoroutes although 2014 seemed better.
A bit slow on Saturday pm before the "races" get under way.
The Leaper said:
I think the Mazda 787B is a Group C car in which case it may get an entry. It has done exhibition laps at Le Classic in prior years.
Got some noise that motor!
R.
Yes it is a C2 class, equivalent to LMP2 today. This Le Mans was the closest anyone came to matching its record. It is still the only class 2 car to win Le Mans.Got some noise that motor!
R.
I think the comments above do sum it up quite well.
When I said 'races' I was referring to the big difference in performance within the decades as well as the ability of some of the drivers. It is not top flight racing. The Goodwood Revival has much better racing.
With some of the older classes there is a long wait for the cars to come round each lap.
I found the gap between the races too long. Often around 1/2 hour.
The collecting area is a real treat as you can almost touch the cars as they move out for the start.
With the club parking there are some nice cars to see, but don't bother with the enormous Porsche area as they all look the same and you can only look at so many black or silver cars in one go..... boring!
The town does not make anywhere near as much effort on the Classic with little to in for other than the much better food.
Worth going at least once but not every time IMO.
When I said 'races' I was referring to the big difference in performance within the decades as well as the ability of some of the drivers. It is not top flight racing. The Goodwood Revival has much better racing.
With some of the older classes there is a long wait for the cars to come round each lap.
I found the gap between the races too long. Often around 1/2 hour.
The collecting area is a real treat as you can almost touch the cars as they move out for the start.
With the club parking there are some nice cars to see, but don't bother with the enormous Porsche area as they all look the same and you can only look at so many black or silver cars in one go..... boring!
The town does not make anywhere near as much effort on the Classic with little to in for other than the much better food.
Worth going at least once but not every time IMO.
Thanks for taking the time to respond guys - it's much appreciated.
General consensus seems to be that it's well worth doing.
The ACO Tribune with the extra facilities - is this only available to ACO members? I'm guessing it's the tribune above the pit lane garages?
Which campsites are open and are the toilet and showers facilities as per the 24hr?
Does Radio Le Mans broadcast for the event?
Thanks again all.
General consensus seems to be that it's well worth doing.
The ACO Tribune with the extra facilities - is this only available to ACO members? I'm guessing it's the tribune above the pit lane garages?
Which campsites are open and are the toilet and showers facilities as per the 24hr?
Does Radio Le Mans broadcast for the event?
Thanks again all.
To answer some of your questions:
The ACO tribune is available to anyone, not just ACO members, although the ACO do give members preference when booking seats.
The ACO tribune is not above the pits garages. It is opposite them, so you get an excellent view of the pits action, although this is also the case with other tribunes in the pits straight.
RLM have not been in operation at previous editions of Le Classic LM.
R.
The ACO tribune is available to anyone, not just ACO members, although the ACO do give members preference when booking seats.
The ACO tribune is not above the pits garages. It is opposite them, so you get an excellent view of the pits action, although this is also the case with other tribunes in the pits straight.
RLM have not been in operation at previous editions of Le Classic LM.
R.
The Leaper said:
To answer some of your questions:
The ACO tribune is available to anyone, not just ACO members, although the ACO do give members preference when booking seats.
The ACO tribune is not above the pits garages. It is opposite them, so you get an excellent view of the pits action, although this is also the case with other tribunes in the pits straight.
RLM have not been in operation at previous editions of Le Classic LM.
R.
Thanks The Leaper.The ACO tribune is available to anyone, not just ACO members, although the ACO do give members preference when booking seats.
The ACO tribune is not above the pits garages. It is opposite them, so you get an excellent view of the pits action, although this is also the case with other tribunes in the pits straight.
RLM have not been in operation at previous editions of Le Classic LM.
R.
I've just looked at a map and see the ACO Tribune is T18. I never realised it had its own bars, showers and toilets!
Only asked about RLM, as people have mentioned big gaps between races and the time it takes some classes to complete a lap.
Do the races run 3:00pm to 3:00pm?
The ACO tribune is T18 on the official map.
Access to the tribune is for tribune seat ticket holders only and also ACO members. If you are an ACO member but do not have a T18 tribune seating ticket ( ie you have just a GE ticket or you have seating in a different tribune) you get access to the bars, toilets and showers as an ACO member but not to the seating and viewing area.
If you have a ticket for the seating area in T18 but you are not an ACO member, you get access to the seating area and bars. I've got a suspicion that you do not get access to the toilets and showers..I think they are for ACO members only. I may be wrong.
At the LM24 there's at least the main bar open and then additionally one or two others on the walkways behind the seating area. For Le Classic it's usually been just the main bar that's been open.
From T18 you can see the giant TV screen towards the end of the pits straight quite easily.
R.
Access to the tribune is for tribune seat ticket holders only and also ACO members. If you are an ACO member but do not have a T18 tribune seating ticket ( ie you have just a GE ticket or you have seating in a different tribune) you get access to the bars, toilets and showers as an ACO member but not to the seating and viewing area.
If you have a ticket for the seating area in T18 but you are not an ACO member, you get access to the seating area and bars. I've got a suspicion that you do not get access to the toilets and showers..I think they are for ACO members only. I may be wrong.
At the LM24 there's at least the main bar open and then additionally one or two others on the walkways behind the seating area. For Le Classic it's usually been just the main bar that's been open.
From T18 you can see the giant TV screen towards the end of the pits straight quite easily.
R.
Ive been trying to reconcile the whole classic event having never been, but told by others its a fantastic event.
In the end i looked up videos on YouTube, it sold it to me. It looks to me like a giant Goodwood type event.
The cars look amazing.
Best part...its in the school holidays. One for the eldest at some point. I recommend YouTube, some very good adverts on there.
In the end i looked up videos on YouTube, it sold it to me. It looks to me like a giant Goodwood type event.
The cars look amazing.
Best part...its in the school holidays. One for the eldest at some point. I recommend YouTube, some very good adverts on there.
Thanks very much guys.
My mind is made up and will book tickets through ACO when they are released in November. I'll try and become a member, but remember the last time I tried, it seemed such a faff, that I gave up in the end.
Hadn't even considered searching for videos on YouTube to watch, so that gives me something to look forward to at work this week.
Regarding owners clubs displaying cars on the Friday; I'm not a member of any which take part. Are they generally French clubs? Any suggestions who might be happy for my 205 to be included?
Thanks for all the feedback so far.
My mind is made up and will book tickets through ACO when they are released in November. I'll try and become a member, but remember the last time I tried, it seemed such a faff, that I gave up in the end.
Hadn't even considered searching for videos on YouTube to watch, so that gives me something to look forward to at work this week.
Regarding owners clubs displaying cars on the Friday; I'm not a member of any which take part. Are they generally French clubs? Any suggestions who might be happy for my 205 to be included?
Thanks for all the feedback so far.
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