LM Classic - track laps advice

[LM240]

First time for the Le Mans Classic next year. I couldn’t go and not try the parade laps to experience the full circuit.

Has anyone done these and have any advice on how to secure places or other useful information.

Cheers.

[Pupp]

Yes, be careful. The attrition rate can be high in my experience when the parade becomes a surrogate track day.

[LM240]

Pupp said:

Yes, be careful. The attrition rate can be high in my experience when the parade becomes a surrogate track day.

Okay, noted.

I had heard it becomes a bit of a free for all. I’ll be watching my mirrors and letting people through. No interest in trying to be some sort of Le Mans Legend.

If anything take it gently and soak in the experience of driving the whole circuit.

[phil1967]

I have done it a few times, stay at the back, let the dicks pass and it’s quite nice. You generally get 2 laps for about 80 Euros I think. Last time I did it, it was lashing it down and my wipers and grip were non existent. Didn’t crash, nor did anyone else. You have to do it if you can.

[MrC986]

I understand that 1st Tickets (a PH partner) can source tickets & that PH have had in the past a presence at the event. It might be worth speaking with Brian at 1st Tickets as although I'm up for the "track parade" experience for my first time at the Classic next year, I'd prefer to be part of some form of PH type semi organised group I.e. where we are all driving some way home rather than possibly sharing the track with a local driver whose out to show how large (or otherwise) his driving expertise is

I don't mind "making some progress" during the laps if the opportunity arises but it'd be reassuring that others will only overtake on one side of the track & not in to the braking zones for the corners (a bit like of the club organised track days I've been on previously) as it technically isn't a normal track type event. If the OP wants to see how things have worked in the past, there are some videos on YouTube for example. You will have to remember that they apparently require crash helmets now & that there has been previously a list of "eligible cars" for this part of the event.

[fatboy18]

It's not a parade, if you have seen the crawl at Silverstone or Brands hatch and like that you are in for a serious shock at Le man's, if you are quick and get the follow the car in front mentality out of you head you can get 3 laps in, all be it you will be passing tail enders. 1 have been 150+ in some sections. So be careful. It's a race track. And you might want to check your insurance. Years ago I saw a very nice Aston Martin Db5 (I think) get rear ended big time writing the car off, caused by a French driver. Who clipped the grass out of the Ford chicane. Also, Do Not do what a tt in a British regestered porsche did a few years ago, stopped on track along the pit wall waiting for his mates to catch up! Just can't tell you how dangerous that manoeuvre was!

Edited by fatboy18 on Tuesday 14th June 13:15

[fatboy18]

Get yourself one day track insurance cover. I bet the guy in the Aston didn't have it!
Best way to describe the laps is that Peter Auto are giving you the chance to experience the track for yourself, you can go as fast or slow as you like, there will be some pace cars out there, but in general, you can put your foot down. I check tyres, wheel nuts, wear a helmet and race suite, race boots and gloves. I won't cut people up or violently swing in and out of cars but you can get up to some serious speed, so if you are that way inclined it can be real fun.