'Le Mans' vs 'Classic Le Mans' for a virgin
Discussion
I am a complete Le Mans virgin, but am definitely going to loose this status in 2013. Question is, which should I go for, the 'normal' Le Mans or Classic Le Mans?
I have read differing negative reports on each (Le Man's being full of stag parties these days and not to many petrolheads and more of a party with a race in the background, and Classic Le Mans being disjointed with large gaps between races and less atmosphere).
I love modern and classic cars, I endurance race myself at an amateur level, and like the 'racing adreneline' even if just spectating, but at the risk of sounding old beyond my years or boring, the idea of a load of stag parties and after-race burn-outs does not realy appeal.
Any advice from Le Mans vets would be much appreciated!
I have read differing negative reports on each (Le Man's being full of stag parties these days and not to many petrolheads and more of a party with a race in the background, and Classic Le Mans being disjointed with large gaps between races and less atmosphere).
I love modern and classic cars, I endurance race myself at an amateur level, and like the 'racing adreneline' even if just spectating, but at the risk of sounding old beyond my years or boring, the idea of a load of stag parties and after-race burn-outs does not realy appeal.
Any advice from Le Mans vets would be much appreciated!
This could be a simple choice... No classic in 2013. Held every two years.
I haven't done the classic but it doesn't appeal to me like the 24hrs. Though I'm sure it is still a nice event to attend.
There is the party element at the 24hrs, but the reality is if you don't want that kind of thing, it is easy enough to avoid it. It doesn't really affect trackside stuff. I'm sure the campsites are different though.
Plenty of car lovers / petrol heads at the 24hrs.
Just book it!
I haven't done the classic but it doesn't appeal to me like the 24hrs. Though I'm sure it is still a nice event to attend.
There is the party element at the 24hrs, but the reality is if you don't want that kind of thing, it is easy enough to avoid it. It doesn't really affect trackside stuff. I'm sure the campsites are different though.
Plenty of car lovers / petrol heads at the 24hrs.
Just book it!
Prancing Hippo said:
I am a complete Le Mans virgin, but am definitely going to loose this status in 2013. Question is, which should I go for, the 'normal' Le Mans or Classic Le Mans?
I have read differing negative reports on each (Le Man's being full of stag parties these days and not to many petrolheads and more of a party with a race in the background, and Classic Le Mans being disjointed with large gaps between races and less atmosphere).
I love modern and classic cars, I endurance race myself at an amateur level, and like the 'racing adreneline' even if just spectating, but at the risk of sounding old beyond my years or boring, the idea of a load of stag parties and after-race burn-outs does not realy appeal.
Any advice from Le Mans vets would be much appreciated!
The 24Hrs is quite an event!I have read differing negative reports on each (Le Man's being full of stag parties these days and not to many petrolheads and more of a party with a race in the background, and Classic Le Mans being disjointed with large gaps between races and less atmosphere).
I love modern and classic cars, I endurance race myself at an amateur level, and like the 'racing adreneline' even if just spectating, but at the risk of sounding old beyond my years or boring, the idea of a load of stag parties and after-race burn-outs does not realy appeal.
Any advice from Le Mans vets would be much appreciated!
If you want to avoid eejits, then book with one of the tour organisers that advertise on here - Team Langoustine, Speed Chiils, 1st Tickets etc. They have well organised camp sites, usually with decent showers/toilets, a bar etc.
and are fenced.
The latter is important, as during this years race, several thefts occured and a number of people were left without tickets/passports/money/credit cards etc. There were also a number of reports of loud music through to 4-5am, fireworks through tents etc. This is less likely to happen on a 'policed' campsite.
Having said all that it is a fantastic event with an atmosphere all of its own.
The classic is more subdued - but it is becoming more popular. This year I believe attendace was 100,000+. You get much more freedom to walk around the pits throughout the event and driving to popular viewing spots is possible too.
Probably worth trying the 24Hrs in 2013 and then the Classic in 2014?
Nick
As DS240 says it's easy enough to concentrate on just the racing & have a 'civilized' LM. Some of the more boorish behaviours have certainly not appealed to me in recent years (who wants the interior of their pride and joy drowned in water or something worse by a drunken yob just because you won't burn out your clutch on their behalf?). But if you stay away from the trackside camping (or go with one of the big outfits with their own area), go to the parade in LM, St Saturnin on the Friday and particularly to the PH meet of the year I'm sure you will have a great time.
Not the cheapest but Can highly recommend TL 
Another good guide here
www.beermountain.com
Another good guide here
www.beermountain.com
Edited by fatboy18 on Wednesday 14th November 22:31
To do 2013 and not spend a fortune, get your group together and if ther are 6 or more of you, join the ACO, book race and camping direct with them or use le mans tourist office, discounts on tickets will cover ACO cost and you will get a decent campsite, book travel direct with ferry/tunnel and enjoy the trip, in 2014 you will probably do both main and classic, le mans is more addictive that drugs
gt6 said:
To do 2013 and not spend a fortune, get your group together and if ther are 6 or more of you, join the ACO, book race and camping direct with them or use le mans tourist office, discounts on tickets will cover ACO cost and you will get a decent campsite, book travel direct with ferry/tunnel and enjoy the trip, in 2014 you will probably do both main and classic, le mans is more addictive that drugs
Wile i agree with you about joining the ACO, I'm not sure what you mean by a decent campsite!HERE'S WHY
Here's some w
kers, with a hose spraying it over people and open top cars 
http://youtu.be/_mIjyizjyj0
Campsite in question...Maison Blanc. So getting in and out of that campsite means running the gauntlet of above tossers.
Oh and the entrance to Pistonheads camping is another 100yds up the road!HERES WHY
Here's more w
kers, on the main inner road to Karting Nord, which at the bottom of this road is Beasuejour and Darion Campsites, go north to Camping Houx and Houx annex!http://youtu.be/hGyqKJ--2EU
http://youtu.be/C3Txis4e8aI
So its not so much about decent campsites, but getting in and out of them
Do the full-Monty 24hrs first - it can be as civilised and racing focused or not as you want.
1. Stay on a private camp site. We've never had any issues with general camping but knowing your kit's safe is very reassuring.
2. Stay 'outside' the circuit - especially if you want/need to drive anywhere on Friday (e.g. the Classic British Welcome in Saint Saturan). In general you don't want to be driving along Chemin aux Boeufs after Thursday if you can help it, as this runs past Beausjour/Carting Nord/Houx/Houx Annex campsites and is one of the known tt-spots. And you REALLY don't want to be driving along it Friday afternoon.
NOTE: I'm NOT counting the Team Langoustine campsite at the far North East end of the "Way to Beef" as 'inside' and to be avoided - they are far-enough along to be away from the tools and provided you turn left leaving the campsite you will be fine.
1. Stay on a private camp site. We've never had any issues with general camping but knowing your kit's safe is very reassuring.
2. Stay 'outside' the circuit - especially if you want/need to drive anywhere on Friday (e.g. the Classic British Welcome in Saint Saturan). In general you don't want to be driving along Chemin aux Boeufs after Thursday if you can help it, as this runs past Beausjour/Carting Nord/Houx/Houx Annex campsites and is one of the known t
t-spots. And you REALLY don't want to be driving along it Friday afternoon.NOTE: I'm NOT counting the Team Langoustine campsite at the far North East end of the "Way to Beef" as 'inside' and to be avoided - they are far-enough along to be away from the tools and provided you turn left leaving the campsite you will be fine.
Read up on the campsites first, if you want party time and antics then choose those, if you want sensible then there are campsites for you as well. Tertre Rouge where we stay has a reputation and ranks only one star on beermountain but if you like a more civilised place full of older fans then it is for you, we stll drink and party but respect other people property especially as most people there have nice cars. By the way i wrote the review on beermountain for TR camped in most sites over the last 30 years but now prefer being dry, close to the track and safe rather than party to 4.00am
I did my first visit to the Classic this year and will be going every two years for the rest of my time. First of all get to do the track lap it's chaos but the best driving experience I've had although I do do the odd trackday myself. Secondly I didn't find the racing lacking in any way and to meet all of your all time favourite cars right up close is amazing. The sound the cars make hurts your ears and makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck and you can get right up close in the paddock. Food was rubbish so take that into account. Can't comment on the other LeMans because I'm not much of a fan of new cars but I guess you are lucky enough to be able to try both over the next couple of years.
I've been doing LeMans for 15 years, did the Classic this year for the first time. I'd say just go for it. The two races are quite different, as is well described above. There are some k
b heads about with water guns etc, but most people are just there to enjoy the racing and the atmosphere. Try it and you'll be hooked
b heads about with water guns etc, but most people are just there to enjoy the racing and the atmosphere. Try it and you'll be hookedWarwick67 said:
I've been doing LeMans for 15 years, did the Classic this year for the first time. I'd say just go for it. The two races are quite different, as is well described above. There are some kb heads about with water guns etc, but most people are just there to enjoy the racing and the atmosphere. Try it and you'll be hooked
Though new on the forum ( I have been looking in for a couple of years) I have been going to Le Mans on-and-off since 1985 (yes, older person) the Classic as mentioned is great, lots more space and a good atmosphere, generally, fueled by enthusiasts of older, real, cars. On the other hand the yearly 24hr has gone through all sorts of phases, from the totally lunatic 80's where everyone was pixxed, but good mooded to the somewhat annoying attitude over the last few years where a lot are pixxed but are not worried about other campers/race goers, in fact at times very little consideration for others. I think this is changing and there is a movement away from the footie hooligan that was prominent a couple of years ago, yes, you still have the water pistol BS that has been going on for a few years but you can avoid it.b heads about with water guns etc, but most people are just there to enjoy the racing and the atmosphere. Try it and you'll be hookedAt the end of the day it is probably (sorry Carlsberg) the greatest race around. If you get the chance also go to Sebring.
MartinixxxLB
I went to the Classic this year with my dad for the first time and we really enjoyed it. We'd been to the main race 3 years ago and that was good too.
The Classic isn't as crowded and its cheaper to visit. You can get a seat in one of the tribunes (stands) for about £20, which is a LOT less that the 24Hrs. We had seats in the stand opposite the pits so we could see the line up. You can use any other stand later on after the first couple of hours too.
The Classic isn't as crowded and its cheaper to visit. You can get a seat in one of the tribunes (stands) for about £20, which is a LOT less that the 24Hrs. We had seats in the stand opposite the pits so we could see the line up. You can use any other stand later on after the first couple of hours too.
There are loads of different campsites each has it'sown advantages and disadvantages, you can get them direct from the ACO, from the le mans tourist office, agencies or buy them from E Bay/forums. Figure out what your group wants and then get the camping tickets, race tickets can be purchased when you get there. Beermountain has the best campsite discriptions to help you decide.
Zyp said:
I'm glad this question has popped up.
Is the PH site a good one or are there better ones?
Yes the PH site is good, "better" is a bit subjective (see GT6's post above). All the sites have a level of security provided by ACO (ACO owns the circuit, dishes out tickets, tries to organise things etc). The level of security can be a bit hit or miss, and using your loaf will usually avoid unnecessary risk or loss.Is the PH site a good one or are there better ones?
Private site can equal higher security, and other benefits too as well as greater cost. It doesn't cost anything to register interest about camp sites. Beermountain.com carries a great deal of info as GT6 has said - have a look there at some of the feedback as well as some of the comments on older threads here.
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