Le mans classic 2014

[Studio117]

I'm thinking of taking my old man to the classic in 2014 for his 70th birthday present.

A few questions if you don't mind please gents.

What website is best to use? I notice lemansrace.com has some packages available.

Camping is off limits so a hotel would be required.

Is it worth paying extra for the grandstand tickets?

I'm sure there's more questions to come but some guidance would be great. I've only been to a few gp's at silverstone so we would be lemans first timers.

Thanks

[gt6]

The classic is not as organised as the main race but having been the last 4 times I can confirm that hotels will get booked very early so as soon as dates are announced you will need to book, I do not go for grandstands for the main event but for the classic I get tickets, grandstand and pit passes these are essential in my opinion. It is best to get all your ticets from the ACO direct or the tourist office in Le mans, that will probably save you the cost of at least one nights stay in the hotel. The tourist office will also be helpful with hotels if you have never been there before.
Very little happens until Friday so best to go on friday and return either sunday evening or monday morning.

[lowdrag]

I've already been looking for hotel accommodation for a group, and the nearest is at least an hour's drive away so get cracking on that front. The Le Mans Tourist Office will help you and they all speak English:-

http://www.lemanstourisme.com/dnn/

What you might find considerably more easily is a B&B not far from the circuit, and again the tourist office is your friend.

I'm not completely in agreement about arriving the Friday since I love the setting up by the teams who mostly arrive Wednesday at Houx, then the easy paddock walk before the main crowds arrive. Be sure to order both entry and paddock tickets plus the stands if you want them, and you will want them because there are now over 100,000 who turn up for this event and spectating areas are very limited. Remember that the average age of the public is a lot older than at the main 24 hour race. However, I personally prefer to watch from Mulsanne or Arnage since watching on the main straight gets boring. Just take a couple of folding chairs with you.

It's a great event and not to be missed, with cars of all ages and types plus a good village with plenty to see and buy. Enjoy!

[Grey Ghost]

Studio117 said:

Camping is off limits so a hotel would be required.

I was at the classic last year and stayed here:

http://www.lemansrace.com/deptcontent/travel-desti...

Very nice accomodation within a safe and secure environment. Located between the football stadium at Tetra Rouge and Houx so an easy walk to the track

Onsite bar and food available was good as well

[Studio117]

Grey Ghost said:

I was at the classic last year and stayed here:

http://www.lemansrace.com/deptcontent/travel-desti...

Very nice accomodation within a safe and secure environment. Located between the football stadium at Tetra Rouge and Houx so an easy walk to the track

Onsite bar and food available was good as well

That looks good!

Is lemansrace ok to book from?

Thanks for the rest of the tips guys!

Its a surprise so hopefully my dad will be pleased.

[Grey Ghost]

Studio117 said:

That looks good!

Is lemansrace ok to book from?

Book directly with these Guys:

http://www.traveldestinations.co.uk/

Ask for Andrew or Helen and they will tell you what they can offer with regard to tickets, attractions etc

[swindorski]

Is there another thread for the Classic that I'm missing or are not many PHers going......?

[jdwcd]

Grandstand an absolute must for the start

[joncon]

swindorski said:

Is there another thread for the Classic that I'm missing or are not many PHers going......?

I think once they all set off for this years 24hr, then the classic le mans threads will gain momentum , at the moment I am having with-drawl symptoms over june, but looking forward to july !

[rdjohn]

swindorski said:

Is there another thread for the Classic that I'm missing or are not many PHers going......?

The big piss-up next week takes priority over everything!

[Riley Blue]

swindorski said:

Is there another thread for the Classic that I'm missing or are not many PHers going......?

I was going but have had to cancel. I start radiotherapy around that time and I'm really narked 'cos I've been looking forward to it for years.

[Man-At-Arms]

I'm going next week with my mates

and going to Classic, but with SWMBO !!!!

[gruffalo]

rdjohn said:

swindorski said:

Is there another thread for the Classic that I'm missing or are not many PHers going......?

The big piss-up next week takes priority over everything!

There are plenty going, once the main event is over the forum will get busy on the classic, some attendees can be found here.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[swindorski]

Thanks all - that all makes sense.

Entered myself on the Wiki!