7yrs old at Le Mans - too young?

[MattGTA]

So - not been to Le Mans before, but have now booked with 4 friends and my 7yr old.

We'll be in the PH campsite, he's very much into it and it should be fun… but I am now concerned that I've made an error of judgement.

Is 7 too young? We've done a number of day races, but never anything on this timescale.

All thought are welcomed...

M

PS - transport will be a 156 GTA and a Lancia Delta HF4WD.

[ellroy]

In my opinion yes.

Can get very loud and adult.

I'd leave it at least a couple of years, as I did with my lad.

[Vette_1978]

I'd have a few years without responsibilty or you'll miss out. Maybe have a taster o fthe 6hrs at Silverstone and see how he does, or some Britcar, Silverstone Classic etc. I take my 8 year old to the TT and after an hour or so he can get bored so you need distractions and back up plans. With your mates though they might start finding it restrictive as well. As much as they say they don't mind the question is will their behaviour change with a child about, answer is yes, so he stays at home.

[groomi]

Are you planning to take him out of school or do a weekend dash?

[DS240]

The trip can be as sensible as you want to make it.

You'll want to keep hold of him at the circuit. It is very busy getting around.

A grandstand might be an idea to give you a spot to watch for a bit without having worry about where your lad is or if he can see.

Hearing protection also. Get a decent set of ear defenders for him. One with a radio built in might also keep him entertained with the commentary available.

[GrahamG]

Very much depends on the kid - My lad came with me on a Page & Moy coach trio at 7 for the first time and we never looked back - He's now 26 and is still passionate and now writes about racing. That said the campsites are an altogether different kettle of fish.

[GrahamG]

Very much depends on the kid - My lad came with me on a Page & Moy coach trio at 7 for the first time and we never looked back - He's now 26 and is still passionate and now writes about racing. That said the campsites are an altogether different kettle of fish.

[ben5732]

ear defenders and so long as they are well behaved and you don't plan to get smashed every night go for it. fair few kids around each year however don't go out Friday night stay at the campsite... unless you want to see some naked bloke climb a lamppost in an attempt to lick the lightbulb... (This did actually happen)

[rdjohn]

If a 72-hour international stag night atmosphere, surrounded by a great motor race appeals, then yes.

I don't recall many French dads taking their young kids there.

[SEE YA]

I took my son with me when aged 7 as well, however we went to a good campsite, safe and with Security fenced in. I did not see as much of the 24, as he got a bit bored after a while got him a radio head set. He even helped out the people, doing the catering as well for a drink and snack.

It was and still is a great way to bond with my son, we are going again this year. It will be his fourth trip there. The plus side my son loves cars, bonus for us both and he likes the drive in my car with me.
Only thing is told the wife I raced a fellow LeMans chap on the way back at *5* +

Edited by SEE YA on Tuesday 7th January 09:55

[allojon]

No. If you were treating your son you'd take him to Disneyland Paris. Taking him to Le Mans is for you. On the downside you will have to watch him 24/7 as it is busy and not a safe environment, walking distances are huge, conditions can be miserable and above all the noise levels are at a very dangerous frequency for children so he will have to wear ear plugs most of the time. Today's Le Mans is not the same as it was when I went even 10 years ago re behaviour levels and crowds. It's stag party paradise (even in private campings). You as his sole carer and will not be able to relax.
On the plus side it'll be fine if you stay in a nice four star off circuit camping, attend the circuit when it suits you both, and an enjoyable time will then be had by both.

[deruude]

My father took me the first time to Le Mans 1990. i was 5yrs old and had a great time... just keep an eye on it, that he had ear protection. my father did it every time at the circuit

[0llie]

My parents took me when I was 4 years old back in 1995. I had ear defenders on the whole time from memory, and I remember staying in a reasonably quiet campsite for Le Mans (though I forget where).

As long as you go prepared, I don't see why not.

[indyxe]

Yes take your son, I took mine when he was 8. and he loved it, he knows just as much as me about sports car racing, he is 10 now. But if your son is not really into racing and gets bored easy I would leave him at home.
I have not taken him back since as Le Mans is on during school term and I think that's where he should really be. Although I might take him once more before he starts High School.

[mrmr96]

0llie said:

My parents took me when I was 4 years old back in 1995. I had ear defenders on the whole time from memory, and I remember staying in a reasonably quiet campsite for Le Mans (though I forget where).

As long as you go prepared, I don't see why not.

Have you been recently? Things are different from 18 years ago.

[allojon]

Exactly. The last two or three years has seen a decline towards a less civilised event. It is all very well reminiscing about how great it was when you were taken as a child or when you took your child, but it has little relevance to Le Mans today.

[dannyh]

My son's 8 and has been really hassling me to take him because he's obsessed with Le Mans - he knows more about what happened each year and who was driving etc than I'd ever hope to, and often calls me when I'm there just to listen to the cars going past. So all good in theory, but I really I think he's too young. As others have said, it's a long race and if he gets bored you'll be missing things while trying to keep him entertained, and you'll probably be paranoid about keeping an eye on him 24 hrs.

Take him when he's old enough to cope with extended periods of walking, sitting, watching, rain, little sleep, bad toilets, and the unavoidable stag party boys (especially this year with it being the world cup - really seems to attract the tw*ts..)

The classic though is completely different.. We went in 2012 as a family (including my 5 year old daughter) staying on Maison Blanche and had a great time. Close enough for a quick walk to see some racing, and then back to camp to when they got bored. They enjoyed it much more than I expected, I think because of the broad range of cars and short races. I think it would be different with the same cars going round for 24 hrs..

[SEE YA]

Each to there own, I think a lot of it depends on your choice of campsite. Each year that I have been with my son, he has met up with other kids at the site. That helps as well to stop them getting bored.

There are some right YOBS there however, I have met some people that have been great as well.
Do your research on the trip as I have before, plenty of people on here for good advice.
Also helps which day you arrive, at your campsite as well. I arrive on the Thursday before the rush of people arriving.
I park up my car it does not move till Monday when we go home.

Edited by SEE YA on Tuesday 7th January 14:01

[MattGTA]

Thanks everyone.

Lots to think about - really appreciate your thoughts.

Matt

[MadMacMcMad]

We have some youngsters in the TL site. As long as the site is secure with 24Hr security, then you will be able to relax.
Get some stand seats so that you get to see the racing without walking too far. I recommend opposite the pits T17,18,19,20,21. Lots to keep a 7 - 70 year old interested. These stands are the same side of the track to Bleu Nord, where the PH site is.
If you can, get T17/T18 ACO. These are the only stands with toilets, showers food and drink. That way you will spend less time fighting through crowds. They are also covered with TV coverage in the cafe area. You have to be an ACO member, but it is worth the 100 Euro. If you become a member then you will also have access to the ACO member emclosure near the Dunlop bridge and get a race momorabilia pack in October.