Le Mans 2014

[Storer]

Who is planning on going this year and how much luxury do you like/where do you stay.

I found the events that surround/support the race are as much fun as the race itself.

On French mid summer evening there are free bands playing all over the town. Make's a great pub/bar crawl.
St Saturnin (sp) Great British Welcome on Friday am. Lots to see and eat.
The drivers parade on Friday evening - another good pub crawl with lots of interesting cars.
The bistro's in town provide traditional local food of very good quality but you need to book.

In town there are comfortable beds in private homes with secure parking and the tram system gets you to the track in about 15 mins for a few euros for 3 days travel.

A grandstand seat makes viewing more pleasant and the big screens help in following the race (along with Radio Le Mans).

Camping is not my thing. I like my comforts these days (why am I driving an Ultima and not a Bentley????) so good food and a comfortable bed are essentials.

How do you "Le Mans"????


Paul

[356Speedster]

After a good few yrs at the 24hr of LM, we're probably going for a change this yr... possibly a 'Ring endure instead.

When at LM, we use the Club Valan site on the airport. It's secure and has good facilities, we just turn up, pitch tents and let our hosts take care of everything else! On the airport site you get the noise of the cars racing, feel like your roughing it a bit in the tent, but it's secure and there's no rowdiness to worry about.

[3Dee]

Never been before...I would certainly like to go for the experience - before I lie in my box! or just get too plain old and decrepit...
[shut up Mark!]

Mind, you, I will need to work hard on the missus for this one.. and that is going to be a toughy! She hates me going to tesco's in the thing, let alone disappearing for a week or so!

GAD!

[mt308]

What is the drive down there like? I have heard some stories about police giving out very large fines!

[356Speedster]

mt308 said:

What is the drive down there like? I have heard some stories about police giving out very large fines!

I've always enjoyed the drive down. We've used the m-way & A-roads over the yrs and they're both different ways to travel. The A-roads were full of traffic, so it was a little difficult to "make progress", therefore, they weren't as fun as we'd hoped. It takes a lot longer to get to LM using them too.

The m-ways are full of interesting cars from the UK & rest of Europe, so it's good seeing everyone and having a bit of fun. The rest stops & toll booths are great for car spotting

The m-ways are police patrolled and they know that loonies from across Europe will be driving down them, so they're pretty strict. Keep within the speed limits, don't act like a bell-end and you'll be fine.

At one toll booth last yr, I'd pulled over after handing over by Euros to re-fasten my harnesses and a couple of Gendarmes walked over. Fearing the worst, I got ready for telling off, however, instead they gave me the thumbs up and asked my to do a burn out as I re-joined the m-way!!!

Moral of the story - don't act like an idiot, but the police can be enthusiasts too, so be careful & enjoy it

[Storer]

I've only done the trip once but I would advise going down a day or two earlier than 'the crowd' as I didn't see many gendarme.

I have to say I took it reasonably steady as the weather was unpleasant to say the least. The only high speed drivers seemed to be French in large German/British cars.

We came back a totally different route so were able to 'press on'.

The reaction to the car was great and it clearly made many of our hosts happy to see it. Worth the trip IMO.


Paul

[BarPilot]

This year will be my fourth in a row and I'm planning to travel in my Ultima next year.

Normally go for the week and camp for the atmosphere. However, last year it ended up being all rushed driving down late Friday night, roughing it on the inside of Tertre Rouge in a sleeping bag and camping chair. Cruised back Sunday night bypassing the happy chaps at Rouen and made an earlier ferry. Loved it, especially the locals waving at the low and slow mk2 Golf amongst streams of more exotic stuff!

[shithotfast]

Don't forget that this year there are two 24 lemans events, we have been to both a few times, prefer the classic in July. It's a bit like goodwood revival but ten times bigger.

Lots of options. Camping through to helicopter into track center from five star hotel.

We go in the ultima for the June 24 hours, and a 66 merc for the classic. Great events.

[Storer]

sthotfast said:

Don't forget that this year there are two 24 lemans events, we have been to both a few times, prefer the classic in July. It's a bit like goodwood revival but ten times bigger.

Lots of options. Camping through to helicopter into track center from five star hotel.

We go in the ultima for the June 24 hours, and a 66 merc for the classic. Great events.

I have been told that the Classic is great at the circuit but there is little else going on unlike the 24 Heures Due Mans. Pretty much, turn up on Friday lunchtime and go home on Sunday afternoon, and spend all the time at the track. Am I wrong?

I could go to the 24 in the Ultima but the Classic would have to be in an 08 Merc.........



Paul

[dandare]

Storer said:

I have been told that the Classic is great at the circuit but there is little else going on unlike the 24 Heures Due Mans. Pretty much, turn up on Friday lunchtime and go home on Sunday afternoon, and spend all the time at the track. Am I wrong?

I could go to the 24 in the Ultima but the Classic would have to be in an 08 Merc.........



Paul

A 1908 Merc, I hope.
I'll be going to the Classic this year, so don't have the time to do both.
Daniel

[Storer]

dandare said:

Storer said:

I have been told that the Classic is great at the circuit but there is little else going on unlike the 24 Heures Due Mans. Pretty much, turn up on Friday lunchtime and go home on Sunday afternoon, and spend all the time at the track. Am I wrong?

I could go to the 24 in the Ultima but the Classic would have to be in an 08 Merc.........



Paul

A 1908 Merc, I hope.
I'll be going to the Classic this year, so don't have the time to do both.
Daniel

Afraid not.... a 2008 Merc SL (my wife's)

Hopefully in a couple of years time it will be in a 1930's Rolls Royce Phantom II Special with a 27 litre V12 engine.........when I've built it!!!


Paul

[shithotfast]

Storer said:

I have been told that the Classic is great at the circuit but there is little else going on unlike the 24 Heures Due Mans. Pretty much, turn up on Friday lunchtime and go home on Sunday afternoon, and spend all the time at the track. Am I wrong?

I could go to the 24 in the Ultima but the Classic would have to be in an 08 Merc.........



Paul

Well depends on what you want..... we did the normal 24 hours many times - Packed, lots of union jack shorts, no shirts, people throwing dirty water into your car as you drive past, most there for anything but the racing... usual stuff..... now I prefer the more upmarket classic. If you have been to goodwood revival/festival of speed- you will love it, its the same but about 10 times larger and more going on. If you don't like the revival - don't bother. I hope to be there and drive the circuit this year (not in the race!) why not do both events!

[ultiman]

Sounds like the normal le Mans has deteriorated, as it did in the early 90s when the Newcastle United Lister attracted the wrong crowd. I've missed a few years but will be at the classic with the Ultima.

[3Dee]

Classic sounds like a good idea.
Al;so like the idea of being able to do a circuit or two, if that was possible, but can't see any info on the site.
From those who have been to the classic, any tips?

If I can, would like to go done in the Ult.

cheers

Keith

[Steve_D]

I will be down there for the classic. Not in the Ultima sadly.

Stay at a very nice site a few miles north of the circuit (along with sthotfast and others).

Interesting format for the race to deal with the huge difference in age and performance of the cars.

Steve

[3Dee]

I like the idea of camping, especially with the stuff that goes on. If I camped, then I would probably sleep with the Ultima (oohhh) to be safe....
But I think at my age, I might be better off in a proper bed.
Are there sites where you can peruse the availability of rooms? ...and if I did go with the Ultima, what about parking/ security during the stay? That might be a problem?

anyone NOT roughing it?

[Storer]

As I have probably said before I don't do 'roughing it'. Camping, even glamping is not for me now (can't say I ever enjoyed it actually).

I like the idea of a comfortable bed in my own room with a bathroom, secure parking, good food nearby, and efficient, clean and cheap public transport to get me into the circuit from my room in 15 mins. A private home fits the bill nicely.

It is more costly but what price a bit of comfort for old bones.....



Paul

[3Dee]

OK, I have booked everything for Le Mans Classic, and I intend going down in my Ultima... (am I mad?)

So Chaps, can anyone come up with a list of essentials (not the personal ones, oil and coolant, few tools and a jack) and spares that are worthwhile to take for the trip? I have the availability of a space in someones van, although I don't think they would be too enamoured with having to make room for a spare engine!

What have other found useful for a trip like this - and what might break if anything... I know it is a (french) lottery!

[ultimately]

"A man who is tired of London is tired of life" (or you're just too old for it ) - same could be said of Le Mans - I think Le Mans is in the family DNA - last couple of years I have had the great pleasure in going with my adult son, this year it's going be my son and daughters - a family convoy! see you there chaps!

[356Speedster]

As I've said above, I'm an LM fan. I drove the Can Am across last yr and it was very pleasant & enjoyable Aeroscreen, sunglasses, music & a road full of silly cars, perfik! Well, except for 20mins of rain when leaving Calais anyway... that wasn't fun

I won't be there this yr by the look of it, we're close to booking in to the VLN enduro at the Ring for a bit of a change.

As I say, I found the Ultima very comfortable and enjoyable to drive long distance. In terms of "kit", I think I took the following..... Obligatory French crap (his-vis vest, triangle, breathalyser), trolley jack, tyre plug kit, compressor, socket / spanner & screwdriver sets, pliers, snips, tank tape, electrical wire / tape & connectors, tie-wraps, some oil & brake fluid and a few other single tools. Also in the car, I had my sleeping bag, air bed, clothes, toiletries & assorted crap! Luckily, I didn't need any of the tools

All that filled the luggage pods and then a few things were squashed in behind the pax seat, with a ruck-sac in the passenger footwell. The only thing I had to get carried by a mate, was my tent. Who says you can't go touring in an Ultima?!