Discussion
I went a few years back working with one of the tour companies that were running campsites. I didn't see any major trouble like some report - not doubting that it happens - but if you don't like camping and large crowds i would advise against the main campsites as they do get very, very busy. You could always look at doing a holiday rental (with a nice shower compared to those on the campsites!!) somewhere close by? That way you can watch as much of the race as you want whilst being able to go to a nice comfy bed to recuperate! and you can check out the camping in case you want to do it in the future
Edited by designndrive62 on Friday 24th January 07:35
gaz1234 said:
Why so good to go visit?
Because simply it is one of the greatest racing spectacles there is and if you have a whiff of petrol in your veins you'll look passed the camping and crowds and immerse yourself in the majesty of race cars being ragged for 24hrs.You'll awaken on the Sunday morning with the sound of the V8 Corvettes tearing down Mulsanne, and then, right then, you'll realise there's still hours to go and they're still racing.
To stand at the edge of the track amongst like minded folk from around the world as the cars barrel into the Dunlop chicane, the glowing brake disks, the flames spat from the open exhausts and then the bellow as they fight to get the power down under the bridge.
To be at Mulsanne corner at night, to walk along the side of the track as they accelerate at night through the trees on towards the fastest part of the circuit and Indianapolis corner.
To press your face to the wire fencing at Arnage as the fastest cars try to thread their way through the GT cars, to smell the hot brakes, breathe in the fumes and enjoy a cold beer.
To witness the ceremony of the start, the ridiculous scale of it all and then weary, tired, unshaven, hungover and with your mates climb back into those same seats which you saw the start from, 22hrs later to watch the final 2hrs and the finish, the cars entering the pitlane the wrong way and the mass track invasion.
I always think everyone should go once at least, no the diesels aren't great to listen too, the crowds can be a pain, the drive down and back has lost its sparkle, but it's Le Mans.
This is a race that is 90yrs old, still run on public roads with little interference or modification to them, on a track that is over 13kms long, through woods and run in all conditions.
I've only been to 11 x 24hrs and 2 x Classics. This year will be my 12th and I have the small hurdle to overcome of now loving in Singapore. I will be there though
Go, if you don't like it at least you'll be able to say you've been and it wasn't for you. But don't miss it and look back in xx years and say you never bothered, that's the worst thing to do.
Addicts are many with Le Mans, we're a silly brigade, many with completely differing reasons for returning every year to the same campsites, normally amongst the same friends, to have the same conversations and arguments. Get drunk, do daft things and go home to our wives in a worse state than we left. We mellow with age, drink less, lie more, have better cars .... But all of us to the last love Le Mans, dread the marriage invitation season as people compromise our ability to attend and have understanding wives who tolerate this idiocy.
I can't promise you'll love it, or even like it, but to see great cars raced on the public roads like this isn't like going to the touring cars or F1, it's far better.
Edited by Johno on Friday 24th January 13:26
jurbie said:
I've never been to Le Mans but often thought that I should make the effort however I don't like large crowds and I hate camping.
I'm not a fan of big crowds and I hate camping but love Le Mans. Can't explain but guess its all about the atmosphere, night time racing, being so close to the circuit, the wackey racers back to the ferry crossing, the attention you get owning a TVR Sagaris, midnight BBQ's, etc, etcTop Banana said:
Go Team Drage..... ;-)
anyway more to the point Jay, have you found an easy way to get free stream for todays Daytona 24 - need
my 'fix' of sportscars
regards - google jon
Haha Hi Jon hope to catch up soon , silversone wec maybee ?anyway more to the point Jay, have you found an easy way to get free stream for todays Daytona 24 - need
my 'fix' of sportscars
regards - google jon
as for Daytona ive got to work tonight ,ive loaded to preview from radio le mans on my phone best i can do !!
Johno said:
Because simply it is one of the greatest racing spectacles there is and if you have a whiff of petrol in your veins you'll look passed the camping and crowds and immerse yourself in the majesty of race cars being ragged for 24hrs.
You'll awaken on the Sunday morning with the sound of the V8 Corvettes tearing down Mulsanne, and then, right then, you'll realise there's still hours to go and they're still racing.
To stand at the edge of the track amongst like minded folk from around the world as the cars barrel into the Dunlop chicane, the glowing brake disks, the flames spat from the open exhausts and then the bellow as they fight to get the power down under the bridge.
To be at Mulsanne corner at night, to walk along the side of the track as they accelerate at night through the trees on towards the fastest part of the circuit and Indianapolis corner.
To press your face to the wire fencing at Arnage as the fastest cars try to thread their way through the GT cars, to smell the hot brakes, breathe in the fumes and enjoy a cold beer.
To witness the ceremony of the start, the ridiculous scale of it all and then weary, tired, unshaven, hungover and with your mates climb back into those same seats which you saw the start from, 22hrs later to watch the final 2hrs and the finish, the cars entering the pitlane the wrong way and the mass track invasion.
I always think everyone should go once at least, no the diesels aren't great to listen too, the crowds can be a pain, the drive down and back has lost its sparkle, but it's Le Mans.
This is a race that is 90yrs old, still run on public roads with little interference or modification to them, on a track that is over 13kms long, through woods and run in all conditions.
I've only been to 11 x 24hrs and 2 x Classics. This year will be my 12th and I have the small hurdle to overcome of now loving in Singapore. I will be there though
Go, if you don't like it at least you'll be able to say you've been and it wasn't for you. But don't miss it and look back in xx years and say you never bothered, that's the worst thing to do.
Addicts are many with Le Mans, we're a silly brigade, many with completely differing reasons for returning every year to the same campsites, normally amongst the same friends, to have the same conversations and arguments. Get drunk, do daft things and go home to our wives in a worse state than we left. We mellow with age, drink less, lie more, have better cars .... But all of us to the last love Le Mans, dread the marriage invitation season as people compromise our ability to attend and have understanding wives who tolerate this idiocy.
I can't promise you'll love it, or even like it, but to see great cars raced on the public roads like this isn't like going to the touring cars or F1, it's far better.
^^Basically that. It's an event like no other, it's intoxicating. I first went in 2003 and wild horses couldn't keep me away now. You pass familiar landmarks on the drive down, you pass like minded fans also making their annual pilgrimage. When I arrive during the week I feel at home, It feels like no time since the last visit. There's a familiarity about the place that's comforting but every visit is different too. The atmosphere in the campsites, the history of the event, the whole week builds up to the climax of the race itself and when it's over you'll feel drained. You'll feel exhausted, dirty, mentally and physically worn out but within 24 hours you are looking forward to next year's event. You'll awaken on the Sunday morning with the sound of the V8 Corvettes tearing down Mulsanne, and then, right then, you'll realise there's still hours to go and they're still racing.
To stand at the edge of the track amongst like minded folk from around the world as the cars barrel into the Dunlop chicane, the glowing brake disks, the flames spat from the open exhausts and then the bellow as they fight to get the power down under the bridge.
To be at Mulsanne corner at night, to walk along the side of the track as they accelerate at night through the trees on towards the fastest part of the circuit and Indianapolis corner.
To press your face to the wire fencing at Arnage as the fastest cars try to thread their way through the GT cars, to smell the hot brakes, breathe in the fumes and enjoy a cold beer.
To witness the ceremony of the start, the ridiculous scale of it all and then weary, tired, unshaven, hungover and with your mates climb back into those same seats which you saw the start from, 22hrs later to watch the final 2hrs and the finish, the cars entering the pitlane the wrong way and the mass track invasion.
I always think everyone should go once at least, no the diesels aren't great to listen too, the crowds can be a pain, the drive down and back has lost its sparkle, but it's Le Mans.
This is a race that is 90yrs old, still run on public roads with little interference or modification to them, on a track that is over 13kms long, through woods and run in all conditions.
I've only been to 11 x 24hrs and 2 x Classics. This year will be my 12th and I have the small hurdle to overcome of now loving in Singapore. I will be there though
Go, if you don't like it at least you'll be able to say you've been and it wasn't for you. But don't miss it and look back in xx years and say you never bothered, that's the worst thing to do.
Addicts are many with Le Mans, we're a silly brigade, many with completely differing reasons for returning every year to the same campsites, normally amongst the same friends, to have the same conversations and arguments. Get drunk, do daft things and go home to our wives in a worse state than we left. We mellow with age, drink less, lie more, have better cars .... But all of us to the last love Le Mans, dread the marriage invitation season as people compromise our ability to attend and have understanding wives who tolerate this idiocy.
I can't promise you'll love it, or even like it, but to see great cars raced on the public roads like this isn't like going to the touring cars or F1, it's far better.
Edited by Johno on Friday 24th January 13:26
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