Classic Le Mans start time

[Sealine South]

Hi all. Just looking through my ticket pack etc. it would seem it starts at 17:00 this year and (obviously I know) finishes at 17:00 on Sunday. Kind of buggers up my ferry plans (20:45 from Cherbourg on Sunday pm).

Anyone know why it's so late starting?

Thanks

[spanky3]

Just checked the website and you're right - but then you knew that already.

We're on the 17:00 ferry back from Le Havre and thought we'd leave an hour or so before then end but it looks like it'll be 3 hours before the end now. I suppose the saving grace is that given the event is actually lots of shorter races it's not like missing the end of the 24hr.

[Sealine South]

I know what you mean but the last races are the Plateaus 4,5&6 which (for me anyway) are the most interesting.

Quite annoying really.

Maybe Lowdrag will be able to shed some light on it?

[Truckosaurus]

I suspect they are planning the timetable around the darkness. (c.10-11pm)

Starting at 5 should allow the final group's first race to start in the daylight and finish in darkness.

Then the rest of the groups get a night race for their 2nd race and then the final group get to take the dawn.

The plus side is that is will allow plenty of time to look around the displays/car clubs/champagne tent/etc.

[rdjohn]

Nope the first grid 6 race starts at 12:15am. The perfect way for gentlemen drivers to feel their way into the race at 150mph plus.

The format in 2010 and 2012 was much smarter on safety grounds, but the grid 1 cars drive round in the dark using Tilly lamps, so that is not good either, they just have slower mishaps.

[Irish]

Hah, as my travelling companion has a flight to catch I am on a 12.50 Chunnel - there goes Sunday.