spa vs lm

[mikes3]

Just mulling thoughts over at the moment.

I was a bit put off LM this year (only my third year) and was considering a trip to the 1000kms at Spa instead.

Has anyone attended this that can let me know what its like in terms of atmostphere, facilities, beer, grub, camping...oh, and the racing!

[20vt_mk2dub]

Le mans. end of.

Its the original and the best.

[Piglet]

Do both they are both fantastic but are very different events.

The 1000k is a much lower key event compared to LM - Spa is wonderful, the area is wonderful, the track is wonderful but it aint nothing like LM. There isn't the turn up and camp atmosphere - there is some camping but it isn't trackside as LM and it's more like a normal UK race meeting good racing but not a huge amount else going on (other than the bar in the paddock which we frequent at length!!!) If you can get out to Spa for the FIA GT 24hr (usually last weekend in July/start of August) there is more going on in the week - they run the cars into Spa town on the Wednesday and you can see the cars and drivers in Spa which is great but it's a totally different atmosphere to LM. We try and go out for the best part of a week as there is loads to do around the area. I do both wherever possible and I love Spa but if I could only do one it would be a tough choice but LM would probably win for the social element of it but if you're not enjoying that part of LM then Spa might be the best option but don't expect it to be a similar experience.

Give it a try and see how you like it!

[RichUK]

Spa is a very good race, be careful that you might get a) very wet, b) very cold and c) a combination of the two.

We'll be going next year again though

It is a completely different atmosphere to LM though.

>> Edited by RichUK on Saturday 12th November 15:34

[johnjr]

Well even if you choose to got to LM this year you should got to Spa 1000kms one year cos it is a fabulous race and event. So just choose when you want to go!!!

johnjr

[//j17]

Spa vs LM.

LM is a weeks holiday soaking up the sun and beer.

Spa is a day trip (OK, a long day trip and you might want to take Monday off work but...)

[neilsie]

We went to Spa this year. Like to think i will be back there in 2006. its a great circuit, some great viewing spots, adjacent to the track, the pits are mostly accessible with the majority of the pit crews very welcoming (TVR especially). This year they also some great support races - Historic Sportscars and British F3 too. Being a forest circuit, it very damp and can be cold. Hotels are plentiful, esp in Liege either. Top accomadating town by the way. just be wary of 24hr bars and female footballers... For reference, we did Liege to Dunkirk in 2hrs.

[RichUK]

Well you were in a rush as you'd missed an earlier ferry.

[t1grm]

Spa is a much better race track than LM IMHO and is less crowded. LM is better for the party atmosphere and beer drinking.

[rralston]

neilsie said:

We went to Spa this year. Like to think i will be back there in 2006. its a great circuit, some great viewing spots, adjacent to the track, the pits are mostly accessible with the majority of the pit crews very welcoming (TVR especially). This year they also some great support races - Historic Sportscars and British F3 too. Being a forest circuit, it very damp and can be cold. Hotels are plentiful, esp in Liege either. Top accomadating town by the way. just be wary of 24hr bars and female footballers... For reference, we did Liege to Dunkirk in 2hrs.

Yes I remember that journey well! Particularly Ronnie's face on very straight motorway where I got I bit excited in the Tuscan!

Spa - top event, far far fewer people, but really good racing.

Leige, err yes, I'll have to explain that one some day pure sillyness in a foriegn town!!!!!