Classic instead of 24h!
Discussion
I’m forming the plan to only attend the classic next year instead of the 24h. Which for me is a bit controversial. But having now had a (forced into) broken chain of attendances it doesn’t feel quite so bad.
Logic being… things will get really interesting again from 2023 with all the new teams entering and being the anniversary race. And since the run of events has been broken anyway, use the year until it spices up again to give the classic a go for the first time. There are also so many cars I would love to see at the classic it is simply really appealing in its own right.
I probably could do both, but family life would make that a bit of a selfish decision. It just seems a bit wrong inside to chose the classic over the 24h.
Anyone else’s perspective changed since the forced break from the event?
Should I hang my head in shame or does the classic stack up as a great event in its own right?
Plus any tips for the classic? I do fancy the track laps option.
Logic being… things will get really interesting again from 2023 with all the new teams entering and being the anniversary race. And since the run of events has been broken anyway, use the year until it spices up again to give the classic a go for the first time. There are also so many cars I would love to see at the classic it is simply really appealing in its own right.
I probably could do both, but family life would make that a bit of a selfish decision. It just seems a bit wrong inside to chose the classic over the 24h.
Anyone else’s perspective changed since the forced break from the event?
Should I hang my head in shame or does the classic stack up as a great event in its own right?
Plus any tips for the classic? I do fancy the track laps option.
Making good progress getting plans / tickets secured.
Quite excited by the change in routine but still getting back to Le Mans. The racing ultimately won’t mean much in terms of results, but I can’t wait to see the huge variety of cars racing and what’s likely to be in the club enclosures.
Should be fun as well as the usual social side of things.
Quite excited by the change in routine but still getting back to Le Mans. The racing ultimately won’t mean much in terms of results, but I can’t wait to see the huge variety of cars racing and what’s likely to be in the club enclosures.
Should be fun as well as the usual social side of things.
Yil said:
We are also planning the Classic in 2022 as cant make the 24hr. Never been to the Classic before.
Is it best to arrive on Thursday or Friday and leave sunday or Monday.
First one also, but looking at timetable for next year there is track/paddock access on the Friday with on track practice sessions. Is it best to arrive on Thursday or Friday and leave sunday or Monday.
Main ‘racing’ starts Saturday and concludes late afternoon Sunday.
We always stay the Sunday night at the 24hrs just to enjoy a social night without having to drive whilst probably quite tired. Nice then making a day of it on the Monday for the drive back. Though that also depends on whether you want to take the Monday off work.
stemll said:
I have to say I hated the Classic when we went in 2018.
Length of the track, number of entrants and speed of the cars mean you spend most of the time staring at an empty track.
The short races also mean that there is no continuity and no "must go and see what happened overnight" when you wake up on Sunday morning.
Won't be going again but appreciate different people like different things. Still love the 24h though.
Completely get the fact there really is no ‘winner’ at the classic. Completely removes what makes the 24hrs. But it’s a great chance to see great cars in a great place whilst enjoying everything about being in France. Length of the track, number of entrants and speed of the cars mean you spend most of the time staring at an empty track.
The short races also mean that there is no continuity and no "must go and see what happened overnight" when you wake up on Sunday morning.
Won't be going again but appreciate different people like different things. Still love the 24h though.
It’s something different to give a go. Will probably feel annoyed I’m not at the 24hrs when it runs, but at the same time really looking forward to the classic with my dad and everything planned around it.
stang65 said:
I've done the 24hr and the Classic in the past. The Classic is one of the best car shows I've been to, but it's not racing. If you're happy to see it as a moving car show it's worthwhile.
We went in 2012 when they had parade laps of Ferrari GTOs (I think 23 from memory) and that was the best race of the weekend....yes the parade laps were better than the actual races. There were 4/5 guys going for it and it was the only time all weekend there was close racing. Bear in mind that cars are grouped by age (how else would you do it?) and consider what challenge a Renault 4CV will put up to a D-type to get an idea of what the "racing" is like.
There's also a lot of down-time as they change the classes on rotation so have to bring in an entire field spread over the length on the track, form up another lot and get them on their way. Add in some of the "guff" like the kids cars (racing car equivalents of tot rods so I don't know what to call them) took ages for no entertainment benefit. They also did a fake Le Mans start with the drivers running across the track, which again took ages. This was even worse as despite being fake (they were supposed to reform for the race) there were accidents causing delays.
The Classic is all about the show. It's a great show. The 24hrs is a great race. That's my opinion of it.
Completely understand your point of view.We went in 2012 when they had parade laps of Ferrari GTOs (I think 23 from memory) and that was the best race of the weekend....yes the parade laps were better than the actual races. There were 4/5 guys going for it and it was the only time all weekend there was close racing. Bear in mind that cars are grouped by age (how else would you do it?) and consider what challenge a Renault 4CV will put up to a D-type to get an idea of what the "racing" is like.
There's also a lot of down-time as they change the classes on rotation so have to bring in an entire field spread over the length on the track, form up another lot and get them on their way. Add in some of the "guff" like the kids cars (racing car equivalents of tot rods so I don't know what to call them) took ages for no entertainment benefit. They also did a fake Le Mans start with the drivers running across the track, which again took ages. This was even worse as despite being fake (they were supposed to reform for the race) there were accidents causing delays.
The Classic is all about the show. It's a great show. The 24hrs is a great race. That's my opinion of it.
Pretty much what I’m expecting. It’s a chance to do it before getting back into the 24hrs, as things get competitive again. Probably would never have done it, or thought about missing the 24hrs without the two enforced Covid absences.
Looking forward to seeing some great cars. Not expecting amazing racing and any results are pretty meaningless. Mainly just a great trip away with my dad planned.
Tickets now secured and hotels/air bnb booked.
Bloody Airbnb.
Host just cancelled stay, throwing our plans in the air. No other (nice) options in the same village unfortunately, so quick plan b drawn up.
Lots of options now fully booked.
After lots of searching, ended up with nice 3 bed property in La Flèche. 30mins from track now which isn’t ideal, but not too bad. Plenty in the town to do (drink/eat).
If I can change my track laps from Friday to Saturday now, the trip will be perfect.
Host just cancelled stay, throwing our plans in the air. No other (nice) options in the same village unfortunately, so quick plan b drawn up.
Lots of options now fully booked.
After lots of searching, ended up with nice 3 bed property in La Flèche. 30mins from track now which isn’t ideal, but not too bad. Plenty in the town to do (drink/eat).
If I can change my track laps from Friday to Saturday now, the trip will be perfect.
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