Le Mans

stiffy · #1 (**permalink**) 06-25-2010, 03:59 AM

Guy's,

Has anyone done the 24 hour???

I am planning a trip next year. Lots of stuff to research, there must be someone that has been there and can give some advice.....

STIFFY

boxhead · #2 (**permalink**) 06-25-2010, 07:13 AM

Let us know what you can Stiffy, a few people are planning on 2012.
Not sure of exact dates but if your still in Europe at the same time as Goodwood being on, then go, and make sure you go for all 3 days, one day in pits at bottom of hill, one day in pits and trackside top of the hill and 1 day with a all access grandstand pass, you will love it.

FatBoy · #3 (**permalink**) 06-25-2010, 07:22 AM

Hi,
I've been about 10 times. It's a great experience and a wonderful atmosphere. However, in recent years it has started to attract a less pleasant crowd that are only intent on getting totally legless and causing trouble.

However, the Le Mans Classic which is held every 2 years is a much more civilised event altogether. The Classic is generally around the middle of July (10th - 11th this year) and runs on the full Le Mans circuit, including the 3½ mile Mulsanne Straight (with 2 chicanes).

I'll be going in the Cobra again and we have managed to get onto the "parade" laps on the Saturday morning, which should be great fun.
You probably need to sample the 24 Hour Le Mans at least once, but once you've done that, the Classic is probably a better bet.
Is anyone from the U.S. side of the pond going to the Classic next month? It would be great to meet up with some of you.

Regards,
Paul

Merv and Sharon · #4 (**permalink**) 06-25-2010, 02:01 PM

Was this your Le Mans Classic night time set up?

I think Audi (diesel) has won 9 of last 11 events.

FatBoy · #5 (**permalink**) 06-25-2010, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merv and Sharon

Was this your Le Mans Classic night time set up?

I think Audi (diesel) has won 9 of last 11 events.

Hi,
No, but I wish it was. That's an original and was one of the competing cars. I really like the look though with the lamps and I'm seriously considering adding some to my Kirkham.

The Audis are very strong and quick, but the Peugeots have been giving them something to think about. If you've never heard a diesel race car, they sound very different to a petrol engined car and are very quiet. The Audis are almost silent apart from tyre roar and wind noise, but very, very quick.

If you get the chance to go, I would heartily recommend it.

Paul

Merv and Sharon · #6 (**permalink**) 06-25-2010, 03:47 PM

It is on my list Paul. We lived in Italy some years ago and I always wanted to get up to Le Mans. Those lights would be good if they could be easily removed from the overrider bracket.

The diesels are reigning supreme now. I guess the new hybrids with the kinetic energy 'storage' devices will be next - or maybe they have those already?

FatBoy · #7 (**permalink**) 06-25-2010, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merv and Sharon

The diesels are reigning supreme now. I guess the new hybrids with the kinetic energy 'storage' devices will be next - or maybe they have those already?

Not yet. Next year will be the first year for KERS at Le Mans, although Porsche have been doing a lot of work with their Williams F1 derived flywheel system.

jdean · #8 (**permalink**) 06-25-2010, 10:05 PM

Just curious, do a lot of the cars that show up at Goodwood also make it to the LeMans Classic?

Jamo · #9 (**permalink**) 06-25-2010, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merv and Sharon

Was this your Le Mans Classic night time set up?

I think Audi (diesel) has won 9 of last 11 events.

10 actually...you've got to count the cross-dressing Bentley.

FatBoy · #10 (**permalink**) 06-25-2010, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdean

Just curious, do a lot of the cars that show up at Goodwood also make it to the LeMans Classic?

Which "Goodwood", the Revival or Festival of Speed? I can't comment regarding the FoS, because I've never been, but a good number of the cars at the Classic were also at the Revival.

The Revival is very special. Once you get inside the gates, virtually everything is in period from 1930's to 1960's, including the vast majority of the public and makes for a great spectacle. They also have classic aircraft flying in, out and around all weekend, including Spitfires, Hurricanes, Mustangs, Lancaster etc. There was even an Me109, which I've never seen before.

Merv and Sharon · #11 (**permalink**) 06-26-2010, 03:02 AM

True Jamo! But the Bentley boys in the UK basked in the glory. The Goodwood Revival was always my objective.

boxhead · #12 (**permalink**) 06-26-2010, 06:35 AM

Revival would be great, but I think it is later in the year?

Festival of speed last year was fantastic, must see event if you get the chance.