Le Mans 2016 - who's going?

[DaveC72]

99 days until Le Mans 2016 and counting.

Tickets bought, Camping and Ferry booked.

Love the event, although I steer clear of much of the increasingly shambolic "festivities" off circuit.  On average I watch about 18 hours of the race from various viewpoints

Anyhoo - who else is going?

[The Pits]

Yup, going with brother and Dad this year. Should be amazing as we're getting involved with the whole Ford celebrations (bro has a Ford GT), and fingers crossed will get to lap the full 24hr circuit in the GT!

Much to discuss tonight!

[DaveC72]

Not long now - just saw this reminder of 2011:

I would love it if Lotus took the 400 to Le Sarthe and competed in the GT classes again...

... when I win the lottery....
 

[theelanman]

'fraid not.....Im off to the Classic again.......

Im sorry to say that my last trip to the real one was 2003 and I was in the Bentley pits.....(by invite....not actually doing anything)

and Ive not been since......I don't think I could ever beat that year......

 

[swanny71]

I'll be there again this year.

 

.......hopefully in a Lotus 

[Luc2000]

I'm going too, will be my first time at Le Mans (I'm going with some people that have been there a couple of times though). We're on a camping a few kilometers from the track (so not the official camp site), but planning on bringing our bikes to get there. We also hope this will make it possible to get to the pits on friday, I heard it's almost impossible to get to the track by car when the pit is open to the public. Anyone on here has any general tips for the event?

[rocket63]

Yup, I will be there. Cant wait

[Stuart Monument]

I'm going for the first time this year to. Can't wait 

[DaveC72]

16 hours ago, Luc2000 said:

I'm going too, will be my first time at Le Mans (I'm going with some people that have been there a couple of times though). We're on a camping a few kilometers from the track (so not the official camp site), but planning on bringing our bikes to get there. We also hope this will make it possible to get to the pits on friday, I heard it's almost impossible to get to the track by car when the pit is open to the public. Anyone on here has any general tips for the event?

Good place to start is the planning section at http://www.beermountain.com/

It's worth going down a little early to catch the qualifying on the Wednesday and Thursday (especially the night quali) and access to the Grandstands for this is free.

I wouldn't bother with much of the "off circuit" festivities as they are increasingly getting more and more out of control.

A portable radio (or a headset sold at the track) is a must as it allows you to listen to Radio Le Mans - which is just epic.

The ACO website is much better than it was http://www.24h-lemans.com/en/

If you're going to "sticker up" for the event then https://www.stickeredup4lemans.com/ is worth a visit.

Other than that - just be careful - the gendarme are increasingly less than enamoured with dumb-arse driving, and will happily escort you to a cash point to pay your fine.

It's a great event - enjoy!

 

[JAWS]

Not actually going this year, but will be at the Porsche Factory/Museum in Stuttgart to watch it as they have a 24hr event on. Hopefully it will be an enjoyable event/experience.

Le Mans is getting very expensive now and you have to book up so far in advance it does put me off, at some point I fancy doing the Classic though. 2011 was a good year at Le Man's for an Evora fan.....

 

[Luc2000]

1 hour ago, DaveC72 said:

Good place to start is the planning section at http://www.beermountain.com/

It's worth going down a little early to catch the qualifying on the Wednesday and Thursday (especially the night quali) and access to the Grandstands for this is free.

I wouldn't bother with much of the "off circuit" festivities as they are increasingly getting more and more out of control.

A portable radio (or a headset sold at the track) is a must as it allows you to listen to Radio Le Mans - which is just epic.

The ACO website is much better than it was http://www.24h-lemans.com/en/

If you're going to "sticker up" for the event then https://www.stickeredup4lemans.com/ is worth a visit.

Other than that - just be careful - the gendarme are increasingly less than enamoured with dumb-arse driving, and will happily escort you to a cash point to pay your fine.

It's a great event - enjoy!

 

Thanks for the tips

We're arriving on wednesday, so qualifying is definitely on the list. Friends already have a headset with radio and hearing protection, so I was planning to get one of those as well.

I'm sure it's going to be a great event!

[Bibs]

Having been relieved of €750 on the way home from a Le Mans, I was since told by the Police Inspector I bought my first Elise from that they put speed traps on pretty much every road on a circle 20 miles from Le Mans. Take it easy.  

[rocket63]

Oh yes, I remember that year Bibstah. The year of the Evora tent residence as well

[DaveC72]

So it all kicks off this weekend at the Six Hours of Silverstone.

http://www.fiawec.com/en/news/2016-world-endurance-calendar-revealed-_3389.html

Coverage can be found here

[chrisroy]

Yes I'm going again with a bunch of mates and staying in the PH campsite at Blue Nord 

[SteveO...]

Me and the 'other half' will be back this year having taken a break from it last year.  We'll be in the Village on the Curves.

[DaveC72]

25 days to the event and three weeks tomorrow until we set off.

My favourite week of the year can't come soon enough.

[Gasman GT3]

Im going, 18th visit for me, but fist time taking the other half, and the Evora.  We are staying at a Chateau about 20mins from the circuit, so a bit of comfort.  For first timers I have a couple of suggestions, Classic British Welcome on Friday morning at St Saturnin, best free car show you will ever go to, and a visit to Hotel de France is a must especially on Friday afternoon or evening, if you turn up in something nice you will be welcomed with open arms, and the history behind this place is fantastic.

Then is the Classic in July with the GT3, what a lucky boy I am.

[DaveC72]

I took the OH, just the once...

[Gasman GT3]

if you go again Bibs, you need one of these

[Bibs]

Moi avec Monsieur Jambon! 

[DaveC72]

Hmm.

Looks like we'll be needing brollies, waterproofs, wellies, snorkels etc this week!

http://www.accuweather.com/en/fr/le-mans/135975/daily-weather-forecast/135975

But then as we all know, it's not the weather you go for

[Beady]

First time for me, going with a group via work and also staying at a chateau a few miles out.

Don't fancy taking the new Evora just a few days after collecting it so opting for the safety (?) of the minibus.