The Evolution of the Travel Destinations’ Flexotel Village

Posted by Richard | Filed under Le Mans 24 Hours

Following a trial during the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours the Travel Destinations Flexotel Village was introduced for the Le Mans 24 Hours 2011. After much planning and discussion it was great to finally get down on the ground and get started.

Flexotel Village Arrival

The rooms arrive at the Flexotel Village

The new location that we selected for the Flexotel Village was at Antares-Sud. This location, near the tram terminus, is in the centre of the Le Mans Circuit and provides the ideal place from which to explore all that is Le Mans.

The start of the Flexotel Village

From small beginnings; The start of the Flexotel Village at Le Mans 2011

Heavy machinery required to build the Flexotel Village

Heavy machinery required to build the Travel Destinations' Flexotel Village

In our private fenced area we built 80 rooms for Tavel Destinations guests attending the Le Mans 24 Hours. The cabins arrived by lorry and trailer at the beginning of the week. Progress was slow early on as late changes and additions were made, but soon the rooms were rising all around the village.

The Flexotel Village Entrance

First sight of the Travel Destinations Flexotel Village

As well as the private lockable rooms the Flexotel Village would also benefit from 24 Hours security, fully serviced showers and toilets as well as a social area under our marquee (just in case!) with our bar, big screen tv and barbecue area. Of course we also had the love Radio Le Mans commentary on so everyone could keep up with the action on the circuit.

The Travel Destinations Flexotel Village

The Travel Destinations' Flexotel Village at Le Mans 2011

Guests watching the TV in the Travel Destinations Marquee

Guests watching the TV in the Travel Destinations Marquee

Our friendly bar staff worked through the night

Our friendly bar staff worked through the night

Enjoying the Flexotel Village

Guests enjoying the Travel Destinations' Flexotel Village

We had a really good crowd staying with us in our Flexotel Village throughout the Le Mans weekend. The breakfasts including freshly squeezed orange juice and bacon grilled to order were particularly popular. Of course the beer went down quite well too!

Guests at the Flexotel Village

Desperate to be in a photo at the Flexotel Village?

So from just a car park on the Monday before the race to just a car park on the Tuesday following the race, you wouldn’t believe quite what had been there inbetween. 80 rooms and 160 guests enjoying themselves together at the Travel Destinations’ Flexotel Village. All the feedback has been really positive and we already have bookings for next year so if you want to be part of the Flexotel Evolution at Le Mans 2012 call us on 0844 873 0203.

Individuals, couples, groups, media, race teams and staff are all welcome.

Read more | No Comments | June 27th, 2011

The Radio Le Mans Team Visit

Posted by Richard | Filed under Le Mans 24 Hours

It has become a tradition now that the team behind Radio Le Mans come and visit the Travel Destinations Porsche Curves campsite.
Travel Destinations look after the Radio Le Mans Travel Club and Porsche Curves is the home of the Travel Club at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Radio Le Mans

Radio Le Mans team at the Travel Destinations Porsche Curves campsite

This year the Radio Le Mans team came to visit on Friday lunchtime and met with guests and fans on the campsite. The team them went to visit the Travel Destinations Flexotel village.

John Hindhaugh from Radio Le Mans

John Hindhaugh meets the guests at Porsche Curves

Radio Le Mans are broadcasting live throughout the race. Listen live on 91.2FM at the circuit or via www.radiolemans.com worldwide.

Read more | No Comments | June 10th, 2011

Its that time of year again

Posted by Richard | Filed under Le Mans 24 Hours

It is hard to believe that it is that time of year again. It is June and that can only mean one thing; The Le Mans 24 Hours.
Of course we have been working hard back in the UK since we packed up from Le Mans 2010 and now we are back and stronger than ever. We must offer a big thank you to all our customers coming with us to Le Mans 2011. It is great to have more than 4,000 people with us again this year.

Travel Destinations Private Campsite

You can't miss our private campsite

Once all of the tickets have been sent out, which is never an easy job (well done Helen) our thoughts turn to the practicalities of what we are doing at the circuit. This year, we loaded the Travel Destinations lorry with everything you can think of including the kitchen sink (literally!) and the advance party was at Le Mans a whole week before the race begins.
Arriving at Le Mans with not many people around is always daunting and the feeling of “where do we start?” sets in.  For Le Mans 2011 we are running 2 private areas as well as having the thousands of customers who still prefer the public campsites. Our 2 private areas are the ever popular Travel Destinations campsite at Porsche Curves (which we run in association with Radio Le Mans) and our new Travel Destinations Flexotel Village.

Travel Destinations private trackside campsite

The team have been busy putting up flags

The Travel Destinations at Porsche Curves campsite was very popular this year with most of the pitches sold out before Christmas. There have been lots of repeat customers which shows we must be doing something right there.  Our campsite is the only one that is actually trackside at the Porsche Curves so you can’t really miss it (others may claim to be trackside but they’re not really!).  As well as the 24 hour security and a friendly welcome on the gate, we have found that guests really appreciate the serviced showers and toilets that are kept clean all weekend and our large marquee which houses our big screen tv with Radio Le Mans commentary (of course!) and our bar. As always the bar is well stocked serving beer and food at reasonable prices. The beer and food are so good that the Radio Le Mans crew even leave their booth to come for a swift pint on Friday lunchtime!

Travel Destinations private trackside campsite at Le Mans

Inside the marquee at our private trackside campsite

The Travel Destinations Flexotel Village is our new area located at Antares-Sud. Located just around the corner from the tram terminus it makes it an ideal location and within walking distance of everything. Those that have been following will remember we trialled the Flexotel cabins at Le Mans 2010 and they were so successful we have brought them back this year with 80 rooms! Of course we are laying on all the facilities for Flexotel residents too, with showers and toilets, security, and another marquee with a  well stocked bar serving snacks and some very tasty breakfasts. We are very excited about the Travel Destinations Flexotel Village and we are sure it is going to popular with all our guests!

Travel Destinations Flexotel village at Antares Sud

The Flexotel rooms are waiting for guests to arrive

So as you can see from the few photos here the team have been working hard down at the circuit preparing everything and getting it ready for all our customers to arrive. The engines have just started in the pit lane for the 1st practice of the Le Mans 24 Hours so we know for sure that we are at Le Mans and it is that time of year again!

Travel Destinations Flexotel Village at Le Mans

A welcome awaits guests at the Travel Destinations Flexotel Village

Read more | No Comments | June 8th, 2011

In the pit lane

Posted by Richard | Filed under Le Mans Classic

It was not all that long ago, that if you wanted to see genuine historic racing cars you needed to go to a museum. If you were really lucky you might see one of these cars doing a parade lap between races at a major meeting. But all that changed in 2002, when the Le Mans Classic was launched. Now visitors can see the very best historic race cars from around the world, compete in a series of races over 24 hours at the famous 13.63km Circuit de la Sarthe just outside Le Mans in France.

Even in these times of economic uncertainty, the organisers were swamped with applications from teams wanting to take part. For these Teams, it is the highlight of the racing calendar. A chance for them to race the cars at the actual circuit on which many of the cars had originally raced 30, 40, 50 years ago. For the drivers it is an ultimate opportunity to race the best cars, against top drivers on the most famous circuit in the world.

Racing the sunrise at the Le Mans Classic 2010

The highlight for many of them is the night race, around a circuit where only a few key corners are lit. Without wishing to sound too clichéd, it is the ultimate test, with some cars reaching speeds of over 170mph in almost total darkness. It demands total concentration and very strong nerves to race at these speeds, wheel to wheel against other cars, when you can only see a few yards ahead of you.

I am lucky enough to be part of Surrey Sports and Classics Historic Motorsports team, which has competed at every one of the Le Mans Classics, as well as several of the support races at the modern Le Mans 24 hours. We run one of the truly iconic British built Le Mans cars of the post war era. The BMC works entered Le Mans MGB, driven to 11th overall and 2nd in class by Paddy Hopkirk and Andrew Hedges in 1965. The car has been owned by MG racing legend Barry Sidery-Smith since the early 1970’s and he never misses an opportunity to return the  car to circuit for which she was specifically built.

Barry's MGB Racing at the Le Mans Classic 2010

The logistics for the Le Mans Classic are quite mind boggling, and on a completely different scale to any other event. The cars are divided into one of 6 “Plateaux” dependant on their age. Each Plateau takes part in three forty minute races, spread over 24 hours. With one of the races held at night. The maximum number of cars in each race is 68, each with 2 drivers. This works out at 408 race cars and 816 drivers. And that is not including up to 7 reserve cars per Plateau and their drivers, who are allowed to join the two practice sessions but will only take part in the races if any of the other cars fail to make the grid.

For the teams involved it’s a lot of hard work to run the cars such a long way from home. Our team was very privileged, as our car and most of the equipment was taken over from England in the back of the magnificent 1950’s BMC race transporter belonging to Doug and Loraine Samuel. Fortunately for us our friends at Travel Destinations are very experienced at coping with our teams travel needs and had no problem booking ferry crossings for the race transporter, 2 large 4×4, an estate towing a trailer and 1958 MG Magnette, as well as several other assorted vehicles.

Racing in the heat at the Le Mans Classic 2010

It is difficult to describe to anyone who has not been there before, the scale of things at the Le Mans Classic. You get a better sense of the events popularity, when you go onto the Bugatti circuit. Here you will find the members of 160 different car clubs from all over Europe, with their cars all parked together proudly on display. It truly does cater for every taste, from Alfa Romeo to Zagato and everything in between. You could spend your entire weekend just wandering around this area, but this would be a shame because the Le Mans Classic has so much more to offer. One area that grows bigger and better each time is the sprawling tented village of trade stands, restaurants and displays. After three days at the circuit, I don’t think I managed to see half of what was on display.

The heart of the event is the tented Paddocks, one for each of the plateaux, where the cars a kept throughout the weekend. It is here that you will find the teams preparing the cars and battling to keep them running. At most modern race meetings this work would be done away from the gaze of the public, but the opposite is true at the Le Mans Classic. The crowds are given unprecedented access the paddocks, over the whole weekend. This provides plenty of opportunity for them to get right up close to these historic race cars and talk to the teams and drivers. Our team always tries to ensure that we have at least one person available to answer questions and talk about the car. The bustling atmosphere in the paddock also helps create a great feeling of camaraderie amongst the teams. Many of the teams go to great lengths to help those struggling to keep cars running, with the lone of equipment and spare parts. A great example of this is when we sold our spare MGB alternator to a very grateful team, who were desperately trying to fix their Aston Martin DB4 GT before the next race.

The Le Mans Classic paddock area

One of the main problems facing both teams and spectators at the 2010 Le Mans Classic, was the heat. With France gripped by a heat wave, and temperatures hitting 42 degrees, it was difficult to escape the heat. It was even worse for the drivers. Imagine what it must be like to be wearing long fireproof underwear, a three layer race suit, a balaclava and a crash helmet. Then think how well you would cope if you had to wear all that while racing a car, with no ventilation, flat out round Le Mans. Finally try to put yourself in the shoes of our cars owner/driver, Barry Sidery-Smith, who is doing all this at the grand old age of 74.

With such intense heat, it was not long into the first practice session that some of the racing cars started to run into problems. I stood in the pit-lane and watched as the Mike Hawthorne’s 1955 Jaguar D type came in after its first lap, smoke pouring from the seized brake calliper on the front off-side. My team’s car did not fair much better, cracking the cylinder head during the first qualifying session. Without a suitable replacement, things were looking grim. However all was saved when Travel Destinations customer Mick Loynes kindly volunteered the use of the cylinder head off his fast road MGB, in which he had just driven down to Le Mans. In record time, the team stripped the part off Mick’s car and installed it on our race car. Much to everyone’s relief the car worked faultlessly after that, running competitively in the middle for the pack for all three races. We tried to convince Mick that the extra Le Mans provenance we had just given his cylinder head would double his cars value. But I am not convinced that he believed us. And in case you are wondering, yes we did bring Mick’s car back to England and rebuild his engine for him.

Mick Loynes points out the cylinder head from his MG

The Le Mans Classic truly is a unique event that holds a special place in affections of all those have been part of it. If you have not been yet, I suggest you start planning now for the next one in 2012.

See you there,

James

James Pitt at the pit wall during the Le Mans Classic 2010

James Pitt is part of the Surrey Sports and Classics Historic Motorsports team

Read more | No Comments | August 18th, 2010

Review of the Nurburgring 24 Hours 2010

Posted by Richard | Filed under Radio Le Mans Travel Club

The ADAC 24hr race at the Nurburgring. The Green Hell. Acknowledged as the world’s longest and most challenging race track. It truly is an addictive experience. Like no other endurance race, over 200 cars take to the start grid with everything from works BMWs and Porsches VW Golfs and Opel Astras.

For those choosing to camp, you can chose the relative calm of the official Camping-am-Nurburgring site, or be braver and go and experience the real ‘spirit’ of the event by pitching your tent in one of the forests that surround the circuit. Our advice, is for first timers go with the official site, get to learn the circuit and experience the event, and then use that knowledge to make your own decision for the future events that you will inevitably attend. For those not brave enough to camp, there is always the calm of a room in a hotel or guest house.

In the build-up to the race, the question being asked by those in the know, was, could the Porsche GT3 R of the Manthey team really win for a unprecedented fifth consecutive time, or would it be the turn of the Audis of Team Abt Sportsline’s and Team Phoenix, or BMW Motorsport’s new M3 E92s. There was also interest about the Hankook Ferrari and the Black Falcon Audi R8 – it appeared that the main battle would be fought amongst these teams and cars.

For the first time this year there was the entry of a Hybrid Porsche GT3 R, supported by the Manthey team and a Porsche GT3 RS, supported by Porsche AG. The latter had been driven from the factory in Stuttgart and stuck on the start grid! One of the drivers in this car was the EVO journalist Chris Harris.

Following qualification, the two front rows of the grid were occupied by the Audi R8 LMS cars, with the Manthey Porsche GT3 R back in 7th.

Saturday arrives and following cold and indifferent weather all week, we woke to another overcast and cloudy day. However, the arrival of the rest of the Travel Destinations team at ‘The Ring’ at midday brought the arrival of the sunshine and so it stayed for the whole weekend.

Following the amazing grid-walk prior to the race, where you get to see and touch the cars, the grid is cleared and the cars start the formation lap at around 14.40 and another amazing experience ensues. As is tradition here at ‘The Ring’ the spectators are allowed over the Armco as the drivers wind their way around the Nordschleife and back up through the Dottinger Hohe, before rejoining the GP circuit and crossing the start line. And so commences 24hrs of motor racing mayhem!

As the cars exited the first corner, amazingly the Manthey Porsche managed to take the lead from the Audis. 7th to 1st, literally in a blink of the eye! Within an hour of the start, the top three places were all occupied by Porsche GT3 Rs.

However, needless to say things changed and before long the Abt Audi was back in third and showing good speed.

At around 22.30, just as the Manthey Porsche was stretching its lead and beginning to show all the attributes required of a winner it was unfortunately involved in an accident in the Pflanzgarten, where it was hit ‘broadside’ by an out of control MKIII Golf! Where else would these cars be sharing the same circuit in the middle of the night!

This incident clearly opened the door for the other competitors, with the Audis, Porsches and BMWs all eagerly competing. At just before 23.00, the Hybrid Porsche took the lead for the first time. Clearly the advantage of being able to run 10 rather than 8 laps of this incredible circuit between pit stops was beginning to pay dividends.

Night proved to be eventful throughout the field of racers, with the most astonishing being at 20.55 when the Lotus Exige driven by British driver Roger Green, caught fire and he finally threw himself out of the flaming Lotus after a few minutes of trying to slow it down! The vehicle and their dream ended in a wreck!

All through the night the Hybrid Porsche led the field, consistently increasing its lead, to the point where with less than two hours to go it was a clear two laps ahead of the second place BMW. Then disaster struck. The Hybrid Porsche’s engine blew up and left the car stranded in the Breidscheid area. BMW now led the race.

And so it would remain. BMW managed to hold on to the lead, finishing ahead of the Hankook Ferrari and the Phoenix Audi. Fourth was the Need for Speed Team BMW Z4 and fifth went to the Black Falcon Audi R8 LMS.

The Porsche that was driven from the factory ended a very respectable 13th, showing the world that factory Porsche’s really are world class racing cars.

So what about the event as a spectator; some of the amazing sights that we saw and reasons to attend are listed below:

1. Hand built towers and scaffold structures out in the forest that defy gravity, engineering rules and truly beggar belief! But after all we are in Germany, and we all know what great engineers they are…

2. An illuminated McDonalds Golden Arches sign track side (clearly ‘borrowed’) erected next to a hangmans noose!

3. The people – they are predominantly local Germans, who are very friendly that go to live in the forest for a week, living on a diet of bratwurst and beer. But don’t be put off by this. These guys are here for the racing and the spectacle that only is the Nurburgring. They watch every race and every car, never leaving their post of choice – real petrol-heads.

4. Fires larger than the local Guy Fawkes night.

5. 1950s fire trucks parked on levelling blocks on 45 degree muddy slopes.

6. A competing Porsche arriving back in the pits with it’s passenger door missing and then watching the team affix a new door with gaffer tape!

7. Being closer to the action trackside than at any other motor racing event – you can almost touch the cars as they go past.

8. This event truly is for racing enthusiast. The Germans love their cars and it is never more apparent than here at ‘The Ring’. Believe the hype, this place and this event is amazing and really is an experience like no other!

9. 200 cars on the start grid and more teams than you can imagine in the paddock, all of which you can access and walk around.

10. The sheer mix and range of cars – everything from privately run Astras to Volvos and the works teams from Audi, BMW, Porsche and the Lexus LFA. All competing at the same time on the same circuit – ludicrous!

11. The Nurburgring has so much more to offer than driving your car around it during the tourist sessions.

Apart from the 24hr race, which is clearly the main event of the weekend, other races include the 24hr Classic car event, the Mini Challenge and the SEAT Leon Supercopa, the Renault Race festival and the Drift Challenge – so there is plenty to keep you occupied from Thursday morning until Sunday night!

Dates for next year have been confirmed as 23rd-26th June 2011. If you would like to see all the action live at the Nurburgring 24 Hours 2011 register with us now by calling (0844) 873 0203.


Alternatively email us at info@traveldestinations.co.uk.

The reservation line is open now!

Read more | No Comments | July 22nd, 2010

Fun in the sun at Hunaudieres

Posted by Richard | Filed under Le Mans Classic

As we arrived back at the Le Sarthe circuit on Sunday before the race week, the sun was shining and the temperatures were beginning to soar. As all that attended the event will testify, this continued to be the trend for the duration of the event.

On Monday morning the hard work began, with the important job of marking out the campsite plots – quite a task getting 200+ plots, all 7m x 5m onto a rather uneven piece of land!

By Tuesday the marking out was completed, and the site was beginning to take shape with the arrival of the toilet and shower blocks.

On Wednesday, the Travel Destinations cavalry arrived and we could get the site branded appropriately. Up went the flags, banners, and signage. We then had the not so insignificant task of collating and packing 400 ‘goodie bags’, one for each of our customers at our site. At around 9pm our work for the day was done and we headed off for some rest.

Thursday saw the first of our customers arrive. In the morning we had finished the site with the installation of the gazebos and tables and chairs. The temperatures continued to soar in to the mid to high 30Cs. During Thursday we greeted and helped over 120 cars to their camping plots, always with a smile and a bottle of water to help them cool off after a hot and long drive! As we considered leaving the site at about 10.30pm we watched the distant night sky provide an amazing electrical storm with the most amazing lightning. Unfortunately, the promise of rain from the storm never arrived!

Friday morning saw the weather conditions unchanged – and the arrival of the rest of our customers. At 6pm we opened our now customary free bar, to welcome people to our site at Hunaudieres and to the Le Mans Classic. For two hours we gave away cold beer and wine as quickly as our hands could muster! Given the warm weather it certainly was well received!

Saturday finally saw the start of the event! At 9am 120 of our customers arrived at the Bugatti circuit ready to enjoy their ‘parade track laps’. After initial confusion over where our allocated parking site was, we adopted an area and all waited patiently until we persuaded an official to let our customers out on to the circuit. As our customers returned back to the campsite, it was clear from the beaming smiles and ‘giggling’ that these laps had been quite an experience! Given that the temperatures continued to soar, we spent the rest of Saturday giving away water to our customers in an attempt to stop them from over-heating! 4pm saw the start of the first grid race. Just 24 hours to go.

Sunday arrived and ironically that signalled the start of some of our customers departing for home. Fortunately, whilst still bright and sunny the weather was slightly cooler. 4pm arrived and the racing was over, and so ended another spectacular classic motor event at Le Mans. And what a wonderful time we all had.

Sunday evening and Monday was spent breaking down the campsite and generally tidying up. The last campers finally departed the site at around 1pm Monday.

And so the preparations and ideas begin for Le Mans Classic 2012!

If you would like to be at our campsite at Hunaudieres for the Le Mans Classic in 2012 please register your interest with us today on (0844) 873 0203. Our registration list is already active!

Read more | No Comments | July 22nd, 2010

A look back at this weekend’s Le Mans Classic

Posted by Richard | Filed under Le Mans Classic

The Le Mans Classic 2010 began and ended in bright sunshine and temperatures in the shade in excess of 30 degrees centigrade at the famous La Sarthe circuit. For spectators there was much to see and do around the circuit, although anywhere out of the direct sunshine was always a bonus.

With more than 400 cars racing during the Le Mans Classic 24 hours, there was always something unusual or interesting to view on the circuit. Cars from the very first Le Mans 24 Hours in 1923 were up against Talbots and Bugattis in the first grid (1923 – 1939) and the Ferrari 512s and Porsche 935s went head to head in grid 6 (1972 -1979) bringing the 1970s back to life.

On the Le Mans circuit infield more than 7000 cars from various car clubs throughout Europe gathered to make this again the largest car club gatehring in Europe. A walk around the clubs car parks alone occupied many a spectator for a good few hours, before they were drawn back to the action on the track.

As usual the paddock area was a hive of activity. This really is the place to be when cars are being prepared for their next session on the circuit. The sounds of the car engines being fired up for the first time will live long in the memory. Even the quietness of the unusual turbine powered car was something to witness. Speaking with drivers and pit crew in the paddock area has always been a highlight of the Le Mans Classic.

In the Le Mans Classic village, shops were doing brisk trade; not only in drinks to quench the growing thirst, but in all kinds of memorabilia and motoring merchandise. It seemed you could buy anything at the Le Mans Classic; caps & T-shirts, photographs & art, hub-caps & steering wheels, vintage petrol pumps and ultiamtely some fantastic cars in prestine condition. There was somethign for everyones budget with the McClaren art car being sold at auction for more than one million euros.

Ultimately the highlight of the Le Mans Classic is always the racing. Despite the extreme hot conditions on the circuit the racing was always extremely competitive and passing manouvres in traffic were often fast and frantic. Despite driving expensive classic machinery no quarter was given between competing cars on the track.

Wonderful racing & wonderful weather for the Le Mans Classic 2010. Roll on the Le Mans Classic in 2012.

If you would like to be at the Le Mans Classic in 2012 please register your interest with us today on (0844) 873 0203.

Read more | No Comments | July 12th, 2010

Ready for the Le Mans Classic?

Posted by Richard | Filed under Le Mans Classic

More and more guests have been arriving at the Travel Destinations trackside campsite for the Le Mans Classic this weekend. Amidst temperatures in excess of 30 degrees centigrade, MGs, Jaguars, Porsches, Ferraris, Bristols, Alvis’ and other models finished their jounreys from the UK at our campsite.

Most welcome was the complimentary bottles of water handed out on arrival. Sometimes consumed instantly by the drivers and passengers, sometimes consumed by the thirsty overheating cars. Heat and sunstroke could be a recurring theme this weekend.

Participants have been arriving in the paddock as well today, as have our other guests in other campsites, B&Bs and hotels. It is going to be a very busy weekend with cars on track for practice tomorrow afternoon after the official opening tomorrow morning. Racing begins with the traditional Le Mans starts from 4pm on Saturday. The full Le Mans Classic 2010 race shedule is available at www.lemansrace.com

Read more | No Comments | July 8th, 2010

Here we go again!

Posted by Richard | Filed under Le Mans Classic

And so, just three weeks from the packing up our trackside campsite from the Le Mans 24 Hours we are back! This coming weekend sees the return of the Le Mans Classic and Travel Destinations customers are returning in force for this great weekend of historical motorsport.

As usual we are offering a number of different packages for the Le Mans Classic, but by for the most poular is our private trackside campsite. This year the campsite is being occupied by around 400 guests, many of whom are members of the MG Owners’ Club, Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club or the TIPEC (The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts’ Club).

The advanced team from Travel Destinations arrived on Sunday ready to begin work on Monday. By the end of the day the campsite had marked and numbered pitches and was beginning to take shape.

Tuesday was the day to start signposting the campsite. The circuit at Le Mans can be confusing for the first time visitor, particularly if they are arriving once the circuit is open and so the N138 is closed, so good signage is important. We try to go for the subtle approach and stay in keeping with the relaxed atmosphere that the Le Mans Classic has.

Wednesday sees the arrival of more staff in readiness for the majority of arrivals on Thursday and Friday. It starts to feel like an event now as other groups start to assemble their stands and the Le Mans Classic team begin preparing their car parks. The Le Mans Classic is the largest car club gathering in Europe and takes quite a bit of organising.

Friday sees the actual opening of the event, with over 100,000 people expected to descend on Le Mans across the weekend. The weather forecast is for hot and sunny weather, so if you are coming down remember to bring a hat, sunglasses and some sun block! We are really looking forward to it!

Read more | No Comments | July 7th, 2010

Le Mans Classic: A Race Team’s View

Posted by Richard | Filed under Le Mans Classic

Le Mans Classic 2008: A Race Team’s View

Despite only having been run every alternate year since its inception 2002, the Le Mans Classic has quickly built up a reputation as the most prestigious classic motorsport event in the world. Pick up any classic car magazine and you will find journalists waxing lyrical about the cars, the atmosphere and the people. But they are not the only ones who can’t get enough of this unique event. As soon as the dates are announced the organisers are swamped with entry request from all over the globe, from owners of exotic race cars desperate to come and compete at this Mecca of motorsport. To their credit the organisers do not just choose the rare multi million pound supercars. They are careful to try and include as many different makes and types of cars as possible. This results in most wonderful mix of cars on the grids, from Cobras and Aston Martins to little Renault Gordinis and MGs. It is this that gives the event such universal appeal.

The event not only attracts the best cars but also many top drivers and celebrities. Previous years have seen Sir Stirling Moss and Rowan Atkinson taking part. Whilst mingling in the paddocks you find the likes of Basil Wales (Head of BMC Special Tuning in the 1960’s) and the legendary 1950’s & 60’s Jaguar test driver, Norman Dewis.

For any team lucky enough to have their entry accepted there is a lot for work to do, both before and during the event. Whilst many of the entries may look like the road going cars they are based on, most are highly tuned and beautifully crafted pieces of precision engineering. A good example of this the 1965 works MGB originally driven by rally ace Paddy Hopkirk and works BMC driver Andrew Hedges. Since the early 1970’s this car has been owned by legendary MG racer Barry Sidery-Smith, who has competed in it at every Le Mans classic held so far. Whilst the car may look like a standard MGB roadster, its body panels are all hand built in aluminium and the 1800cc engine has almost twice the horse power of the ones fitted to cars on the production line.

The majority of motor races in the UK last less than 30 minutes, with most drivers arriving, qualifying and racing on the same day, before heading home in the evening. The Le Mans classic is very different, with teams arriving several days in advance to set up, scrutineer and test the cars prior to the weekends racing. The format is unique, with the cars divided up into one of 6 “Plateaus” dependant on the era they originally ran in.  The cars from each Plateau then compete in a series of 45 minute races throughout a 24 hour period. This means that spectators get to watch cars from the 1930’s up to the 1970’s in a series of thrilling races which run right through the night. For both teams and spectators alike, there simply is no comparison with any another event for sheer excitement and non stop action. It is an unforgettable experience to be on the pit wall at 4 0’clock in the morning as 75 classic race cars come thundering down the pit straight at full speed, throttles wide open and lights blazing. It literally makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and tingle.

Whilst the modern race gave up the traditional “Le Mans Start” after 1969 for safety reasons, the spectacle is recreated for the first race by each Plateau. It is a wonderful sight to see the cars lined up along the pit wall with there drivers waiting on the far side of the track. It may only be for fun, but very driver wants to be the first to run across the track, jump into their car and pull away. All of which is accompanied by cheers and the support of a large and appreciative crowd.

The atmosphere away from the track is just as good, with spectators allowed unprecedented access to the cars and teams in the paddocks. For each Plateau the 5 hour break before their next race is an opportunity to fix the cars, catch up with old acquaintances and, if you’re really lucky, grab a couple of minutes rest in the back of the transporter.  Like the Goodwood Revival meeting, teams are encouraged to dress up in period outfits, with mechanics resplendent in white overalls and cloth caps, whilst drivers tend to opt for tweed jackets and the occasional cravat. All of which help conjure up images of a bygone era.

One thing that is often remarked upon by visitors, is the great friendship between competitors. Teams frequently lend whatever spare parts they can to other teams, in order to help them get back out for the next race. Many of the mechanics perform quite incredible feats of engineering, with everything from wheel bearings to entire engines being replaced with only a handful of tools and whatever spare parts could be crammed in to the back of a van when leaving their workshops. But there are always some things that have to be left behind. I spoke to one American mechanic who was bemoaning the fact that the team had been unable to bring the 8 golf buggies the crew usually used when racing their Shelby Cobra in America!

It really is a very special event for everyone involved. I can think of no other race meeting that combines excitement and organised chaos with such style. Long may it continue.

Thank you to James Pitt for the contribution of this article.

James is part of the Surrey Sports & Classic Historic Motorsport team that is racing an MGB again at the Le Mans Classic 2010.

Read more | No Comments | June 25th, 2010

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