Club Arnage

The provisional dates have been realesed 6, 7 and 8 July 2012


http://www.lemansclassic.com/en/s01_home/s01p01_home.php

Steve Tom could you sticky the topic please

Goody gumdrops. Looks like my 40th birthday party will be on Maison Blanche next year then.

Lots of presents please as i will be very depressed when I awake on the saturday morning and realize that i'm nearly as old as Fran.

Actually, where is Fran? Did Martini overload her with washing up duties again?

Book now to avoid disappointment

I quite fancy this, - I never recover conciousness in time to see any of the pre-race shows and shenigans during the proper 24H, and the idea of seeing some legendary cars go round in full colour sounds pretty good. What's making me think twice though, is the lack of decent viewing spots at LM, - maybe it was because I'd had a few years off, but I really noticed it this year. It seemed to me there's hardly anywhere where you can be reasonably close to the cars, and/or see them sweep towards you, pass, and then sweep off. I didn't really get the full-on spectator experience, it all seemed a bit de-caf. Is it any better for the classic - I assume that it can only be the same?
H

It is still the same regarding catch fencing etc. But, and its a big but, you tend not to be stood behind hundreds of other (much taller) spectators at the classic due to the smaller crowds. Arnage is very good during the evenings. Instead of the viewing area being rammed solid, there is often plenty of room to stretch out with a picnic and a bottle or six. There is also much less chance of being rumbled if one should get lost in the woods and emerge half way along the straight from Mulsanne (should be no flying Audis to worry about either).  Finally, if you ask nicely, you can watch a few races from the pit wall.
   I really love the Classic. The cars are fantastic, the atmosphere is more laid back and friendly, the bars and stalls in the Village are excellent and its a damn sight cheaper than its modern counterpart too. Give it a try H, i'm sure you will really enjoy it.

The (new) spectator banking at Tertre Rouge is probably the best place now for the (nearly) close up feel.

The last time we went to the classic there were far fewer hospitality suites which meant that the banking was far more open, the inside of the ford chicane for example.

The paddock was also open to one and all.

Well worth a visit, far lass manic than the proper race.

It's a wonderful event H.
It gets busier every year, so try and get there as soon as possible, while the charm remains.
As others have said it's a lot less crowded than the main event, getting down to Arnage/Mulsanne has been easy and it's all very civilised.
Me and Mrs B are planning our 4th trip to the Classic in 2012 already.

Couldn't agree more with what Barry said. I've done the last 2 classics - it's heaven on earth for everyone with genuine interst in historic cars. Actually I found strolling around the various car club parking lots even more interesting than watching the races. I stumbled across beautiful cars I haden't even heard of before - anyone ever herad of Facel Vega? See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facel_Vega - about 20 of them were parked inside Dunlop in the last Classic.

Staying on MB for the classic was nice - may be we can arange some CA block booking?

Thats a good idea Werner. How difficult would it be to arange?

Would we book though an agent (£££££) or try direct with the organiser?

I'd give the ACO a try - a soon as they start accepting bookings. May be one of our local field officers can assist...

It would be great if a CA camp could be organised, everybody was scattered all over the place last time.
In view of the more sedate nature of the Classic prehaps a Pimms afternoon could be organised. :)

If we want the cheap grandstands and free pit passes it would have to be through the ACO.
This applies to ACO members only though.

Hold the cucumber... cannot stand it

>Martini...LB

Have to be 3 batchs then, prefer mine without mint.

Pimms and vodka?

>Martini...LB

Since they reduced the strength of Pimms about 10 years ago, I always spice mine up with a dash of high strength Tanqueray.

That's how it starts Martini, that's how it starts....

We were parked on the grass of Bugatti circuit and the cars exiting the main circuit after their races passed within a couple of feet of us. One of the advantages of taking a classic car I suppose.
It was magnificent last year but waaay too hot to be comfortable.

I hope to do either the 24, or the classic, leaning towards the classic for 2012, but if I can get the time off work, I'll do both.  Those of you who know me on FB will be aware that brownie points aren't exactly in short supply up here at the moment.

Guess I'll need a month holidays next year ...

24h of the Ring, Le Mans, Goodwood, and the Classic in 5 weeks time ... Ring and LM are fixtures already, would be great to add Goodwood to the list.

Hi All,

I got an email from a few ticket agencies yesterday to say that 2012 LM Classic ticket allocations have just been forwarded to said agencies and they are now taking bookings.

As ever, if you want Maison Blanche its time to get cracking!

Si

Are the camping areas the same size as for the main event, what camp sites are available.

Same as the main event 7 x 5m, usually MB, Bleu and I think KN.

many of the campsites are block booked by car clubs, so if you wish to camp on a particular site you will have to either get the tickets from the car clubs or e bay/forum's.

Last year the main campsites used were KN and MB however others (beausjour) were opened up as demand was high. facilities on the campsites were much more basic than the main event however club campsites usually have more organised facilities like a Bar.

Had scare earlier tonight, me and the missus were at her best friends house and they were talking about next July when they both have B~I~G birthdays, I thought OH NO, I will have to miss the Classic. Got back home and checked the dates, luckily, for her, it is the week before. Phew.....

>Martini...LB

Blimey - things are getting tricky, not only do you have to be careful when children come along, you also have to be careful about any prospective girlfriend's date of birth!

 ;D

Our normal holiday in Greece is mucked up this year as well as our daughter is getting married in May.

Thinking about Italy in July - recommendations anyone.

>Martini...LB

Very glum this morning.

Firstly I have discovered over the weekend that my new Alfa Giulia Sprint has had a hard hit on the N/S front suspension at some point in the past. Its going to have to go down to South Wales to be straightened on the jig. They have the only set of body clamps to fit this car in the country and their waiting list means it won't return until well into the new year. So that has pushed not only the timescale, but the budget beyond me being able to get to Le Sarthe next summer. Looks like I'm taking the camper then.

And secondly, I've been buggered about by the ticket agency again and have no MB camping space.
I called them last june and requested an allocation. I called again last month and was told i was very near the top of the list and they would be in touch in the next few weeks when they knew the amount of tickets they were getting from the ACO.
 This morning i got an email saying, 'as we have not heard from you regarding your ticket requirements we have released your allocation and have no more MB available. We do however have camping available on Beasjour and look forward to taking your order'.
Bastards!
Going to call them at 9am and give them holy hell.

Its really taken the shine off my morning.

Grumpy Si

What a mess.

I hope the ticket agency get their act together... mind you, it could be the excuse you need to stay at that fancy hotel you were promising yourself!

F

Does anyone know whne tickets for the Classic can be booked on the ACO website?

Cheers

Werner

Si

Please tell me this is a joke....

Any other agencies offering tickets?

This is a much politer response to my thoughts... the bxxxxrds

>Martini...LB

The Classic website says that ticketing will start in Mid November

What about the group that usually supply the LM24 tickets, do they do Classic?

>Martini...LB

All MB passes will be sold through agencies and car clubs this time. Theres also a limit on the number of paddock passes too. First come first served basis. Or in my case- afirst come, so what, f*** off basis.

Alfa is worse than i thought. Bulkhead has also moved and the passenger side A post is also back 9mm. Its going to be tough getting it ready for 2013 now.

Harrumph. :'(

I just had an awful thought......

Just to top it all off, you arent booked on the ferry with Sea France are you!

 :-\

Be nice Fran, the lad is upset...

>Martini...LB

I know.... he has gone awfully quiet.

F

I'm sulking.

Aww, bless!

((hugs))

NOT NOW YOU HAVE PM ;)

Good old Jules saves the day.

So that's ferry booked, tickets and camping sorted. Just need a car now. Alfa won't be anywhere near ready. Mmmmmmmmmmm, there is one option.

Time to do a deal with OPEC I think.

James, bring the Interceptor out to the front door. We're going to France!

 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

 :)

Yikes.... whats the air con/luggage situation now?!

:)

F

Plenty of luggage space but no air con. There is a big 440 cubic inch V8 providing ample under floor heating though.  ;D

Fantastic... in that case will you be travelling in your Mankini this time?

F

What is the wife going to use to do the shopping?

>Martini...LB

Probably my debit card as usual. ::)

The ticket office opened this morning - I missed the first wave as my mother phoned  ::) but have got 2 MBs etc in my basket but the site won't check out.  Any body else tried and succeeded yet this morning?

Yes I have ;D
Didn't accept my first card, but did the second.
Breeze, as it should be.
See you on MB.

It's still just sitting there after ten minutes, telling me to be patient.  I guess as it's lunchtime everybody's buying tickets so it's crashed the system again.  Probably by the time I get this done then MB will have sold out. ::)

I'm a member of the ACO FFS, of course I'm bloody patient.

Thanks for the heads up.  Now booked : 4 x MB, 4 x ACO tribune, 4 x GE / Paddock  (had to do it in 2 transactions though)

Wow, there is going to be a hell of a group of CAers on MB next year.

Roll call:

Jules G plus son Alex and Batman with his 2 boys
Fran
Si
Martini
Barry + Jo
Steve Pyro +

Landman + 1 might be coming along with us as well.
Don't know about Bobblehat and Keith, they usually make it to the Classic.

Landman +1 is definitely coming.  Just not exactly sure who is the +1 yet  ;D  It should be Mrs Landman, but many's the slip between cup & mouth...

Landman's MD is also attending, but he's camping with the posh boys up a tertre rouge.  I do wonder though if I buy the beers will he sign them off on my expenses?

I hope to be on MB too for the Classic - once again together with a friend in his lovely TR 5 . Booking it on the ACO site didn't work though, Password was not accepted and having it send to the mobile also didn't work. Don't they have some skilled programmers in France? Hope my e-mail booking will work...

It's still jammed in "Patientez" heaven here, Werner.  It puts my order in the basket then freezes up.  Aaagh.  Back to the phone (although that was engaged all day yesterday too.)

Deb
Check your messages.

As always Nadine at the tourist office has everything sorted 2MB and four sets of race,paddock and aco grandstand for euro 420 so much easier than dealing withe the ACP website

Goodness is Nadine still there?!  

I used to deal with her years ago but have developed a more hit n miss approach in the last few years.

:)

Yes she is still there, met her last year for the first time, she has always been good to me never fails to get me exactly what i want and half the price of the agents, and a billion times better to deal with than the ACO. Lovely lady and her english is perfect well worth popping into the tourist office when you are in le mans town.

If you are ordering on the ACO site, I would advise having at least 2 credit cards available.

The one they rejected yesterday, they accepted today.
The one they accepted yesterday, they rejected today.

The ACO moves in mysterious ways.

Add Fran to the list and more than likely Newcastle Dave.

We should have dinner at Arnage on Friday night then head down to Arnage corner for qualifying.

Afterall, Friday will be my 40th birthday!

I am already on the list..... are the old eyes going already Si?  Its a slippery slope from here on.....

F

When do camp sites open for the classic is it like the main race.

No they will not normally officially open until Friday but I know some people who got there on thursday last year and manageed to get on the sites but facilities usually arrive/open on friday so beware.

 ;D

Excellent news about the birthday Si

Sorry, what was that? You'll have to shout, my hearing's not so good these days. Are you the man from the gasboard? Where's George gone?

Camp sites open Thursday for the Classic, usually about 2pm to allow the queues to build up to silly lengths.
It would be a lot easier for them if they opened at 9am, so everybody arrives steadily through the day.

Just looked at my confirmation, bugger site opens Thursday, booked the ferry to arrive Friday >:(

* AA MAISON BLANCHE
Jeudi 5 juillet 2012 à 09h00
Ticket valid from Thursday, July 5th 2012 to Sunday, July 8th 2012

Change the ferry booking.
Simples!

tried to, but no cabins available.

Looks like the Tour de France could delay travel to LM.

2012 Tour de France stages:

P Prologue Sat 30 June Liège > Liège 6.1 km
1 Road stage Sun 1 July Liège > Seraing 198 km
2 Road stage Mon 2 July Visé > Tournai 207 km
3 Road stage Tues 3 July Orchies > Boulogne-sur-Mer 197 km
4 Road stage Weds 4 July Abbeville > Rouen 214 km
5 Road stage Thurs 5 July Rouen > Saint-Quentin 197 km
6 Road stage Fri 6 July Épernay > Metz 210 km
7 Road stage Sat 7 July Tomblaine > La Planche des Belles Filles 199 km
8 Road stage Sun 8 July Belfort > Porrentruy 154 km
9 Time trial Mon 9 July Arc-et-Senans > Besançon 38 km
10 Road stage Weds 11 July Mâcon > Bellegarde-sur-Valserine 194 km
11 Mountains Thurs 12 July Albertville > La Toussuire - Les Sybelles 140 km

Damn would have liked to see a stage, but not arriving into St Malo till the Thursday morning.

Don't worry. We 'bumped into' Le Tour on our way back in 2008 somewhere in the Swiss Normandie. We watched the riders and support crews go through and then followed the last car through the village. We were only held up for a few minutes.

Just had this from the ACO

For LE MANS CLASSIC'S 10th edition (July, 6th & 8th 2012), the ticket office is open to the general public. For you, ACO members*, a pre-sale period is organized for more than a month until January, 31st 2012 to allow you to benefit from special reductions on  grandstand tickets and access to the paddock.
Take advantage of it without waiting: the paddock ticket is FREE for any general entrance ticket bought (at member price) before February, 1st 2012. Also the ACO grandstands will count only €15, instead of €20 after the pre-sale period (and €40 for general public).
Finally, please note that the ACO members benefit from a significant reduction on the general entrance ticket : €45 instead of €59, that is €14 discount!

Probably not going myself, and I don't know if the number of tickets is capped, but happy to get some cheap tickets for people if they want. Would need cash before credit card comes through though. PM me if interested.

Hmm, I got this too.  Advanced bookings not going as well as they had hoped, perhaps?

(About time they shelled out for a better translator than Google!)

Just ordered for the Classic. MB was not availbel online, so BN needs to do it.

All of you a merry christmas and a happy new year. Let's hope FIA doesn't f*ck up our beloved sports with that WEC thingy in 2012...

Cheers

Werner

Classic entry list .. to be revised on 10th Jan.

http://www.lemansclassic.com/userfiles/pdfs/2012/ListedesengagsN1.pdf (http://www.lemansclassic.com/userfiles/pdfs/2012/ListedesengagsN1.pdf)

Nice to see the usual suspects will be there and a few first timers. Looking forward to seeing the little Elva GT160 featured in this months C&SC magazine.

That said, Plateux 5 is looking a little sparse. Its my favourite era too.

Si

Only one 917, which is a shame.
Have they been breaking them in other classic races?

Boat booked, Guernsey to St Malo  - Wed - Mon £150 with Condor.

>Martini...LB

Updated Rollcall 12/1/12

please update at will  ;)

Jules G +4 / MB /
Fran / MB / Fri AM to Sun
Martini / MB / Thurs to Mon
Lazy B'stard / MB / Fri AM to Sun / Jensen Interceptor II
Barry + Jo / MB /
Steve Pyro + / MB /
Werner + 1 / MB / / Triumph TR
Landman + 1 / MB /
Newcastle Dave + / ?? /
Termie +2 / MB /
GT6 + / MB /

might have missed a few?? Plus a few fence sitters.

So are we all on MB then? I know a few are ;)

Landman and we are.
Rang T Place 41 & 42

You can add Termietermite + 2 as well, also on MB.
Rang K Place 47 & 48

Bought and paid for two MB spots from tourist office but no idea of spots yet

Jules G +4 / MB /
Fran / MB / Fri AM to Sun
Martini / MB / Thurs to Mon
Lazy B'stard / MB / Fri AM to Sun / Jensen Interceptor II
Barry + Jo / MB /
Steve Pyro + / MB /
Werner + 1 / MB / / Triumph TR
Landman + 1 / MB /
Newcastle Dave + / MB /Thurs PM - Sun / Honda S2000
Termie +2 / MB /
GT6 + / MB /

Jules G +4 / MB /
Fran / MB / Fri AM to Sun
Martini / MB / Thurs to Mon / Audi A4 Avant
Lazy B'stard / MB / Fri AM to Sun / Jensen Interceptor II
Barry + Jo / MB /
Steve Pyro + / MB /
Werner + 1 / MB / / Triumph TR
Landman + 1 / MB /
Newcastle Dave + / MB /Thurs PM - Sun / Honda S2000
Termie +2 / MB /
GT6 + / MB /

Jules G +4 / MB /
Fran / MB / Fri AM to Sun
Martini / MB / Thurs to Mon / Audi A4 Avant
Lazy B'stard / MB / Fri AM to Sun / Jensen Interceptor II   :)
Barry + Jo / MB / Thurs to Sun / S-Max
Steve Pyro + / MB /
Werner + 1 / MB / / Triumph TR
Landman + 1 / MB /
Newcastle Dave + / MB /Thurs PM - Sun / Honda S2000
Termie +2 / MB /
GT6 + / MB /

Second 917 added to the entry.  8) 

bunch of us from the southeast all booked and raring to go again.
Staying on MB with 1st tickets, you will hear us before you see us  ;D the cars that is

Starting to feel the pressure now. The Jensen has sat untouched since december as the paintshop burnt down the night before it was booked in for paint. They reopened on monday but i now have to re-prep for paint. Then theres the engine and box to finish, the front suspension to rebuild, the radiator and alternator to fix, the exhausts to finish, trim and brightwork to refit, before I can even think about dragging it through an MOT. I really want to get some miles on it too before the off as its only done 109 miles in the last five years :-[

Looks like I need to start burning the midnight oil again.

Sounds like you have your work cut out Mr B'Stard - look forward to updates and wish you luck  :)

I guess you are already familiar with the specialists at Cropredy,  (just up the road from here)

Any chance to get a hold on a MB camping ticket ? 
I'll be there, just not sure yet about camping or hotel.

On the bright side.... at least your passport is up to date this time!

I have every faith in you Dr S.

:)

You should have a PM from me

Just been told by work that I cannot have the time off for the classic looks like I have to wait until 2013 for my first visit to the classic  >:( >:( :( :(

I hate to break the news to you but that would be 2014.  Not worth leaving a job for - especially these days - but close!  Bummer.

Bugger, was still living in the past still coming to grips with 2012 its all going past way to fast.

Got it  ;)

Just wait 'til you're my age. ::)

Thats a long wait ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

x

Harsh very harsh  ;)

bunch of cobs + a few other interesting machines heading down this year staying on MB with 1st tickets.

hope to see you there, oh and watch out for the tour de france which heads south to Rouen on Weds and out of Rouen Thurs morning

sorry if thats been mentioed before, havnt read all posts.

It has  ;D  See you there

Also a heads up for all those travelling down from oop north that it's British Grand Prix that weekend so expect some extra traffic around Northampton.

Hi Si

I live oop north in Guernsey but I do not think there is any Grand Prix going on, possibly a sprint, sand racing, beach banger racing or  a hill climb... but luckily no F1...

Looking forward to the Classic mate... hope you do not have time to read this as you are too busy working on your car...

>Martini...LB

Yes, I am drinking at the moment...

I've done anything on the Jensen for months Martin. I keep getting distracted and have to keep the company afloat. I must get motivated. I think it's the £600 fuel bill to get it to Le Sarthe and back that is a bit of a subconscious mental barrier. There's always the yellow fun bus to fall back on. The main thing is to be there. I really missed my friends last year and don't want a repeat.

Si

Jules G +4 / MB /
Fran / MB / Fri AM to Sun
Martini / MB / Thurs to Mon / Audi A4 Avant
Lazy B'stard + 1 / MB / Fri AM to Sun / Jensen Interceptor II   :)
Barry + Jo / MB / Thurs to Sun / S-Max
Steve Pyro + / MB /
Werner + 1 / MB / / Triumph TR
Landman + 1 / MB /
Newcastle Dave + / MB /Thurs PM - Sun / Honda S2000
Termie +2 / MB /
GT6 + / MB /
Dutch Bas /MB/ Fri PM to Sun / Alfa

Jules G +4 / MB /
Fran / MB / Fri AM to Sun
Martini / MB / Thurs to Mon / Audi A4 Avant
Lazy B'stard + 1 / MB / Fri AM to Sun / Jensen Interceptor II   
Barry + Jo / MB / Thurs to Sun / S-Max
Steve Pyro + / MB /
Werner + 1 / MB / / Triumph TR
Landman + 1 / MB /
Newcastle Dave + / MB /Thurs PM - Sun / Honda S2000
Termie +2 / MB /
GT6 + / MB /
Dutch Bas /MB/ Fri PM to Sun / Alfa
Brian, Ian, Stu/MB/Fri Pm to Mon/ V70

Excellent!  ;D

It will be great to see you there. :)

Jules G +4 / MB /
Fran / MB / Fri AM to Sun
Martini / MB / Thurs to Mon / Audi A4 Avant
Lazy B'stard + 1 / MB / Fri AM to Sun / Jensen Interceptor II   
Barry + Jo / MB / Thurs to Sun / S-Max
Steve Pyro + / MB /
Werner + 1 / BN / / Triumph TR 250
Landman + 1 / MB /
Newcastle Dave + / MB /Thurs PM - Sun / Honda S2000
Termie +2 / MB /
GT6 + / MB /
Dutch Bas /MB/ Fri PM to Sun / Alfa
Brian, Ian, Stu/MB/Fri Pm to Mon/ V70

Changed our campsite to BN - didn't get MB for the Classic :(

Jules G +4 / MB /
Fran / MB / Fri AM to Sun
Martini / MB / Thurs to Mon / Audi A4 Avant
Lazy B'stard + 1 / MB / Fri AM to Sun / Jensen Interceptor II   
Barry + Jo / MB / Thurs to Sun / S-Max
Steve Pyro + / MB /
Werner + 1 / BN / / Triumph TR 250
Landman + 1 / MB /
Newcastle Dave + / MB /Thurs PM - Sun / Honda S2000
Termie +2 / MB /
GT6 + / MB /
Dutch Bas /MB/ Fri PM to Sun / Alfa
Brian, Ian, Stu/MB/Fri Pm to Mon/ V70
Dottore +1/MB/Fri pm to Sun/ BMW M5

Just two months to go now guys and gals. Time to get some plans made methinks. 8)

I am still in Holland... can't start planning the next one yet.....  ;D

F

I'm out of this years trip, as posted else where, work has to come first.

Shame, Jules. :(

Deb,

It is....... but work has to come first at the moment, important 6 months ahead for the business.

Sorry to hear you won't be there Jules. 

F

Sorry to hear that Jules.
Landman won't be making it either.
But there's still quite a few on MB.

Sorry to hear that Jules. I was looking forward to plying you with ale too in return for your help in getting our tickets sorted. Oh well, there is always next year.

We will still be there of course but it looks like the big green Jensen won't be. I'm running out of time to finish it and the £600+ fuel bill to get there and back is becoming less and less attractive by the day. The practicality and convenience of bringing the camper down is looking like the favoured option.

Si

Thanks Guys, work has to come first, having only been in the new job for 10 months we are making a hell of a lot of progress with turning things around. A big push this year and I will be more than making up for it in 2013 (24hr) and 2014 (Both events);D

Si, no worries, tickets on route shortly direct to the address you gave me. Assume you will require my services in 2014 ;) Hopefully that will mean double the Ale ;D

Cheers Jules, sorry not going to meet you.

Hopefully next year we can say 'cheers' properly...

>Martini...LB

Those lovely people at UPS delivered my Classic tickets this morning - stand by your doorstep.

My MB tickets are Rang W, Place 54, 55, 56, 57

If you prefer MB Werner get in touch with Newcastle Dave as he has a few spares that he is looking to sell.

We are on Rang X numbers 58-66.

Does anyone have an up to date map with the pitch numbers on?

Si

Found the map. It's in here....

http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=10999.0#top (http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=10999.0#top)

Excellent - near the track and not too far from the bogs!

(Assuming they keep the same map for more than one year....)

:)

We are K49-50  ;D

We are T 41

Looking at the map, you are right next to us. We had better take an extra freezer down in the van to keep all your beer cold!

Cheers Si.  ;D
We will be Monaro x 1, Cobra x 2, Audi rag top x 1 so creature comforts may be lacking.

My tickets turned up yesterday Rang K site 73 and 74, anyone near us?

Scores on the doors so far....

Barry  :: Rang T 41
Brian and the Liverpool Boys :: K 49-50
GT6 :: K 73-74
Steve Pyro :: W 54-57
Newcastle Dave, Martini, Fran, Lazy B'stard, Dutch Bas & co :: X 58-66

Scores on the doors so far....

Barry  :: T 41
Brian and the Liverpool Boys :: K 49-50
GT6 :: K 73-74
Steve Pyro :: W 54-57
Newcastle Dave, Martini, Fran, Lazy B'stard, Dutch Bas & co :: X 58-66
Deb & Ian :: K 47-48
Dottore :: T 42

take care re camping ticket problem. if the sun shines like it did 2 years ago the camping tickets will be ll black within 30 minutes

Latest press release:-

on Friday at 5pm 23  of the 37 250 GTO's will be on show and will then do a parade lap. The 1952 C-type I built will also be doing the parade, I understand, but I doubt at the same time and with what cars I have no idea. Incidentally, ticket sales passed 125,000 several weeks back.

Wow, I'm really looking forward to seeing that!

I'm a bit late to this thread but may have a pass out to the classic this year.
If I do the trip by train rather than drive I presume that I can just turn up and buy a weekend ticket at the rotunda. Yes / No?

What about camping tickets as well?  - the Le mans Classic web site just refers me to the Le mans.org site and I'm confused.

Any help out there?

Steve

Yes you can buy on the gate.  In the Museum Shop, not the Rotunda (that's for pick-ups afaik). Camping I'm not so sure about but yes, you book through the ACO website (I'll find the page in a mo'.)  When I looked last week for somebody else there were still Bleu tickets left.

HERE/http://ticket.lemans.org/le-mans-classic-2012-sport-mecanique-pays-de-la-loire-css5-lemans-pg1-rg1743.html?utm_source=http://www.lemans.org/fr/billetterie (http://www.clubarnage.com/http://ticket.lemans.org/le-mans-classic-2012-sport-mecanique-pays-de-la-loire-css5-lemans-pg1-rg1743.html?utm_source=http://www.lemans.org/fr/billetterie)

Steve, you have PM.

Updated scores on the doors so far....

Barry  :: T 41
Brian and the Liverpool Boys :: K 49-50
GT6 :: K 73-74
Steve Pyro :: W 54-57
Newcastle Dave, Martini, Fran, Lazy B'stard, Dutch Bas & co :: X 58-66
Deb & Ian :: K 47-48
Werner :: T 42

Just 16 sleeps 'til the off.

 ;D

I better hurry up cleaning the camping gear after LM then.   :)

Does anyone fancy a Club Arnage Gathering at the classic?

We usually do, in previous years it's been on the banking at MB on Friday evening, fueled by champagne  ;D, but we should remember the problems that Deb has accessing some areas of the circuit.

And the maisonblanche.co.uk possee at S 88  ;D

When is everyone arriving? We leave Stamford about 10 on Thursday, so allowing for a semi-traditional picnic at the hairpin of the old Rouen-les-Essarts GP circuit, we should be onsite about 9pm.

This time in 2 weeks......  ;D

I think my team leader expects us to arrive around midnight on Thursday. :)

Yep, first wave will arrive on Thursday morning, the Dutchman sometime in the afternoon and the group will be complete by midnight. A few quick beers whilst unloading the van and then a good nights kip I hope after a 19 hour journey. It will also be my last day in my thirtys. Friday is the big four- ohh for me.

As if you needed an excuse! Think that might call for a beer or few then.  ;D

There is talk of our group heading up to Arnage village on Friday evening between the practice sessions for a few beers and a meal. Everyone is welcome to join us. Planing on heading down to Arnage corner afterwards for the second practice.

We're on the P&O Dover / Calais Thursday at 07:35 so hope to be on MB teatime.

I reckon we would be up for that too.

On the Wednesday night boat to St Malo, so should be on MB about midday Thursday, unless we stop for lunch somewhere.

You forgot me then...  :o :o

Arriving St Malo wed afternoon

>Martini... (Original) LB  :D

Martin

Dont arrive before Thursday Morning - The camp site isnt open until then???????  See you mid afternoon on Thursday - will you have the kettle on??

Dave

I didn't forget, you are the first wave I speak off!

Looking forward to seeing you old friend. It's been too long mate.

Well I left is a it late to book everything.
I've acquired Werner's tickets now he can't go.
Will be arriving some time on Friday.  Though we're travelling out on Thurs afternoon and staying at a friends place that evening.

See you there.

So then peoples, as the magic hour approacheth, and not having stayed on MB since the first year of mini-pitch restrictions at the 24 Hours (and 2006 for the Classic), are the facilities the same in terms of showers/loos etc. for the Classic?

Great news, civilised neighbours!   ;D

Latest scores on the doors so far....

Barry & Jo :: T41
Tom :: T 42
Brian and the Liverpool Boys :: K 49-50
Deb & Ian :: K 47-48
GT6 :: K 73-74
Steve Pyro :: W 54-57
Newcastle Dave, Martini, Fran, Lazy B'stard, Dutch Bas & co :: X 58-66

Is there an MB layout any place?

There is a map here.

http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=10999.0#top (http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=10999.0#top)

Found it!!! :-)

http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10999.0;attach=7137;image

Update

Barry & Jo :: T41   arrive Thursday lunchtime.
Tom :: T 42          Friday
Brian and the Liverpool Boys :: K 49-50   Friday
Deb & Ian :: K 47-48 
GT6 :: K 73-74
Steve Pyro :: W 54-57
Newcastle Dave, Martini, Fran, Lazy B'stard, Dutch Bas & co :: X 58-66   Thurs/ Fri
Mr Rick  :: S 88

I know it's a bit of a long shot but due to a last minute work related drop out, I now have a spare Maison Blanche, plus a GA and a Paddock pass up for grabs. It's probably too late to post out so I think it best if we handed over at the circuit. Guide price is face value of course but I'll take a hit if need be. PM me if interested.
Sorry mods, I appreciate this should be in the for sale section, but as time is short and anyone thinking of a last minute trip will likely look here. I'll take my punishment if need be. :police:

Hi Guys

Can anyone confirm the opening day for access to MB, is it thursday at 9.00?

>Martini...LB

That is my understanding.

I am trying to remember what I have forgotten before I leave tomorrow lunchtime...  ::)

>Martini...LB

The pills?

don't worry you can get them when you get back!!!

I'm loading the van up now. I think I have evicted al the spiders from down the back of the freezer.

Now, where did I put my Belstaffs. It's looking like I'll need them.

Bloody weather.

Right then chaps, that's me out of here. Just calling at the farm shop for some proper bacon and that's everything sorted.
Early start in the morning nd should get to MB for midnight on Thursday.

Safe journey everyone.

See you on MB Friday lunchtime

Car packed setting of in a few.

See you there!!

t

Have fun out there everyone !

If anyone sees an official sticker, the rectangular one, could they get it 4 me and I'll settle up for it when u return.   Looked everywhere in June and couldn't find one! Must've been the alcohol blurring my vision? Or short supply?

Wish I was there and had won the lottery.

Some nice cars in the auction there today, a lot I have never seen before, but would be so much fun to own

http://www.artfact.com/catalog/searchLots.cfm?scp=c&catalogRef=Y29OXX5EIA&utm_campaign=catalert&utm_medium=email&utm_source=afalert&code=11002

The first batch of Jox Jottings from Classic are now online with pics in Club Arnage Blog

Link from main index page www.clubarnage.com (http://www.clubarnage.com) or http://clubarnagelemans2012.blogspot.co.uk/ (http://clubarnagelemans2012.blogspot.co.uk/)

Second batch of Jottings from Classic now up.

Link from main index page www.clubarnage.com (http://www.clubarnage.com) or http://clubarnagelemans2012.blogspot.co.uk/ (http://clubarnagelemans2012.blogspot.co.uk/)

Well what a weekend! Beautiful machinery everywhere. Lots of wet stuff (sadly mostly from the sky, not the breweries), 7000 photos, several interviews with Spitfire owners for Classics Monthly magazine's 50th anniversary special in a few months and an interview with Vern Schuppan (more to come on that). Oh and when I got back to my car in the press car park, I had a "telling off" note attached from officialdom for not displaying my parking pass (no-one else was either .. something to do with there being an instruction on the tickets not to expose them to light!!!). Funny that I was the only car that got the official yellow-papered warning!!!

Never did find time to get over to the auction house .. bugger! Everytime I promise myself "next time". Need another day!!

With all our whizzings arounds, did manage to bump into Steve Brown for a quick catch-up (do so love that juicy Caddy!!) and Martini found me up at the Ford chicane. Good to see you both chaps!! Also nice to meet you Simon. Occured to me afterwards that you must be Lazy B'Stard .. doh! Should have realised at the time!

Already back in the studio and just about to download my visual recordings onto the big drive. I might be some time.....!!

 ;D

Well I made it home after a couple of power naps on the motorway (in the services I mean, naturally!) - arriving in a very rainy Manchester just before 7 a.m. just in time to shower and get off to work!  I have issued a general warning that I might not be exhibiting my usual sunny disposition today.....!

Another excellent Classic weekend which the weather, a leaky tent and a self-deflating airbed failed to spoil.

Big thanks to Si, Stuart and Martin for the excellent company and tall tales at camp Lazy B.

It was good to catch up with Steve B and Andy and the gang and to sit under my old gazebo which seems to be surviving very well without my involvement!  Nice to see Barry, Jo, Tom and many others whose names elude me at the moment....sorry!

Looking forward to going home time now.....

F

Just a taster from the weekend  ;D

Was sorry to hear about the Ferrari crashing on its way to the Classic - its good to see these cars actualy being driven on the roads rather than being carried around on a trailer.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4419639/Ferrari-crashes-into-record-books.html

F

Hello everyone. Back to the land of the living again. Still exhausted and wired on strong coffee.

By and large another great weekend. Bloody ACO did an absolutely dreadful job in organising the weather. It's been on the calendar for two years now so they had plenty of notice to book some sunshine, but failed in typical French fashion. I'm sure us Brits could do better.

Great company as ever. Big man huggs to Uncle Martin, who can provide sensible conversation given a little effort. Shame we only get to meet once a year, and already looking forward to next time.

Big thanks to Newcastle Dave and his group. Lots of new friends there and a certain civility this year with proper food, our own Vicar and daily Yoga classes to sit and watch / laugh at over a cold breakfast beer.

Thanks to Stuart for his company, especially on the long drive home when the black coffee / Red Bull caffeine shake start to take over!

Huge, huge thanks to CA's own Goddess, the wonderful Fran for being the responsible adult and translator.... She even did the washing up without protest this year! Again, a year is far too long between meetings and I'm missing your company and good humour already. Hope you and your husband got home OK. ;)

Also last but not least my new friend Eric, a seriously funny guy who I hope will be there next year. Proof that language is never a barrier and a little pigeon French and English will get you through- comedy being a universal language that works anywhere. 'Cuckoo'.

Nice to meet a few faces from team CA. Sadly didn't get to meet everyone, but big shout to Mr Rick, Barry and Jo, Lee, the Browns etc. promise to make more effort next time.

A few thoughts on the weekend.....

Weather total pants. Got soaked a few times.

Driving standards in general were appalling at times. Probably more discussion on this topic later, but for now let's say it was really something that needs to be addressed.

Size of the event. It's getting really big now. Maybe they need to open on the Thursday so you can actually get round and see everything. At some times, in certain places it was just like the 24. There also seems to be a certain element turning up now. Lewd behaviour, bare chests and drunkenness isn't what I go to the Classic for (although having been there with Martini twice prior I should be used to it by now).

Those small gripes apart, it was another great weekend. The cars were stunning, the atmosphere was great, the friendly and open attidude of the drivers and mechanics was wonderful as ever.

A few highlights......
Plateaux 6. I could watch a whole 24 hours of that race. Driving standards higher than the other grids, the cars looked genuinely fast and the assault on the aural senses is incredible.

Ferarri 250 GTO paddock and parade. Such stunning cars but slightly strange seeing so many in one place. Kind of underwhelming in a sense. Almost like spending a lifetime looking for a unicorn, then finding 26 of them in a pub having lunch.

Walking back from Tetre Rouge at 3am on Saturday morning and only seeing one single living soul all the way back to MB. Almost like you had become the only person on earth. Took time to take in the buildings and small details of the place you think you know so well. I've always liked my own company and to spend a steady hour long stroll in a place I dearly love, alone, was a real highlight of the weekend.

The Friday evening meal in Arnage was great. Plenty of entertainment from the passing cars and the crazy young lad on the Scooter who pulled every trick in the book to raucous cheers. Several loud choruses of Happy Birthday in which all the other guests and passer-by's joined in with was rather cool, and topped off a good day in which to say goodbye to your thirtys and hello to a decade of buggered knees, bad backs and digestive problems.

Being allowed onto the ferry despite only checking in 11 minutes before sailing after a mammoth effort in the van, wringing its neck for the last 120km whilst ignoring an ever strengthening smell of burning plastic and rubber. Why oh why must I always be late despite setting off in good time? This year was too close for comfort.

Finally the good craic and banter. The weather was rubbish but it failed to dampen the spirits. I raise a glass to you all.

The Classic for me has always been an antidote to the modern 24. Smaller crowds and a more relaxing atmosphere. It's got busier and busier over the last decade and in that respect it has begun to lose its shine somewhat. The standard of racing also took a dive again this year. There are now too many people on the track who are there because they can afford too. A few very special cars have ended up damaged this year as a direct result. I'm now asking myself if I can justify going to the Classic again at the expense of attending the modern event which is now enjoying a golden patch. It's a shame as I've always enjoyed the classic, but this year not so much as in previous years. Maybe it was the weather? I'm not sure, but as an event it oat it's shine this year. However, the usual fun, games and companionship from the guys on the campsite more than compensated for this years shortcomings, and for that I thank you all once again.

Cheers all.
Lazy Bastard.

Another vote from me for Eric - I have never in my life seen a sober adult quite so amused by a cup travelling up and down on an electric car aerial!

And we knew you were loving the Happy Birthdays really!!

Si you need to add in ear and nose hair growth to that, since saying goodbye to my thirties 2 years ago, it's now a constant battle with the buggers springing up all the time >:(

Glad you all had a great time ;D

>Martini...LB

What great weekend.

Thanks to Jo for seeding the thought in Anita's mind that Camping at the Circuit is tolerable.
Thanks to the Guy and this wife in the Mini Marcus who spotted I had left my camera at the side of the car in pompey on the way out.

I thought that the weekend might be a bit of a disaster as Barry point ed the rather chequered history of the Tickets I had.  Having originally been Paul's then sold to Kristof the to Werner all of whom had not been able to make it for one reason or another.  So when we were about half way to the ferry and Anita remembered that we have forgotten to get the GPS from her car.  I though well thats us off to a bad start.   We were going to be staying at a friends place on the way down and on the way back but it is in the middle of nowhere and so a GPS was quite an important item.  No the less Google maps and the iPhone did the trick and we made it to the house without a hitch.  From there on everything went really well.


It made a big difference stopping of at our friends place the trip not nearly as rushed as I normally am.  Mind you the car seemed to be just as full this weekend as the main event and there were only two of us in the car.

Thanks to everyone we met up there.

I guess the oddest thing of the weekend was on on Monday evening we went in to Bagnoles-de-l'Orne and by pure chance we decided to go for a walk around the Lake in centre and who should we bump in to? The Liverpool boys!   

Well have to do it all again in two years time.  :-)

Fantastic weekend (12k or so up on last year - attendance wise) only marred by the fact that I had food poisoning plus a total old-fart disaster whereby both Mr T and I thought we'd packed Robbo's spare batteries for my scooter when neither of us had.  He then had to shove me up the hill in the village single handed when the first set went flat having got me out to TR on Friday night/Saturday morning.  We were thus pretty much stuck in the grandstand for the rest of the weekend so missed seeing so many of you.  It really is over far too quickly to allow us to see the vast amount of stuff that's about.

Great though to catch up with the Liverpool Boys and (briefly) Tom, Steve and co.  Huge thanks also to my mate Herard at the local bar in the village (known to some of you as the destination of my mad Friday drive-outs), who this morning presented me with a genuine Porsche badge for the scooter which he'd procured over the weekend.

I'm already on the hog trail and the baked beans are in the queue awaiting the tasting trial. ;)

Sad so see a couple of very valuable casualties but better that than all these wonderful machines kept in cotton wool in museums.  I do think it's great to see cars that are in the permanent exhibit in the adjacent museum are run and actually raced on the track during these weekends.

Rumours abounding down here that Peter is trying to persuade the powers that be to buy large parts of Hunaudieres so that the long circuit can be a permanent feature at LM (know anything about this, Mr Cheese?).  This might even mean a Classic every year if it ever comes off but would, imo, remove some of the magic if it were not longer a public roads race.  We shall see.  Interesting times ahead.

I have the 1972 programe at home that announces a new dual carriageway that will run beside the Hunaudieres, that will allow the existing road to be made available to the ACO. Forty years later and all that.....

Can't see it happening in the current climate. If it did happen then great- I'd love to see the 24hr Camions thunder down there!

I have been checking out the camions on youtube.... looks a hoot!

F

A bit of night-time stuff.  More atmosphere than quality as I seem to have been on about ten thousand ASA at the time!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/97986095@N00/sets/72157630526214996/

A few more....

I like the raindrops one - sadly it didnt sit in bubbles like that on my tent!

:)

And some daytime stuff.  Sorry the videos are crude, handheld and unedited but at least they have a little more action than the Motors coverage!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/97986095@N00/sets/72157630526564888/

Great to see old friends, Termie, Ian, Tom, Anita, Leigh, Anita, Barry, Joe, Graham, Rob,Terry, Mike,Kevin,Ian, Peter, Stu, Dave, Pam. Shirley, Alan, John, Ken, Tony and all the others that enjoyed the company, hope to see you all next year, thanks guys for making our first classic one to remember.

I didn't think it was odd, I thought it was quite a pleasant night.  :)

Yes there was a bit of occasional drizzle (and a good downpour early Saturday evening - was in the Tribunes) but what a cracking weekend.

Good to see the usual faces - Fran came to check that we were safeguarding her gazebo.

We had a good 6 up tour of the circuit in the Caddy on Thursday evening after a very substantial trough session in Arnage.  Here's the video http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150902038027551 (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150902038027551)

My weekend highlight was watching the final Group 3 race session from the Ford Chicane tribune and seeing a good few cars pirouetting through a greasy corner before the marshals threw some cat litter on it.  Great bit of 4 wheel drifting from the DBR1.

A bit late in the day but here's a handful of my photies (including some Paddock 5 totty)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13111644@N00/sets/72157630610011580/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/13111644@N00/sets/72157630610011580/)



(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7585764906_4f110a27c4_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8287/7585745220_e0ab83e389_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7585725634_35746c6d37_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7585927956_1bf297c74c_c.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7585785252_cddc8eaf35_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8289/7585912964_d805601c3b_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8142/7585805148_a465d338ce_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7585899532_d977c53196_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7585821520_a7167c536f_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8142/7585883648_ce206b7f2a_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7585842996_ae607fd964_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7585860736_664318449a_c.jpg)

Bollox the rest of the cars Steve, the first ones a classic,  especially her on the right

Oh and the second one.

A winning smile  ;D

Not much to do with the classic I suppose, seeing as I wasn't there, but since when have threads been meant to stay on topic?

I was out with a mate of mine recently, - he knows nothing about cars, and I mean nothing, he couldn't tell a mini from a Bentley if you offered him money.
"You know about cars, don't you H?"
"Errr, maybe a bit, why's that"
"I thought you did. I've another mate who knows about those things too"
"That's nice..."
"In fact, he lives just around this corner, I know he's got some cars in his garage, shall we go and have a look?"

I'm sort of expecting the worst now, maybe a shed with a couple of rotting old Sunbeams in there, but we called in, introductions were made, and it was about another 15 minutes before I managed to lever my jaw from the floor. Below is a pic I took, it's a crappy I-phone shot, but you get the drift. There was probably about another 20 or 30 cars there too, - neither minis, Bentleys or Sunbeams, and none at the least put to shame by this one.

As we left:

"Was that any good H? were they good cars? I dunno about cars?"....
"Shut the f*** up"

H

... and you could eat your dinner off that garage floor (if you were so inclined).

:)

Brilliant H. Told as only you can, you young scallywag  ;D

Wow......interesting what is tucked away behind closed doors.

This car is the spitting image of, if not the same as featured in the latest August Classic Cars, and it finished second at Le Mans in 1956.

Yep, - it's the very same one Dave. Couldn't see any saliva mind.

I think Moss drove it at LM a few times too.

It looked fantastic!

H

Told as only you can tell it, H.

Mr T got taken out one Sunday by a friend to see "his mate's garage" which had "a few old cars in it."  A similar scenario really.

This was it:

http://gallery.bristolpegasus.com/2001/Foulkes-Halbard-Collection/21603557_RVdX4k#!i=1722849395&k=RLNqvN5

Sadly, the mate - Paul Foulkes Halbard - died later that year.  

Arh yes.  The long lamented Filching Manor Campbell collection.  Lots of Malcolm / Donald Campbell memorabilia such as the K3 boat there.

I believe the museum has now been reopened by Paul Foulkes Halbard's son for group visits only -http://campbellcircuit.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=9 (http://campbellcircuit.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=9)

Also, looks like K3 has been returned to running order http://www.k3bluebird.com/ (http://www.k3bluebird.com/)

finally had to come home, at least stretched it out until the 21st  :)

surprisingly easier this year to get in with Blue Badge, no queuing & form filling at main entrance, flash it, scan the tickets & away you go.
so glad we did the paddocks & village Friday, seemed so much quieter than the saturday?

most of my pics were from the car parks, did the 'wally trolley' for a quick drive around, surprising what's parked in far flung areas.

most memorable moment for me considering the amount of metal about.....
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h276/old-uns/LM%20classic%2012/P1000182.jpg)

also managed to catch up with a competitor acquaintance from his F3 days again
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h276/old-uns/LM%20classic%2012/P1000201.jpg)

will have to try & meet up one year & put faces to names although with not staying at circuit may cause a few problems i suppose
 

This guy has a load of pics from the Classic this year, hell of a good photographer, composition and vision of the shots is something else.

There is also good stuff from the 2010, BUT look at the Numero 9 concept pics, I'll have one...


http://laurentnivalle.fr/_LMC2012.html

>Martini...LB