So, they've managed a half decent job with GTE AM & PRO and in resurrecting LMP2 into a viable class over the last few years to give us some great racing.  While LMP1 has waned in manufacturers to one of two cars this year, there are 8 privateer entries.  

I know the ACO are going to be wedded to manufacturer's money but WTF? The clue is in the P of LMP - a real Prototype at the forefront of performance and technology.  Not something that is a "prototype that looks like a road car" at a quarter of the LMP1 budget.  

If the ACO are looking to attract other manufacturers who choose not to build cars to meet current Le Mans regs, I wonder what the manufacturers who have competed in GTE for years will think of it - bit of a poke in the eye for them (Porsche, Corvette, Aston Martin and more recently Ford).  And what of LMP 2 and performance levels? Can't see them wanting real prototypes to be beating "hypercar" prototypes.....  

Sounds as though it may be unusually civilised......

Awesome design, love it.  And 617 Sqn will have returned to UK at Marham, with F-35s, 2 weeks before the race. 

Me and my lot, with elanman and his lot, all on Epinettes which has worked nicely for us over the last couple of years.

Arrivals from the Tuesday through to the Friday, various ferries with a mix of Pompey/Caen and Dover or Folkestone/Calais.

All leaving on the Sunday, with some of us overnighting near Neufchatel on the way back.

Usual eclectic mix of steeds.

 

MG Mark

This, plus its bloody annoying because it has effectively bumped Davidson out of the picture.

Another of one's increasingly few boyhood heroes left joining the pits in the sky. RIP Dan and good racing up there.

Just a brief note on Armistice Day, leading into Remembrance Sunday tomorrow.

Personal reflections today on relatives (some of whom I never knew) and friends who served, who have died or who have been affected, in body or mind or both, by events over the years.

Reflections tomorrow on 1.7m British and Commonwealth people buried in war graves in 23,000 locations around the world. Many more of them with no grave. And many, many more similarly from all nations across the world.

Reflections that, although I will be remembering them all, for the first time in 40 years I won't be in uniform tomorrow.  I've been fortunate - and I hope that one of mine, currently overseas, will be similarly fortunate.

All the best to you all,

Matk

Hadn't realised that Silverstone was potentially off the cards next year! Good to see it back on and an August date should be more benign for the weather, although I'll miss the old April date, not because of the weather, but because it was nice to see the cars "out of the box" at the season opener to whet the appetite for June.

MG Mark

Will probably aim for it, actual presence may depend on constraining consumption during the day........

MG Mark

Normal packing required then. T-shirts, shorts and flip flops + long trousers, sweat shirts + wet gear.......

MG Mark

Indeed, many thoughts spared for those involved then, and musings of what those then would think of situations now.

MG Mark

My lot and Elanman's lot, total of around a couple of dozen, arriving at various times, via various routes, from the Tuesday afternoon to the Friday.

All on Epinettes again this year.

Looking forward to seeing all hopefully at some point on the campsites or in the circuit.

MG Mark

Enjoy the beer - you've earned it having excelled yourself with the original and final design!

I sent my lot's wish list by email but in case that gets lost, it's as below please

1 x XL
2 x L
4 x M

Will explain over a beer or two at Le Mans the meanings/resonance of the additions that Rusty has kindly included.

MG Mark

Rusty,

Your designs are always outstanding and memorable. This one is, for me, is truly unexpected and greatly appreciated. 

Linking Tornado, Lightning, Marham and 617 Sqn, with the 70th anniversary of the Dams raid and 100 years of the station joins many historical dots of the past with those of the present and the near future. Awesome.

Your thanks for my modest part in things are gratefully received as I now approach completing 40 years of regular service. Looking forward to seeing you and all out at Le Mans in a few weeks time - will PM you with an order once I've trawled my lot for sizes.

MG Mark

Tom,

That's bloody marvellous news to hear!  Really pleased for you, although I observe that pregnancy confirmation would have given you significant pub bragging rights.....

MG Mark