Title: 1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Canada Phil on November 08, 2003, 07:50:54 pm
Thanks to Dave and the crew for reports already coming in to the Race Coverage Forum. Where we are NOT to post comments so here is a place for those of us unable to be there to comment on the goings on.
Canada Phil
Canada Phil
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: IanB on November 09, 2003, 09:13:18 am
Yep, Go with Phils comments. Thanks Boys. It makes us feel a little part of the weekend..... Roll on June
Ian
Ian
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on November 09, 2003, 05:17:20 pm
Thanks guys - great coverage!!! Loving the pictures too.
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: pretzel on November 09, 2003, 06:56:33 pm
More thanks from here in darkest Wales too....
The race reports give significantly better coverage than any other media (not meant to be an insult as there seems to be precious little else anyway), and in all is better anyway, in that it is first hand, by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts.
Looks like the weather took a turn for the worse - hope it didn't spoil the enjoyment for those who managed to make the trip over.
The race reports give significantly better coverage than any other media (not meant to be an insult as there seems to be precious little else anyway), and in all is better anyway, in that it is first hand, by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts.
Looks like the weather took a turn for the worse - hope it didn't spoil the enjoyment for those who managed to make the trip over.
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Steve Pyro on November 10, 2003, 06:12:25 am
Great reporting from Dave and the team, thanks.
I especially enjoyed the pre-race 'essays' that gave a real feel for the place in November - definately different to June.
I especially enjoyed the pre-race 'essays' that gave a real feel for the place in November - definately different to June.
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: smokie on November 10, 2003, 12:43:16 pm
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Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: smokie on November 10, 2003, 12:49:09 pm
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Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: smokie on November 10, 2003, 12:51:44 pm
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Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
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Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
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Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
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Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
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Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
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Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
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Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 10, 2003, 01:35:54 pm
Glad you are all back safe and sound (well just about!) and hope you had a good time. Weekend sound like good VFM to me and should keep you going until PQ in April, race in June and the Classic in July.
Smokie where is that Piano Bar? I think I went into it once but we were thrown out when one of our lot played piano like Les Dawson when the real pianist went for a pee. No sense of humour, some folk. And what is this off licence thing? Sounds strange, but trust the food was edible.
Finally, in your opinion, should they repeat the exercise next year? And what are the prospects for the race series?
Smokie where is that Piano Bar? I think I went into it once but we were thrown out when one of our lot played piano like Les Dawson when the real pianist went for a pee. No sense of humour, some folk. And what is this off licence thing? Sounds strange, but trust the food was edible.
Finally, in your opinion, should they repeat the exercise next year? And what are the prospects for the race series?
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: smokie on November 10, 2003, 02:38:50 pm
I haven't a clue where the Piano Bar was, although it was pretty central. On a corner I recollect...you walked through a gate and up an alley to get in. It was really quiet until about 1 am when people started to arrive, and the pianist turned up. Was just getting into full swing when we decided to leave...
The food was passable, but extraordinarily cheap so no real complaints there...I think the most memorable part was the cheese which the maitre said to keep till last. It had an aroma of it's own, and tasted like it smelt. We got through gallons of different wines, and the meal, all for about €30 ph (I think!)
Ask someone else about the value of the race...I was only there for the crack...but as far as that went, it was great...! :)
The food was passable, but extraordinarily cheap so no real complaints there...I think the most memorable part was the cheese which the maitre said to keep till last. It had an aroma of it's own, and tasted like it smelt. We got through gallons of different wines, and the meal, all for about €30 ph (I think!)
Ask someone else about the value of the race...I was only there for the crack...but as far as that went, it was great...! :)
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 10, 2003, 05:46:47 pm
That's the place, thru a gate and up a fifty meter alley, knock on the door to get in. Theres a sign that says respect the neighbours when leaving.
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Robbo SPS on November 10, 2003, 06:10:53 pm
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Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Steve Pyro on November 10, 2003, 06:20:47 pm
Robbo, which puddle did you pitch your tent near ???
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Robbo SPS on November 10, 2003, 06:29:23 pm
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Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Robbo SPS on November 10, 2003, 06:35:42 pm
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Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: powermite on November 10, 2003, 11:24:10 pm
As for the spin,it was while getting onto the Main A11 next to the airport.He did two 180 degree tank slappers followed by a full 360 .
The most damage was done to Doubtfires Pants.He spent the rest of the weekend on the pan,thinking of how it could have been!!!
A big thanks to all who attended,it was a great weekend and a special thanks to Gilles for organising saturday evening.Unlike Robbo,I didnt drive so did sample all of the wine on offer.
cheers
PM
The most damage was done to Doubtfires Pants.He spent the rest of the weekend on the pan,thinking of how it could have been!!!
A big thanks to all who attended,it was a great weekend and a special thanks to Gilles for organising saturday evening.Unlike Robbo,I didnt drive so did sample all of the wine on offer.
cheers
PM
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Kpy on November 11, 2003, 12:16:02 am
And on the social side...
kpy and I ended up in a piano bar eating oysters at 3 am, and chatting with two local couples who rather took the to Terry Thomas style which kpy has.
kpy and I ended up in a piano bar eating oysters at 3 am, and chatting with two local couples who rather took the to Terry Thomas style which kpy has.
Terry Thomas indeed !! Just 'cause I've a moustache and talk proper ..... Those French guys were really kind and payed our tab in full !
As for the Bar a Vin - really amazing wines and for around 20 quid a head for masses of it, 11 bottles for our little group, plus 3 courses of food (the smelly stuff we were advised to eat last was Affidelice au Chablis) - just amazing value. Just a tiny bit cramped.
A great crack and the racing was fun too.
Heres to our next meeting.
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Brian(Liverpool boys) on November 11, 2003, 09:07:32 am
Got to say thanks for the CA, team reports, if was just like being there. But thankfully I was not , observing PM, attempting to mount a Trans am, I think I will give that one a miss. Great photos Dave and Smokie.
Brian.
Brian.
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Brian(Liverpool boys) on November 11, 2003, 09:12:16 am
And on the social side...
Six of us were in the hotel Mercure - which turned out to be right next to scrutineering on Friday which was handy...the SPS gang decided against self preservation for once and planned to camp on Houx - which turned out to be closed.
Of course CA had a gathering on Saturday night. Where does Gilles find these weird places? It was like an off-licence where you sat and drank...surrounded by walls full of wine. Afterwards Gilles managed to squeeze Powermite's gang into his car (with Powermite asleep in the boot), leaving kpy and myself to find ourselves a little more nightlife (Robbo and LM SPS having already left to find the fleshpots - which were also closed - not their weekend really, was it??).
kpy and I ended up in a piano bar eating oysters at 3 am, and chatting with two local couples who rather took the to Terry Thomas style which kpy has.
Saturday was good, albeit somewhat cold. Sunday was wet. Just to prove it, AJ (with Powermite) spun his Corvette 360 degrees en route to the track, getting off lightly with just a small strip of paint removed by the Armco and no real damage.
The race was over the Bugatti circuit which obviously is MUCH shorter and meant you could easily get around to different parts of the track...especially with the Parking Interieur ticket ) to take you car inside the circuit - €10 - and race entry for the weekend was also €10 for ACO members - €20 for non-members - cheap eh?).
The racing happened, as we expected it to. Other people can report on that....meantime some pics...
Firstly....this is why one of the TVR's had a Baby on Board sticker in the back window...
Smokie, Paula and Jayne both vouch that you do not need oysters to perform. Maybe H's problems that he is going through at the moment are not his but yours.Six of us were in the hotel Mercure - which turned out to be right next to scrutineering on Friday which was handy...the SPS gang decided against self preservation for once and planned to camp on Houx - which turned out to be closed.
Of course CA had a gathering on Saturday night. Where does Gilles find these weird places? It was like an off-licence where you sat and drank...surrounded by walls full of wine. Afterwards Gilles managed to squeeze Powermite's gang into his car (with Powermite asleep in the boot), leaving kpy and myself to find ourselves a little more nightlife (Robbo and LM SPS having already left to find the fleshpots - which were also closed - not their weekend really, was it??).
kpy and I ended up in a piano bar eating oysters at 3 am, and chatting with two local couples who rather took the to Terry Thomas style which kpy has.
Saturday was good, albeit somewhat cold. Sunday was wet. Just to prove it, AJ (with Powermite) spun his Corvette 360 degrees en route to the track, getting off lightly with just a small strip of paint removed by the Armco and no real damage.
The race was over the Bugatti circuit which obviously is MUCH shorter and meant you could easily get around to different parts of the track...especially with the Parking Interieur ticket ) to take you car inside the circuit - €10 - and race entry for the weekend was also €10 for ACO members - €20 for non-members - cheap eh?).
The racing happened, as we expected it to. Other people can report on that....meantime some pics...
Firstly....this is why one of the TVR's had a Baby on Board sticker in the back window...
Brian.
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 11, 2003, 02:03:56 pm
Terry Thomas indeed !! Just 'cause I've a moustache and talk proper ..... Those French guys were really kind and payed our tab in full !
A great crack and the racing was fun too.
Heres to our next meeting.
I agree KPY that you look nothing like Terry Thomas. Having seen you, I'd say you are very much more like Lesley Phillips! ;D ;D Hairlohhh!! Ding Dong! Fancy a spin in the Alfa? ;D ;D
Sorry to appear coarse and vulgar but Smokie mentioned about this "great crack" too. Who did it belong to? I though the Relax Bar was shut?
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Kpy on November 11, 2003, 02:56:33 pm
Andy
OK I'll admit to Leslie "Left hand down a bit". A lark yup?
Ref the crack - an Irish expression for a good time out, and not the wet bits you may be thinking of.
A bientot !!
OK I'll admit to Leslie "Left hand down a bit". A lark yup?
Ref the crack - an Irish expression for a good time out, and not the wet bits you may be thinking of.
A bientot !!
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: smokie on November 11, 2003, 03:27:17 pm
Maybe that's who I meant - I'm too young to remember!
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Gilles on November 12, 2003, 06:21:00 pm
The Piano Bar is 200m from the Jacobins square, on the tiny Place de l'Eperon.
So I was the only one who really eat AND appreciate the middle-cheese?
Smokie forget to mention to all of you the testing of the new Nasamax fuel saturday with the CA crew ;)
So I was the only one who really eat AND appreciate the middle-cheese?
Smokie forget to mention to all of you the testing of the new Nasamax fuel saturday with the CA crew ;)
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: smokie on November 12, 2003, 06:42:20 pm
The middle cheese was nicer than other middle cheeses I've tried...I really quite liked it, so long as I didn't smell it...again - similar to other middle cheeses...
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Fax on November 14, 2003, 06:12:44 am
Guys,
I almost hate to ask this but, from looking at the pics...was anyone there besides you.
Fax
I almost hate to ask this but, from looking at the pics...was anyone there besides you.
Fax
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: smokie on November 14, 2003, 08:31:45 am
Attendance was sparse, to say the least. Grandstands were open and free to use, and, despite the weather, still had plenty of room available. One of the luxuries was being able to take your car inside the track (which you can also do at pre-q) so that you can drive from vantage point to vantage point. The main car park for this was a square behind the champagne tent area. Driving around was easy due to lack of pedestrians!
I wouldn't like to guess how many were there, and whether it was a financial success...
I wouldn't like to guess how many were there, and whether it was a financial success...
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Gilles on November 14, 2003, 09:00:18 am
Attendance was sparse, to say the least. Grandstands were open and free to use, and, despite the weather, still had plenty of room available. One of the luxuries was being able to take your car inside the track (which you can also do at pre-q) so that you can drive from vantage point to vantage point. The main car park for this was a square behind the champagne tent area. Driving around was easy due to lack of pedestrians!
I wouldn't like to guess how many were there, and whether it was a financial success...
I wouldn't like to guess how many were there, and whether it was a financial success...
Between 10 000 and 17 000 people according to media
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Fax on November 14, 2003, 02:09:03 pm
I just can't for the life of me understand why with the exception of the 24 Hours, sportscar racing in Europe just doesn't seem to draw very well. Here in North America at a Grand-Am series race you can probably count the number of spectators on one hand but the ALMS draws large crowds at every venue. The ALMS gets quite a bit of press over here though.
John
John
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: hgb on November 14, 2003, 03:28:05 pm
Maybe the lack of spectators was due to the time of year. I talked to more than just one who said that a race at LM in November would be a stupid idea.
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Steve Pyro on November 14, 2003, 04:33:16 pm
Maybe the lack of spectators was due to the time of year. I talked to more than just one who said that a race at LM in November would be a stupid idea.
I agree, most people tend to hibernate this time of year and the only thing that seems to be in peoples heads is whether they can afford to buy the new Action Man with the real hair, gripping hands and realistic genitalia for little Jason for Christmas.
I would have dearly wanted to go but (40th birthday aside) the thought of rain, cold and wind tended to dampen the urge to make the journey.
Also, I would think the majority on non CA / ACO members that go to Le Mans in June for the 'crack' didn't even know this event was on.
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: smokie on November 15, 2003, 01:11:41 am
I reckon you've hit the nail on the head there Steve - not enough publicity. If they'd advertised it, say, at the June event, there may have been more there.
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Gilles on November 17, 2003, 09:27:41 am
But in last June, most of details wer'nt ready for an official release.....
BTW now we have to concentrate on the next race... With LM, LM Classic and Le Mans Series it gonna be a long, long summer in Europe ;D
BTW now we have to concentrate on the next race... With LM, LM Classic and Le Mans Series it gonna be a long, long summer in Europe ;D
Title: Re:1000 Km @ Le Mans
Post by: Robbo SPS on November 17, 2003, 04:06:29 pm
But in last June, most of details wer'nt ready for an official release.....
BTW now we have to concentrate on the next race... With LM, LM Classic and Le Mans Series it gonna be a long, long summer in Europe ;D
BTW now we have to concentrate on the next race... With LM, LM Classic and Le Mans Series it gonna be a long, long summer in Europe ;D
Yeah, but Warm , Sunny and Not Raining , Cold , miserable .....
