Club Arnage

Club Arnage => General Discussion => Topic started by: Boorish Grobian on March 03, 2021, 03:00:49 am



Title: New date for the race?
Post by: Boorish Grobian on March 03, 2021, 03:00:49 am
Looking like a August 24 Heures du Mans this year.
https://racer.com/2021/03/02/le-mans-24-hour-tipped-for-move-to-august-allow-fans/


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 03, 2021, 10:40:07 am
I like the 'may allow fans bit'  ::)


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Kev_mk3 on March 03, 2021, 11:04:57 am
I was just about to say the "May allow Fans"

Moving it to the most expensive travel time of the year - Fantastic. I am of the view that fans wont be going at all, Especially British.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: geoffd on March 03, 2021, 01:59:46 pm
I'm more of the view that the rumoured (and it is just that at the moment) date change is to allow for a crowd of some description, with June certainly having to be behind closed doors.

The ACO won't want to have to refund all of those credit notes it raised after last year, let alone not get any revenue this year.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Lorry on March 03, 2021, 09:24:24 pm
Is there football or Olympics in September?  Ferries in August used to be expensive.  There's also a rumour of September behind closed doors

Yes, the ACO has big financial worries, like the credit notes and no income

I thought the ACO would be able to make a decision by now, but they're just kicking the can as the vaccine is so slow

And they can't run a 24 hour race with a curfew ;D


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: slash on March 04, 2021, 02:53:28 pm
Confirmed then, August 21/22.
No mention of test day.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: geoffd on March 04, 2021, 03:54:01 pm
Schedule to be announced at the end of April.  I would image it will either be the same as last September, or they will keep it the same as it was planned for June, i.e. the Test day being on the 15th Aug.
Time will tell.

Entry list due to be announced next Tuesday I see, I presume the delay is to give any teams the chance to opt out due to the date change.

Ferry rebooked at no extra cost  ;D



Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Kev_mk3 on March 04, 2021, 06:39:39 pm
Chance of getting time off work for it - 0%  :'(


With the current travel restrictions - stay home, no flights, negative test before, Isolate once there and isolation afterwards etc, is anything possible?


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: mgmark on March 04, 2021, 11:33:10 pm
Anticipate that they're still hedging their bets with a date change but holding off announcing on tickets until end April.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: garyfrogeye on March 05, 2021, 12:45:56 am
I've just rebooked my Brittany Ferries tickets at no extra cost (in fact I previously got a £90 refund from the original booking).


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Boorish Grobian on March 05, 2021, 07:07:41 am
As a result of the date change for Le Mans, IMSA has done some creative schedule shuffling.  The VIR IMSA meeting originally scheduled for new LM weekend, has now been moved to the early October date originally penciled for the Petit LM.  The Petit is now scheduled for November 10-13, yikes!  Anyone who has been to the Petit LM in October knows how cold it can get at night, in mid-Nov it could be nothing short of frigid!
But I'll give IMSA full props for re-arranging the schedule to accommodate the teams, and drivers who were planning on going to the Sarthe.  For our colleagues who haven't yet seen the new Corvette C8.R's in person, they're bad fast, and awesome looking & sounding.
Fax


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: geoffd on March 05, 2021, 09:21:16 am
Confirmed then, August 21/22.
No mention of test day.

On Instagram, the answer to the test day question was the 15th Aug.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: jimclark on March 05, 2021, 11:47:59 pm
Anyone who has been to the Petit LM in October knows how cold it can get at night, in mid-Nov it could be nothing short of frigid!
Then I guess you were never there for the 24 of Daytona in the early seventies....... ;)


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Boorish Grobian on March 06, 2021, 12:38:30 am
Yes, I've been to Daytona many times for the 24 Hours, yes it can get chilly there too...


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: jimclark on March 06, 2021, 10:46:37 am
Yes, I've been to Daytona many times for the 24 Hours, yes it can get chilly there too...
Indeed. My first D-24 experience in '75, camping in a K-Mart tent with a friend, it got down into the 20s (F for those across the pond, not C) with mucho wind to boot......(https://tentenths.com/forum/images/smilies/Xmas/snow.gif) '
Froze our arses off.  :o

Luckily we were young and.....well, you know the rest.   :angel:

Edit: I lied (well, actually was mistaken).  :-[
'Spoke to my buddy and he reminded it was not our first in '75, rather, it was our third 24 in '77.....the only time (Jan 19, 1977) it snowed down here in FtL, 2 weeks earlier. 


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Kev_mk3 on March 09, 2021, 06:22:46 pm
From PH (Thanks to Jules for the link)

Quote from: lowdrag
A little thought from someone on the ground. Firstly, the comment I had from the ACO was "20 - 50,000" but for the life of me I can't see how they could come up with those figures at this stage. It is far too early. Secondly, the race will take place towards the end of the school holidays, and last year that is when the number of Covid cases soared - from 234,000 to 1,000,000 in under two months. In talking to our doctor he said he had caught Covid from a patient, and also that moreover 30% of the hospital staff here at Le Mans have refused to be vaccinated. Also that as a result more than 100 patients at the hospital have contracted Covid from staff. Highly reassuring. Brexit has had an effect too. If you are bringing a trailer remember that requires papers for "temporary export".

So how are these 20/50,000 going to be allowed in? Will the "villages" crass idea be regurgitated? Totally stupid because you'll all meet up in town at the Drivers Parade or Scrutineering anyway. In brief, you in the UK are far more advanced than we are with vaccinations. As of today 28,000 first doses have been administered out of nearly 600,000 people. And there are only seven vaccination clinics in the Sarthe.

There seems to be no separate thread for the Classic, or if there is I have missed it. That is now turning into an administrative nightmare, and a costly one too. Entrants need to consider the paperwork for "temporarily exporting" their race car, their trailer, and their spares. If you are taking a mechanic you may need a work permit for him. Then of course you have the 10% of the value of the car which is being "temporarily exported" that you will have to pay but you can get an insurance instead but it all adds to the costs of what was, and should, be a fun weekend for gentlemen racers. I have a friend who races two Jaguars, and for the first time since 2002 he is not going. Too much hassle. And talking to two companies specialising in race preparation many of their clients aren't going either.

Of course, things can and probably will change. Just think about all the F1 teams and their paperwork! An individual list of every spare and value for each car!

I'll leave it there because, frankly, everything is still in the air and we don't know where we are going, but if I hear more I'll post again.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: clkgtrlm1 on March 10, 2021, 10:43:35 am
From PH (Thanks to Jules for the link)

Quote from: lowdrag
Firstly, the comment I had from the ACO was "20 - 50,000" but for the life of me I can't see how they could come up with those figures at this stage.


Wasn't the 20 - 50k people what Macron said last week, wouldbe potentially the legal limit on publice events by August? (depending on the type of event)


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Barry on March 10, 2021, 10:44:36 am
Reference the comment about trailers in the above post.

My understanding is that the temporary import paperwork is required only for commercial goods, ie items being exhibited at trade shows, samples etc. Race teams I believe are under the commercial heading.

Private trailers, caravans etc would not need the paperwork.

The only extra requirement is a separate green card for the trailer/caravan.

IDP not required in the EU at the moment.

This would be logical otherwise when you go on holiday you would need paperwork for your car, that nice watch you have, mobile phone and even the cloths on your back.

There is no mention of additional paperwork on either the caravan club websites or ferry/tunnel websites that I can find.

Please correct me if I'm wrong.





Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Le Vieux on March 10, 2021, 05:16:51 pm
Can't comment on the commercial aspect, but that's exactly my understanding of the rules regarding the caravan you'd take on holiday to France.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Pilgrim on March 11, 2021, 03:00:11 pm
From PH (Thanks to Jules for the link)

Quote from: lowdrag
Firstly, the comment I had from the ACO was "20 - 50,000" but for the life of me I can't see how they could come up with those figures at this stage.


Wasn't the 20 - 50k people what Macron said last week, wouldbe potentially the legal limit on publice events by August? (depending on the type of event)


https://www.thelocal.fr/20210311/breaking-france-lifts-its-essential-reasons-travel-restriction-for-uk/ 


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Lorry on March 11, 2021, 11:59:13 pm
Can't comment on the commercial aspect, but that's exactly my understanding of the rules regarding the caravan you'd take on holiday to France.
Yes, me too.

I've read somewhere that you should take the cars log book (V5C?).  I do occasionally, but now we're not in their VAT club etc, they may be looking to check, as a permanent import must be subject to tax, and this is a problem at the Irish border


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Barry on March 12, 2021, 01:24:25 am
Can't comment on the commercial aspect, but that's exactly my understanding of the rules regarding the caravan you'd take on holiday to France.
Yes, me too.

I've read somewhere that you should take the cars log book (V5C?).  I do occasionally, but now we're not in their VAT club etc, they may be looking to check, as a permanent import must be subject to tax, and this is a problem at the Irish border

A few changes to documentation and rules following Brexit ref: cars.

Must take the V5C or VE103B if it's a hired car.
Green card required, plus additional one for trailer/caravan.
The one which will catch people out is GB stickers.
You must display a GB sticker on your car and a seperate one on a trailer or caravan.
Unless you have GB and the Union flag on your number plate.
If, like most people, you have GB surrounded by the EU stars, then you must have a seperate GB sticker.

All fairly minor I know, but it helps to not draw attention to yourself in the first place.
They might then start looking for the sausages and bacon you are trying to smuggle in, for those that haven't seen the news you are no longer permitted to take these items into the EU from the UK.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Kev_mk3 on March 19, 2021, 12:00:18 pm
Delay the ACO's choice?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-56450880


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Lorry on March 19, 2021, 06:09:22 pm
It isn't looking good for them is it, or the Germans, who now realise there isn't enough vaccine.  We're down to No 7 in the mortality rate.

I'm puzzled.  Its as if they thought they buy shedloads of vaccine on Amazon Prime, when the stuff seems to be a devil of a job to make.

On a lighter note, I bet the Gendarmerie won't like this

(https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipM7QyzJTL9JZae1Vib5PaidQVf32BFWnKSWuKbV)


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: mister psycho on March 19, 2021, 09:39:40 pm
Hello all, Carnet de Passage ? re taking a trailer to France , I linked through from the .Gov web site to the people who are tasked with issuing these and emailed to ask “ do I need a CDP to take a small trailer (2m x 1.4m to France for a short camping break ?”
got this reply....
Hi Tony,
 
Not if its registered to you and you can provide proof of ownership to overseas customs when crossing the border.

My problem is,  I got it part ex plus cash from my mate who built it
I think a CDP if required is £300 ish ?  we might as well take another (estate) car or for any post Covid 2022+ trips take a van instead ?  sans sausages and bacon of course

How to apply
You can get a CPD from:

CARS UK
The old Airfield Site
Bury Road
Chedburgh
Suffolk
IP29 4UQ
Telephone: +44 (0) 1284 333 812

Email: carnetservices@carseurope.net

After you’ve applied
Once issued, your carnet will either be posted to you or you can collect it from the issuing office.

They’ll also tell you how much to pay and the guarantee or security you’ll need to give.

Your CPD is valid for up to 1 year from the date of issue. If your journey goes beyond 1 year you may, in certain circumstances, get a second carnet or an extension. You must contact the local motoring organisation.



Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: jimclark on March 20, 2021, 02:23:00 am
And so many dislike America.....

I'm sure glad I live here and not on your side. ;)


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: lofty on March 20, 2021, 11:43:43 am
You get what you vote for.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Lorry on March 20, 2021, 05:59:29 pm
The Caravan Club is strangely quiet about CPDs, which sound like a TIR Carnet.

Because nobody has taken a camping trailer to France post Brexit, nobody'd sure.  Most EU countries register trailers separately, so for Green Cards Aviva say "If you’re travelling with a trailer, you’ll need to register any commercial trailer weighing over 750kg before towing them abroad. All trailers (personal and commercial) weighing over 3,500kg must be registered. You’ll also need to get a Green Card for separately registered trailers."

To cut a long story short, I don't think the French are bothered about non commercial trailers, but I wouldn't want to be the first.

And you've got months to find the answer!


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Kev_mk3 on March 22, 2021, 10:20:02 am
The whole carnet / trailer issue has been a world of pain for months regarding track day regulars. Seems you have to spend the money for it, list everything and hope for the best. Until we go back to some normality I dont think a clear answer will be given. Few chaps have had to leave their trailers with cars on at dover while they continue on their travels, while some have gone through its madness.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Kev_mk3 on May 27, 2021, 11:52:04 am
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57256859


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: lofty on May 31, 2021, 05:44:22 pm
The aco have an announcement on June 10th regarding tickets.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Truck on June 05, 2021, 02:21:23 pm
The papers think that next week France will start allowing Brits in, subject to both jabs and a test.  I suspect we are moved up their traffic light.

Looking at the way the number of positive tests is increasing over here, this is a brave move



Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Kev_mk3 on June 05, 2021, 04:08:06 pm
From the 9th June from what i've seen


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Boorish Grobian on June 10, 2021, 06:26:02 pm
Only 50,000 spectators going to be allowed in, 20% capacity.
https://racer.com/2021/06/10/le-mans-to-host-spectators-at-20-percent-capacity/
Fax


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: slash on June 10, 2021, 07:20:08 pm
It’s official, ticket office opens 17th June for ACO members.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: lofty on June 10, 2021, 08:06:38 pm
Ticket office open 21st June.about 50,000 spectators allowed.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: clkgtrlm1 on June 11, 2021, 01:51:12 pm
Hi Guys, (and Gals)
I have spoken with ACO first thing today.

They are saying that any tickets we have in hand (i.e. on credit note) will automatically renew - so these customers get 1st dibs on allocation before the remaining tickets (up to 50,000) go on general sale.
They are trying to offer the SAME G/S and camping allocation as booked where possible.

Only problem is, you have to accept the replacements or advise which ones we want to keep according to their next deadline (still TBC) and once decided, you will no longer be able to apply for credit or refund UNLESS the event happens to be held behind closed doors again (so even, for example, if the event does go ahead but we are unable to travel for say quarantine rules or geographical limitations, then the tickets are held at YOUR RISK).

I am happy for now, because I have MORE THAN ENOUGH tickets on credit with ACO (10 x GE, 10 x GS and 3 x Camping BSJ), for our group.
I will accept the replacement offering and I suspect any spares will be offered for sale ON HERE in due course.  

Watch this space.....



Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: geoffd on June 16, 2021, 02:33:12 pm
FYI, Autoreply from the ticket office;-

Dear Sir, Madam,
We attend good receipt of your message.
To avoid any miscommunications, please find below the answers to your questions :
•  You are holding a 2020 LE MANS 24 HOURS Credit Note and want to attend the race in August
•Your voucher remains valid and your 2021 booking will be handled by the Ticketing Service on the basis of your 2020 Credit Note. Your tickets are already reserved.
A new booking form will be mailed by post in the next days, and your Credit Note will be used as a payment. New tickets will be sent afterwards.
NB : In order to respect the sanitary measures in effect, only parking and camping areas outside the circuit are open. If your booking included a ticket in a parking or camping zone inside the circuit, the Ticketing Service will modify it.
•You booked grandstand, parking or camping tickets but no entry tickets: the Ticketing Service will automatically give you one entry ticket per each grandstand ticket, two entry tickets per each parking or grandstand ticket.
•If you need less tickets, you will have to contact the Ticketing Service once you receive your 2021 booking form to amend your booking. Then, you will be able to ask for a partial refund.
•If you need more tickets, you will have to make a new booking by contacting the Ticketing Service by phone at +33 (0)2.43.40.8000 or by email at serviceclients@lemans.org.
•Regarding the free access for children under 16, Student or disabled price, request must be made by phone or mail with the Ticketing Service.
•  You wish to get a refund on your 2020 LE MANS 24 HOURS Credit Note
You must registered to the following online form: please click here
Once registered, a full procedure will be sent to you by email later on in which you will have to provide your IBAN (International Bank Account Number) for a refund through wire transfer.
The Ticket Office


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: slash on June 17, 2021, 10:31:48 am
Surprise, surprise the website has crashed!


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: geoffd on June 17, 2021, 02:17:51 pm
And broke completely, they will have another go tomorrow!

Thankfully we have credit notes from last year so our tickets are already sorted  ;D


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: slash on June 18, 2021, 10:40:23 am
It’s not going well today either!!


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: clkgtrlm1 on June 18, 2021, 10:59:29 am
I did manage to get on breifly.......................shockingly p*** poor as usual!

Looks like only Camping Bleu and Verte are available to book - All GS are available - Also seems like you have to book a GE ticket AND a GS ticket together.

Tribune 05 is funny - listed on the Map as Dunlop (Correct!) - But on the ticket list it is Goodyear!  ;D ;D ;D

Now completely crashed..............................


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: clkgtrlm1 on June 18, 2021, 11:14:03 am
I did manage to get on breifly.......................shockingly p*** poor as usual!

Looks like only Camping Bleu and Verte are available to book - All GS are available - Also seems like you have to book a GE ticket AND a GS ticket together.

Tribune 05 is funny - listed on the Map as Dunlop (Correct!) - But on the ticket list it is Goodyear!  ;D ;D ;D

Now completely crashed..............................
*UPDATE*
Seems to be working better for now - AND you CAN now book GE tickets without GS..........


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Truck on June 18, 2021, 07:45:30 pm
......Tribune 05 is funny - listed on the Map as Dunlop (Correct!) - But on the ticket list it is Goodyear!  ......
I was recently surprised to find that Dunlop, that wonderful British company, is no longer owned entirely by the Japanese, but also by Goodyear and the tyres are now made in the midlands of Slovenia.  Their tyre doctor, a Brummie of course, is a class act.

Answer: Goodyear are paying the bill


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: lofty on June 21, 2021, 11:42:42 am
Tickets purchased 1hour on the web.game on.hope the weather will be better than it was this weekend.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Kristof on June 21, 2021, 08:42:20 pm
Does anyone know whether there are still camping tickets available through the ACO?
Got a few messages and questions from people around here that can order GE's but no camping.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: Kev_mk3 on June 22, 2021, 02:22:53 pm
Does anyone know whether there are still camping tickets available through the ACO?
Got a few messages and questions from people around here that can order GE's but no camping.


Apparently you can but the ACO are opening one campsite at a time up to their capacity of 50k a day through the gates. So once Bleu Nord is "full" they will move on to the next.

If you want to camp, you don't get to choose where from what i've read unsure how true it is as I couldn't find a camping option.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: geoffd on June 23, 2021, 09:38:49 am
There won't be any camping inside the circuit, just Blue Nord, Houx Annex and Epinettes I believe.  Once they are gone that's it.
However, those of us that had a credit note against last years race, which included in circuit camping (we had Mulsanne) will have been offered one Blue Nord.  If not everyone takes up the offer then those will go back on general sale.  I have been offered Blue Nord but won't be taking it, so that's at least one that will become available!


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: clkgtrlm1 on June 23, 2021, 11:14:31 am
There won't be any camping inside the circuit, just Blue Nord, Houx Annex and Epinettes I believe.  Once they are gone that's it.
However, those of us that had a credit note against last years race, which included in circuit camping (we had Mulsanne) will have been offered one Blue Nord.  If not everyone takes up the offer then those will go back on general sale.  I have been offered Blue Nord but won't be taking it, so that's at least one that will become available!

Hi Geoff,

Could I ask how you received notification please? (Email or Post?) - as I have not received any communication from ACO about ours yet?

Thanks
Dean


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: smokie on June 24, 2021, 09:24:08 pm
I got a letter in the post about this, arrived yesterday.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: geoffd on June 25, 2021, 12:00:25 pm
There won't be any camping inside the circuit, just Blue Nord, Houx Annex and Epinettes I believe.  Once they are gone that's it.
However, those of us that had a credit note against last years race, which included in circuit camping (we had Mulsanne) will have been offered one Blue Nord.  If not everyone takes up the offer then those will go back on general sale.  I have been offered Blue Nord but won't be taking it, so that's at least one that will become available!

Hi Geoff,

Could I ask how you received notification please? (Email or Post?) - as I have not received any communication from ACO about ours yet?

Thanks
Dean

It came in the post, you'd have thought they would have used email, but heyho they are French!

I've emailed them to update my booking, especially as I was expecting two GA's on it, I think they seem to have forgotten that they said that anyone with a credit note for a Grandstand seat or parking would get one GA per seat or two per parking by default if they hadn't ordered GA's originally!

Not heard back yet of course!


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: clkgtrlm1 on June 25, 2021, 12:25:04 pm
Hopefully mine will arrive soon then - typical bloody Oxfordshire rural post!
We have GE on layby from last year as well.


There won't be any camping inside the circuit, just Blue Nord, Houx Annex and Epinettes I believe.  Once they are gone that's it.
However, those of us that had a credit note against last years race, which included in circuit camping (we had Mulsanne) will have been offered one Blue Nord.  If not everyone takes up the offer then those will go back on general sale.  I have been offered Blue Nord but won't be taking it, so that's at least one that will become available!

Hi Geoff,

Could I ask how you received notification please? (Email or Post?) - as I have not received any communication from ACO about ours yet?

Thanks


Dean

It came in the post, you'd have thought they would have used email, but heyho they are French!

I've emailed them to update my booking, especially as I was expecting two GA's on it, I think they seem to have forgotten that they said that anyone with a credit note for a Grandstand seat or parking would get one GA per seat or two per parking by default if they hadn't ordered GA's originally!

Not heard back yet of course!


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: smokie on June 25, 2021, 04:38:10 pm
Maybe they staggered sending them to avoid being overwhelmed.

As in I too mailed them yesterday, so 100% of people that we know of ( - and I know of at least one more)  who had received the letter have emailed them.


Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: clkgtrlm1 on June 25, 2021, 04:51:55 pm
Yes - Indeed - they might well have staggered them to avoid being overwhelmed.
Not like they had an extra year to sort themselves out! ;D ;D ;D



Title: Re: New date for the race?
Post by: geoffd on June 25, 2021, 05:53:50 pm
Yes - Indeed - they might well have staggered them to avoid being overwhelmed.
Not like they had an extra year to sort themselves out! ;D ;D ;D



We are in Oxfordshire and ours arrived Tuesday I think it was. Other friends received theirs on Wednesday.
You'd think they had only just started running a 24 hour race by how disorganized they are!