Whoopee

I jave just managed to book an ACO grandstand ticket and parking using the web site.

I tried Monday evening and like others I goy the "not enough credit" but never say die I tried tonight and succeeded.  This time I selected the grandstand first using the interactive map and 'The Computer said YES.

I am now a happy bunny and counting the days.

Jim

We returned last night from an excellent trip to the test day to find that the shuttle terminal at Calais has been redesigned..  You now have to go through customs security and UK border control before getting to the terminal.

It took us 80 minutes to clear all that. So if it was aimed at speeding up the process it failed miserably.

The queue for the tolls was well back onto the motorway feeder road.  The hold up was as you might have guest due to the UK border check despite having all the booths manned

We were booked on the 19 10 crossing but were offered two earlier times at the check in.  However, due to the process time we just managed to catch the booked departure, although no chance to visit the terminal.

So be warned.  The 30 mins suggested by Eurotunnel for latest arrival is a tad Walter Mitty.  You need to allow at least double that.

Try the German Railway site

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en?

covers all European time tables and stations

Interesting old footage

1906

http://www.les24heures.fr/mambots/content/mgmediabot/players.php?params=standalone,true|type,flv|path,http://www.les24heures.fr/24hvideo/1906/1906lemans-2.flv|width,400|height,300

1929

http://www.les24heures.fr/mambots/content/mgmediabot/players.php?params=standalone,true|type,flv|path,http://www.les24heures.fr/24hvideo/1929/24hlemans1929.flv|width,400|height,300

.

Not sure if this is last years plan but it is showing on the ACO site for 2009

http://www.lemans.org/ticket/pages/acces/plan_orientation.pdf

Entrance and grandstand prices advertised but nothing yet on camping

http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/calendrier/pdf/24h09_billet_suppltribunes.pdf

Old but good

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUaWCcDlI5s

go to

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en?

timetables for the whole of Europe


Paris Montparnasse    Sa, 14.06.08    dep    11:05            TGV 8619    TGV
Subject to compulsory reservation,
Le Mans    Sa, 14.06.08    arr    11:59    
Le Mans    Sa, 14.06.08    dep    12:12            RE 57007    Regional-Express

For free camera database for your TomTom  go to

http://www.alertegps.com/download_basic.asp?id_matos=56&menu=1&sous_menu=1

Things are supposed to be back to normal at Dover at least

From Port of Dover Web Site

MESSAGE UPDATED at 06.35 hours on Friday, 23rd May, 2008

Current sea conditions in the Channel are slight, with a  north-nor-westerly breeze, Force 3, and the visibility is good

SeaFrance sailings to Calais are running to time, with space available.  P&O Ferries to Calais and Norfolkline to Dunkerque are subject to slight delays, and have limited space available.

SpeedFerries’ fastcraft services, from the Hoverport to Boulogne, are operating to schedule, but are fully booked all day.

Shape of things to cum

Only one year did I not get the camping allocation asked for.  Generally I get what I request but the order does go in at the end of June following the race.

Being a member does get seats in the ACO stand with a bar, alcahol and food, at lower than genearl outside prices, 24 hour circuit tv and live lap times as well as good toilet facilities when the outside loos were a disgrace. .

It pays for it self on wet weekends

So I consider it is worth while

.

La Perla Black label