Le Mans 2012 Classic Thread

[Jules G]

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

[Lazy B'stard]

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?

[Steve Pyro]

Book now to avoid disappointment

[BigH]

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

[Lazy B'stard]

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.

[Steve Pyro]

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

[Nordic]

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.

[Barry]

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.

[Werner]

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?

[Lazy B'stard]

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

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

[Werner]

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

[Barry]

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.

[Barry]

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

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.

[Martini...LB]

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.

Hold the cucumber... cannot stand it

>Martini...LB

[Barry]

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