LM07 camping and timetable

[Truck]

Thank you kind sirs. I'm sure you will be rewarded by way of some form of refreshment, liquid or other

Would spam be appropriate?

As for the marked pitches, it will take them a month of Sundays to mark them out next year, and will need someone who knows how to do it, not just a couple of the local unemployed.  Perhaps they think the groundsman from the new stadium will do it on his day off.

[fagey]

nope.. they will get us bikers to mark them out with our wheelspin burnouts.. and of course our large fires... after the moto gp in may

[Lawnmower Man]

As for the marked pitches, it will take them a month of Sundays to mark them out next year, and will need someone who knows how to do it, not just a couple of the local unemployed.  Perhaps they think the groundsman from the new stadium will do it on his day off.

IMHO.  They do a good job of making out the pitches.  I've stayed on the old Tribunes and the new Houx and I have to say they are well marked and labeled.  Given that most people are reasonable they don't try to take more than they are entitled too.  Since I've not seen anyone attempt to expand their area I don't know how the guys on the gate that show you to your spot would deal with it.

On one occasion on BSJ they had put some guide marks to show the 35m² should be, but, of course no one takes any notice and so it becomes a free for all.  It's no good just making the pitches out they have to be numbered.  Given that none of the sites is a regular shape some pitches are better/bigger than others. 

t.

[DJFish]

Oh well, bang goes another decent viewing spot, I wonder if they'll rebuild the banking and/or allow other camperists to access the site like wot they do at Mulsanne?

I had the gnomes babbling on at me last year about how much space we were allowed in Tertre Rouge, referring to the crappy lines they'd spray painted in the dirt and that got washed away the night before we arrived.
Just smiled and nodded until they buggered off.
Think I'll take a tape measure with me this year.

[Piglet]

It may be worth those travelling down late who want space saved for them making sure that their pass goes down with the advanced party so that they the early boys can prove they have an entitlement to x amount of space.

I know that makes it a pain in the arse for the late arrivals to get in but if they really are going to enforce this on the ground this year I can't see them allowing people to tape off space they can't show a pass for.

Food for thought perhaps? 

[John Boy]

If those prices are right then I've just discovered how much MRI are fleecing us.  For me and the wife MRI are charging £508 for ferry, camping and tickets.

Acccording to the ACO prices the same package would cost €263 assuming £60 for the ferry and that the €81 for camping on MB is per car.  This equates to about £180.  So, MRI are charging us £328 for access to the hospitality tent and a guaranteed spot on MB.  Is it worth it?  I'm begining to think not.  Therefore, rant over, now a couple of questions:

1. Approximately how much is membership to ACO?
2. Is there a step by step guide to applying for tickets direct from the ACO for 2008?

Johne

[termietermite]

Your step by step guide is here
http://www.lemanszone.de/caguide2007/c26-tickets.pdf
You do not need to be a member to apply for tickets in advance, but general entrance and camping tickets are cheaper.  You also get cheaper food and access to ACo hospitality areas.  I will look up the cost.
The other thing you get from MRI is the peace of mind - you will not be going through the same process as we direct bookers - ie the anxiety of not knowing whether or not you have got your tickets until around now!
membership costs and on-line application to the club here
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/live/pages/club24_fr.html

[John Boy]

Thanks.  your right about peace of mind, I just didn't realise how much peace of mind costs.  Is it common for people to apply a year in advance and still not get a camping spot though?

Anyway.  Most important thing is we're going.

[Piglet]

Hi John, welcome to the world - yes the ticket agencies rip you off! 

But as Mrs Termite says you get peace of mind and the knowledge that if you're prepared to pay their price you've got a ticket. 

And yes, it's very common to appy a year ahead and not get tickets.  Have a look at the thread that's on page three called Maison Blanche zoning (or similar) and read some of the comments about how we believe tickets are allocated! 

Anyway, you've paid your money, you'll get your ticket so go and enjoy it!   Is this your first time? 

[termietermite]

I have always got the tickets I have applied for since I first began booking direct - but I do book on practice weekend.  We do not know what is going to happen this year yet - we are all just guessing about the effect of the new zoning system.  But we'll have a pretty clear idea very soon I think and you'll no doubt be able to read all about our experiences any day now!
As ever, watch this space!
I should have said, you'll always get a camping space of some sort, it may just not be on quite the site you anticipated if you're low on the list!

[John Boy]

Hi Piglet,

This is our third trip, virgin in 2004, caught the bug so had to come back in 2005, unfortunately a wedding in Canada ruled out 2006 (but managed LMES at Donnington as compensation).  Watched it on MotorsTV last year.  Spent the whole 24 hours misearble 'cause I wasn't there, so had to come back this year.  I also have the added bonus of a wife who's a motor sports nut.

Each time we've gone through MRI. To be fair your guaranteed a spot if you book eary enough and I can't complain about the service.  Don't know what's going to happen for us re zoning on MB.  All I know is that we're on there somewhere.

[termietermite]

Don't forget to come and meet us at the 'Poo bar on the Saturday night, John.  Welcome to CA.

[Bob U]

 

And yes, it's very common to appy a year ahead and not get tickets. 

I have booked direct for the past 10 years and have always been allocated what I have asked for. I send  my application for the following year off by fax roundabout the end of February. I have always had the same customer/ beneficairy number on the confirmation letter.  Maybe the allocation is linked to this number, ie, the lower the number, the longer the person has been applying and therfore gets preferencial treatment.

Whatever, if you intend going in 2008 don't leave it too long before you apply.

[Piglet]

I think Bob you're lucky in that you are on the "magic list" that receives an allocation pretty much whenever they apply.

I've applied around the race date each year for the following year and not been allocated MB, Paddy has the same problem.  It seems they allocate to the "magic list" and then what's left goes to us mere mortals 

[termietermite]

And he applies in February, Piglet! The ACO tell me that those on the magic list (who have been booking for 15 years or more) come first, followed by everybody else strictly in order of the date on which their application was received.
I'll be going to the office when whatever allocation I get comes through, and I think I'll do my '08 reservations then, if they'll let me!