first timer with some camping quesitons.

[goodduck]

I'm sure that you are all probably sick of these types of topics by now and must be thinking "these dumbasses need to plan earlier etc" but i need some advice/help.

here is the deal: this is my second post here and this was my first.
basically saying that this is my first le mans etc.

I have a train ticket arriving at le mans at 10AM on friday and am planning on buying a general admission ticket when i get there. I do not have a camping ticket and am getting nervous about that. From what i read in your excellent, informative guide i might be able to get tickets to beausejour (sp?) on the spot?

i am arriving with a two backpacks and a camera and a sad excuse for a tent (small tarp and stakes) and possibly some alcohol if i can stop by a market on the way from the station. This may sound ridiculous but when i am in the general admission area is it possible to just "nap" somewhere on the ground with my bags without pitching a tent? or can i find my way to the edge of the woods somewhere and pitch a tent there?  i plan on doing a fair amount of drinking there as that seems to be the atmosphere (exited about that) and i dont think i would have any problem passing out for a couple hours for the two nights i am staying there.  :)i dont want to sound like too much of a hobo here but i am not sure what to expect. am i even allowed to take my bags into the general admission area and is the general admission area open 24 hours a day on friday?

I realize these are huge noob questions and i have read a lot of other topics but i am uncertain about these things... thanks for any help.

EDIT
i am also concerned about putting my bigger bag somewhere for "safe keeping" while i walk around the different areas of the track. is this possible in gen admin? ... if i dont get a camping spot are there lockers anywhere or anything of that sort? thanks again

[Canada Phil]

Hi Good duck,
                  Just buy a ticket at the gate. Your plan is a bit spartan but can work. You will not be the only one on race night stretched out on the viewing berm. I do not have a solution for storage of your big bag. pack as light as you can. I did this my first trip and it worked out fine. Food and beer stands every where. Proper tent or Bivy sac I would not bother with tarp too much trouble for too little protection. IMHO
Canada Phil   

[termietermite]

We napped circuit side for the first 8 years - have only had a tent since last year.  Not a problem.  I'm sure you can use somebody's car as a locker.  PM me and I'll try to sort you out.  Our power's going off this am but I'll be around later.

[Lawnmower Man]

Goodduck,

I would think you'll be able to find a stop in one of the campsites without having to buy a camping ticket.   Most people are friendly but sak before you pitch near them.  As we discussed in another thead a few weeks ago "please don't pitch your tent where someone parks their car." that is likely to make the natives hostile.

There are/were left luggage  places behind the grandstands  but it's only open on Race day I think.

t.

[Lazy B'stard]

I'm with Canada Phil on this one. Drop the Ray Mears stuff and get along to Carrefour for a 15? tent, pitch it carefully and slap your stuff inside, don't have to worry about lumping it about in hot weather. Sorted. Then take your photos before you get wasted you Hobo!:-D
Oh and don't forget the poo bar meet at 9 sharp on sat night.
Si

[goodduck]

thanks a lot for the responses, you guys are too kind!  I am reassured that you can "nap circuit side" that should suit me just fine.
are there any restrictions as to what you can bring into the general admission areas. can i bring a case of beer for and my large bag? or do they want you to buy beer there?

i will shoot you a PM, termiettermite.. thanks

[Lazy B'stard]

I think there was something on the reverse of the GA ticket about taking bottles into the circuit but we have always taken our own booze in with us. I think discretion would be the way forward, hide it under your coat or something.

[termietermite]

Theoretically beer in cans only.  But as long as you're not pushing a trolley full of what are obviously bottles, it won't be a problem. The ACO will happily sell you a bottle of 'poo and they haven't figured out how to sell that in metal or plastic containers yet!  Be reasonably discreet and you'll get away with it. (Oh, and please put your empties in the recycle bins by the exits! - Ta.)

[nopanic - neil]

I'm with Canada Phil on this one. Drop the Ray Mears stuff and get along to Carrefour for a 15? tent, pitch it carefully and slap your stuff inside, don't have to worry about lumping it about in hot weather. Sorted. Then take your photos before you get wasted you Hobo!:-D
Oh and don't forget the poo bar meet at 9 sharp on sat night.
Si

I agree Carrefour is the place to go.....