Title: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: SmithA on January 28, 2011, 07:02:18 pm
Hello all,
Does anyone know if your race ticket covers entry to the practice weekend this year?
i know in the past they did but this was when the practice weekend was closer to the event, i doubt the tickets will be out in time for this years practice
Andy
Does anyone know if your race ticket covers entry to the practice weekend this year?
i know in the past they did but this was when the practice weekend was closer to the event, i doubt the tickets will be out in time for this years practice
Andy
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: termietermite on January 28, 2011, 07:30:14 pm
Yes, I'm pretty sure it does. I keep meaning to e-mail them to find out if the camping tickets will be issued in time for easter too so I can pick all the tickets up together. When I finally get round to it I'll confirm that it's included.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Dirk3D_NL on January 28, 2011, 09:08:26 pm
a bit lazy but when is the practice weekend again?
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Kpy on January 28, 2011, 11:14:33 pm
Test Day is Easter Sunday 24 April this year.
Yes, GA tickets for the 24 Hours include free entrance on Test Day.
Yes, GA tickets for the 24 Hours include free entrance on Test Day.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: landman on February 02, 2011, 04:34:19 pm
From the ACO website: -
Quote
t had not occurred in 2009 and 2010 as an economy measure: the day of preliminary tests at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2011 will be organized again this year but in April this time.
It will be held April 24, finding a place in the schedule more convenient for the teams and it occupied since 2004. Indeed, with seven weeks to get from working on Sunday and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the teams will have a sufficient time to work in depth on the machines, many of whom should be new, which will be aligned on June 11 at the 24 Hours.
This event is not mandatory except for drivers, teams and / or cars that have never played the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the past. This will only free practice. Novelty particularly attractive: these preliminary tests are open to 76 cars maximum, which will allow teams not involved in Le Mans, the image of the lining of Formula Le Mans who are not allowed at the 24 Hours, to face legendary track for fun.
Also, some teams could come to roll on a course that is not so common to borrow a few experimental cars. Scrutineering will take place Saturday, April 23. The driving sessions will be held from 9 to 13 pm and from 14 to 18 hours. Commitments for this special day are open from 1st February, closing on February 24 at midnight.
Spectators are very welcome. If you have your ticket for the 24 Heures du Mans 2011, the entrance to the test day is included. If you only want to come on April 24, it will cost 10 euros and 27 euros you can attend in addition to the test day to an evening testing the 24 Hours of Le Mans, scheduled on 8 and 9 June 2011.
It will be held April 24, finding a place in the schedule more convenient for the teams and it occupied since 2004. Indeed, with seven weeks to get from working on Sunday and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the teams will have a sufficient time to work in depth on the machines, many of whom should be new, which will be aligned on June 11 at the 24 Hours.
This event is not mandatory except for drivers, teams and / or cars that have never played the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the past. This will only free practice. Novelty particularly attractive: these preliminary tests are open to 76 cars maximum, which will allow teams not involved in Le Mans, the image of the lining of Formula Le Mans who are not allowed at the 24 Hours, to face legendary track for fun.
Also, some teams could come to roll on a course that is not so common to borrow a few experimental cars. Scrutineering will take place Saturday, April 23. The driving sessions will be held from 9 to 13 pm and from 14 to 18 hours. Commitments for this special day are open from 1st February, closing on February 24 at midnight.
Spectators are very welcome. If you have your ticket for the 24 Heures du Mans 2011, the entrance to the test day is included. If you only want to come on April 24, it will cost 10 euros and 27 euros you can attend in addition to the test day to an evening testing the 24 Hours of Le Mans, scheduled on 8 and 9 June 2011.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: SmithA on February 03, 2011, 12:57:48 pm
i have spoken to our ticket supplier and they are making sure that the main event tickets will be coming out in time
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: termietermite on February 03, 2011, 01:23:55 pm
So great that the Practice weekend is back, isn't it? Fewer than 3 months to go. ;D
Who's coming over to join us?
Who's coming over to join us?
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: landman on February 03, 2011, 01:26:58 pm
The good news is, I suppose, that it's Easter weekend, therefore most people should be off work.
However it's also my middle child's birthday, and she's about as interested in motor sport as I am in Justin Bieber.
So it's no go for me, unfortunately :'(
However it's also my middle child's birthday, and she's about as interested in motor sport as I am in Justin Bieber.
So it's no go for me, unfortunately :'(
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: knetter on February 03, 2011, 02:43:15 pm
Are campsites available on the test weekend?
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Kristof on February 03, 2011, 06:14:12 pm
Are campsites available on the test weekend?
Don't think you need a campsite, most hotels still have rooms available
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: LangTall on February 04, 2011, 10:15:33 am
Yeah, but camping is cheaper then hotelrooms. ;D
Looking into with knetter and Paddy, we might show up!
Looking into with knetter and Paddy, we might show up!
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: knetter on February 04, 2011, 12:05:24 pm
Agreed, Camping is the only way to go and keep it within budget, plus I like the atmosphere a lot better. So any advice would be welcome.
Alternatively, could we stay in your backyard Termie??
Alternatively, could we stay in your backyard Termie??
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Kpy on February 04, 2011, 01:05:48 pm
ACO campsites will not be open. From experience of previous Test Weekends it's hard enough to find even a beer and a sandwich at the circuit.
There are private and municipal campsites in the area.
There are private and municipal campsites in the area.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Kristof on February 04, 2011, 03:46:49 pm
Yeah, but camping is cheaper then hotelrooms. ;D
Looking into with knetter and Paddy, we might show up!
Looking into with knetter and Paddy, we might show up!
34 €/night for a 2 or 3-person room ... don't think camping will get any cheaper ;D
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: termietermite on February 04, 2011, 03:51:42 pm
Of course you can camp in our garden. However, we are about 40 mins away so it's harder for everybody to get p*ssed trackside! Still, we can party into the night afterwards. Hic.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: knetter on February 04, 2011, 04:26:44 pm
Yeah, but camping is cheaper then hotelrooms. ;D
Looking into with knetter and Paddy, we might show up!
Looking into with knetter and Paddy, we might show up!
34 €/night for a 2 or 3-person room ... don't think camping will get any cheaper ;D
Yes, cause were not paying and just pitching tents in the Arnage area, in the wooded area!
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: SL on February 06, 2011, 11:43:39 pm
Anyone any idea of the LEGAL local camping options available for the test weekend?
Here's I asking hopefully as he is holding a Houx ticket
Si
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Paddy_NL on February 07, 2011, 12:05:08 am
We're thinking about simply parking up at Arnage or Mulsanne, that will suit us just fine. Never go there during the race due to traffic and lazyness...
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: knetter on February 07, 2011, 08:15:38 am
Anyone any idea of the LEGAL local camping options available for the test weekend?
Here's I asking hopefully as he is holding a Houx ticket
Si
Non of the official campsites will be open during the test weekend, you either go illegal or you could go to a municipal site in the area. Camping tickets for the race are only valid during race weekend.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Kpy on February 07, 2011, 11:56:48 pm
Municipal site nearest the circuit and open for test weekend is this one:
http://www.lepontromain.com/fr/camping.html
Rates are very reasonable.
http://www.lepontromain.com/fr/camping.html
Rates are very reasonable.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: knetter on February 08, 2011, 08:10:26 am
Looks very reasonable! We might have to consider it, at least there will be a hot shower waiting at the end of the tes-day.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Le Vieux on February 08, 2011, 01:18:01 pm
Municipal site nearest the circuit and open for test weekend is this one:
http://www.lepontromain.com/fr/camping.html
Rates are very reasonable.
Those planning to camp at sites in the area should be aware that many French campsites are open only during the summer months, either from 1st May or 1st June. KPY obviously knows that this one is open, but don't assume that they all will be.
I last attended the Test Weekend about 6/7 years ago and the Arnage/Indianapolis viewing area then opened only on Sunday morning and closed again immediately after track action finished. Anyone hoping to set up there on Saturday will be disappointed.
http://www.lepontromain.com/fr/camping.html
Rates are very reasonable.
Those planning to camp at sites in the area should be aware that many French campsites are open only during the summer months, either from 1st May or 1st June. KPY obviously knows that this one is open, but don't assume that they all will be.
I last attended the Test Weekend about 6/7 years ago and the Arnage/Indianapolis viewing area then opened only on Sunday morning and closed again immediately after track action finished. Anyone hoping to set up there on Saturday will be disappointed.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: termietermite on February 08, 2011, 02:46:36 pm
The municipal campsites are generally pretty reliable.
Mulsanne might be do-able for "illegal" camping but it is much busier and more industrialised than you would think from race weekend - still it should be fine over Easter. We often go up there on Classic quali night when there is nobody around but what it would be like during the times when the public roads are all open I wouldn't like to say.
I think that Piglet stayed here once:
http://www.campingfrance.com/UK/Search-for-your-campsite/PAYS-DE-LA-LOIRE/Sarthe/SPAY/CAMP-MUNICIPAL-LE-HOUSSAY
iirc.
Mulsanne might be do-able for "illegal" camping but it is much busier and more industrialised than you would think from race weekend - still it should be fine over Easter. We often go up there on Classic quali night when there is nobody around but what it would be like during the times when the public roads are all open I wouldn't like to say.
I think that Piglet stayed here once:
http://www.campingfrance.com/UK/Search-for-your-campsite/PAYS-DE-LA-LOIRE/Sarthe/SPAY/CAMP-MUNICIPAL-LE-HOUSSAY
iirc.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Kpy on February 08, 2011, 03:34:43 pm
I think that Piglet stayed here once:
http://www.campingfrance.com/UK/Search-for-your-campsite/PAYS-DE-LA-LOIRE/Sarthe/SPAY/CAMP-MUNICIPAL-LE-HOUSSAY
iirc.
Open practice weekend, closer than Yvré l'Evêque and cheaper, but not clear as to whether there's electricity or hot showers.
http://www.ville-spay.fr/spip.php?rubrique28
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: knetter on February 08, 2011, 04:30:11 pm
That might be a good choice!
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Steve Pyro on February 08, 2011, 05:23:32 pm
If that is the same Spay camp-site I used back in 1999, then it had a showers / toilets building (then).
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Paddy_NL on February 08, 2011, 06:54:12 pm
Ooh, that's quite a way out. Can't we just jump the bumps at Beausejour? :-\
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Barry on February 08, 2011, 08:07:40 pm
I'm looking for a campsite in the LM area for an overnighter in August, with Jo and the money pits, so this thread has been very interesting.
There's always the Brit run one just south of Mulsanne, but it's pricey LM and moto week, might be worth contacting them to see if is cheaper the test weekend, they might be willing to deal.
http://www.le-man-camping.co.uk/index.html (http://www.le-man-camping.co.uk/index.html)
You could always take your fishing rods as well.
There's always the Brit run one just south of Mulsanne, but it's pricey LM and moto week, might be worth contacting them to see if is cheaper the test weekend, they might be willing to deal.
http://www.le-man-camping.co.uk/index.html (http://www.le-man-camping.co.uk/index.html)
You could always take your fishing rods as well.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: termietermite on February 08, 2011, 08:27:59 pm
For you and Jo' try the Chateau de Chanteloup in Sille le Phillipe. Always full for the race and a tad too far from the circuit for drinking and racing but very good, according to mates of ours.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Barry on February 08, 2011, 09:17:07 pm
Thanks for the pointer Deb, it looks as though there's quiet a number of interesting sites in the area, as long as your not going to the race.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: knetter on February 09, 2011, 08:49:45 am
Ooh, that's quite a way out. Can't we just jump the bumps at Beausejour? :-\
I think we can decide once we get there! Pretty sure most campsites won't be booked fully!
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: termietermite on February 09, 2011, 07:44:28 pm
I see from the Lizards' newletter that not all the entry will be there. Those who have competed before are not obliged to attend.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Kpy on February 16, 2011, 05:19:48 pm
I spoke to the ACO today.
They say there will be no public access to the circuit on Saturday April 23.
However ACO Passion 24 members will have free access to the circuit that day on production of their membership cards.
They say there will be no public access to the circuit on Saturday April 23.
However ACO Passion 24 members will have free access to the circuit that day on production of their membership cards.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Barry on February 16, 2011, 07:22:39 pm
Decided to book the site at Le Pont Romain for our overnighters in August, very good reviews and looks great for an overnight stop.
The Chateau looks great, but according to the review they put overnighters in the field near the entrance, and the 'lawn pitches', which look fab, are fully booked.
Looks great if you could book one of these and staying for a few days though.
The Chateau looks great, but according to the review they put overnighters in the field near the entrance, and the 'lawn pitches', which look fab, are fully booked.
Looks great if you could book one of these and staying for a few days though.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: termietermite on February 17, 2011, 04:39:17 pm
However ACO Passion 24 members will have free access to the circuit that day on production of their membership cards.
Jolly good. No oiks getting in the way while we get some pics for the guide then. ;DSeriously though, it's a pity if it discourages people from coming for the weekend.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: knetter on February 18, 2011, 09:54:22 am
We can always bribe the people at the entrance ;D Or, just climb the fence at Maison Blanche to get in! I don't think they will stop us from entering the circuit though, who gives a rats ass if some fans get in to get a look at the cars in the pitlane?
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Kpy on February 18, 2011, 01:46:37 pm
The only available entrance will be the main gate by the Museum.
The ACO say there will be nothing to see on the Saturday, as the cars will not be in the pitlane, but behind the shutters in the garages.
That's the problem.
The ACO say there will be nothing to see on the Saturday, as the cars will not be in the pitlane, but behind the shutters in the garages.
That's the problem.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: knetter on February 21, 2011, 04:24:31 pm
No worries, we can sneak into the paddock as well ;D
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: termietermite on March 09, 2011, 02:01:54 pm
I spoke to the ACO today.
They say there will be no public access to the circuit on Saturday April 23.
Interesting because in the Contact Mag' which I got from the ACO today, it says that there are "Verifications Techniques" on the Saturday, and there is no mention of restricted access. They say there will be no public access to the circuit on Saturday April 23.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Kpy on March 09, 2011, 03:49:14 pm
So it does, Deb.
Apparently the ACO now say admission to the Test Weekend includes the Saturday, as long as you have a ticket.
So no thanks to the lady in the ticket office who gave me the wrong information last month, and sorry to all of you who I've misled!
Apparently the ACO now say admission to the Test Weekend includes the Saturday, as long as you have a ticket.
So no thanks to the lady in the ticket office who gave me the wrong information last month, and sorry to all of you who I've misled!
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: knetter on March 14, 2011, 08:46:42 am
Damn, there goes my sneaky sneaky plan ;D Good news though, we will actually have something to do on the sat. then!
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Kristof on March 18, 2011, 08:45:51 am
Booked a hotel in Arnage, guess we'll be arriving Saturday early afternoon.
Anyone have a suggestion for a good restaurant in Le Mans for Saturday evening ?
Anyone have a suggestion for a good restaurant in Le Mans for Saturday evening ?
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: termietermite on March 18, 2011, 12:15:47 pm
My favourite:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?rls=com.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox&oe=&rlz=1I7ADRA_en&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=restaurant+le+mans&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=restaurant&hnear=Le+Mans,+France&cid=8339926301165260156
But it's Easter Saturday so do book.
Otherwise the Maitre Kanter in Jacobins is fine, as is the Corail by the station.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?rls=com.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox&oe=&rlz=1I7ADRA_en&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=restaurant+le+mans&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=restaurant&hnear=Le+Mans,+France&cid=8339926301165260156
But it's Easter Saturday so do book.
Otherwise the Maitre Kanter in Jacobins is fine, as is the Corail by the station.
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Barry on March 18, 2011, 03:53:20 pm
My favourite:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?rls=com.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox&oe=&rlz=1I7ADRA_en&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=restaurant+le+mans&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=restaurant&hnear=Le+Mans,+France&cid=8339926301165260156
But it's Easter Saturday so do book.
Otherwise the Maitre Kanter in Jacobins is fine, as is the Corail by the station.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?rls=com.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox&oe=&rlz=1I7ADRA_en&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=restaurant+le+mans&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=restaurant&hnear=Le+Mans,+France&cid=8339926301165260156
But it's Easter Saturday so do book.
Otherwise the Maitre Kanter in Jacobins is fine, as is the Corail by the station.
Love the section which says
'Végétarien: Non ' :)
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: termietermite on March 18, 2011, 04:55:56 pm
My favourite:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?rls=com.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox&oe=&rlz=1I7ADRA_en&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=restaurant+le+mans&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=restaurant&hnear=Le+Mans,+France&cid=8339926301165260156
But it's Easter Saturday so do book.
Otherwise the Maitre Kanter in Jacobins is fine, as is the Corail by the station.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?rls=com.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox&oe=&rlz=1I7ADRA_en&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=restaurant+le+mans&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=restaurant&hnear=Le+Mans,+France&cid=8339926301165260156
But it's Easter Saturday so do book.
Otherwise the Maitre Kanter in Jacobins is fine, as is the Corail by the station.
Love the section which says
'Végétarien: Non ' :)
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: Kristof on March 18, 2011, 10:26:32 pm
My favourite:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?rls=com.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox&oe=&rlz=1I7ADRA_en&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=restaurant+le+mans&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=restaurant&hnear=Le+Mans,+France&cid=8339926301165260156
But it's Easter Saturday so do book.
Otherwise the Maitre Kanter in Jacobins is fine, as is the Corail by the station.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?rls=com.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox&oe=&rlz=1I7ADRA_en&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=restaurant+le+mans&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=restaurant&hnear=Le+Mans,+France&cid=8339926301165260156
But it's Easter Saturday so do book.
Otherwise the Maitre Kanter in Jacobins is fine, as is the Corail by the station.
Love the section which says
'Végétarien: Non ' :)
Mine too ;D. Thanks for the tip Termie !
Title: Re: LM Practice Weekend
Post by: lynxd67 on March 21, 2011, 08:10:11 pm
If you want a restaurant that is haute cuisine, not expensive, and not far from the circuit then there is a little known secret at Ruaudin, one mile east of the Mulsanne. It is open lunchtimes only in the week and if you book in advance then Fridays are possible, but the weekends are difficult. It's called L'Auberge des Blés d'Or, and I've not eaten better at under £100 per head.
Last time I started with prawns in filou pastry, civet d'homard to follow, a beautiful mix of raspberry dessert, all for the sum of 34€. They throw in some entrées for free, and for two, with a good bottle of wine, and an aperitif, we pay about 100€ all in.
But if you want to be nearer the circuit, there is a new brasserie that's opened up opposite the tramway and is not, I hear too dear and open until late. Normally no need to book. Otherwise, if you like jazz, there is the restaurant behind the Family Village called Les Ecuries which has great music weekends and isn't dear.
Just a few options folks!
Last time I started with prawns in filou pastry, civet d'homard to follow, a beautiful mix of raspberry dessert, all for the sum of 34€. They throw in some entrées for free, and for two, with a good bottle of wine, and an aperitif, we pay about 100€ all in.
But if you want to be nearer the circuit, there is a new brasserie that's opened up opposite the tramway and is not, I hear too dear and open until late. Normally no need to book. Otherwise, if you like jazz, there is the restaurant behind the Family Village called Les Ecuries which has great music weekends and isn't dear.
Just a few options folks!
