Club Arnage

I would like to attend the classic Le Mans again but am in search of either a lift or passengers. I have attended 5 24 Hour Le Mans and the first classic and would like to say that I have visited all of them.
I would prefer a lift as I drive every year and the motorhome I have has developed several faults at this years Le Mans and might be sold rather then to fix all the probs.
You can email at the address to the left (Post Icon) or PM me. I would prefer to camp rather than hotel but I am flexible. Hope to hear from other people in a sticky situation.

Steve, Gibb, Mark??? what are you upto??

Rick, I'm up for the Classic.  We could take my estate car and be able to get 4 people in it in comfort plus plenty of room in the back for camping gear.

It's only six weeks away so I guess we should firm it up.

Not sure if I'll get away with three trips to Le Mans in 5 months but I'll try!!

That said, I've been offered a lift down by Ferrari Spider so may meet you down there  ;D

If that doesn't come off then I don't mind driving either!!

JP, you were paying attention, i'm impressed, lets get planning, meeting in Reading?

Just been looking through the special website for the event.  http://www.lemansclassic.com/2004/  I t would appear that if we approached the organisers we would be eligible to special rates and privileges.  Who actually represents the club in a official capacity, there must be someone?

Welcome to the Clubs

We do our best to ease your stay at "Le Mans Classic 2004"

Privileged access" to the circuit

Ticketing with preferential rates for driver and car passengers.

Ticketing is only advance booking and through the clubs.

Reserved spaces

- The “Bugatti Espace Club” inside a major zone hosting the pre-66 cars, plus interesting later models.

- The "Le Mans Classic 24H Club“ gathering in the middle of the paddocks the former 24 Hours cars not in competition

- A special car park will be set aside outside for the other club cars.

Invitation to the private paddock enclosure- Dress code: no jeans

Special Club facilities

Marquees -fully-equipped 25 m²-units

Le Mans Classic” special picnic baskets

Entertainment reserved to the Clubs

Concourse supported by the FFVE and the FIVA

Big dinner and dancing party on Saturday evening

Track access for a drive along the circuit

Contact us : info@lemansclassic.com

I think we may need to meet up and do some planning.

I already have friday and monday off so time is not a problem. Although I do believe there will be qualifying on the Friday this year. Camping was on MB last year. There were bigger crowds for this then the pre quals but the grandstands are all free and there is usually space.

What are your feelings on ferry route and dates. Calais is the cheapest by far.

BE AWARE THIS IS IN THE UK AND FRENCH SCHOOL HOLIDAYS THIS YEAR. Ferry prices will be over the odds anyway.

my preference would be via caen as i'm about 45 mins from portsmouth or poole.  The calais route doubles my travel time.

I am going, but it's part of a family holiday, so have wife & kids in tow, arriving Thurs pm, MB camping.

Think that the Welcome to Clubs is aimed at owners clubs of historic marques, but might be wrong.

Granstands were only free if you applied for tickets before 31st May or you are ACO member, now 20 euro. Paddock passes ( dress code) 15 euro but must be purchased in advance. MB camping 60 euro :o.

There were some ferry deals about for this time, got a 11 day ticket Sea France for £150, car (3m height limit) + 4 people.

They are closing the roads Friday pm, some info suggests that they will start on Friday night, as ther are now 400 cars wishing to take part.
Radio Le mans will be running :) :)

I went to the last one and it was absolutely fantastic, so I'm rather hoping to go again.

Last time there were lots of car clubs and they all got nto drive around the full curcuit. This is something I think we would all love to do. If we're going to do this as a CA thing then we need to get organised here guys and quick!

In a moment of madness, I even considered taking the Commer down if we go as a group. That way, if anyone wants to take their pride and joy Classic Car around the curcuit, there is a means of lugging all the gear down. Also happy to take a few passengers to share costs. I would only intend to leave on a friday night and get a sunday ferry back to the UK (or mon am at an absolute push). If nothing is sorted on the CA front  then it'll probably be the WRX for the trip.

Any comments to the above?

Andy I went to the first one and really really really want to go again. It looks like myself and Steve are planning on going maybe in his car.
Althought the commer does not feature on the list maybe you could blag it on the track as one of the original support vehicles, seeing it on the track would certainly be entertaining if it does get on. I doubt that Steve will mind if you come with us but we might be going out friday and back monday depending on work/family commitments. The new seacat that I used last week from Pompy to Caen is fantastic for LM, 6 hours door to door is more like it!
Myself and Steve can keep you posted.

So Far:-

Rick Cutler
JPChenet
Ferrari Spider
Steve Brown
Gibberish
Andy Zarse

How to become invisible in one easy lesson, mention wife and children. :'(

Ooops sorry Barry.

After the ACO getting the hump about the posters, wouldn't it be great to then see it on the track!!!!!   ;D

Thats unless he doctors the Classic poster.

 :) ;) :D ;D >:(

Are we off to party?

What's the SP regarding camping and entry tickets?  On the door or prebooked.

I'm sorting the ferry out (Dover Calais definately cheapest) but bit 'bewildered' about the camping ticket.

I have just priced up going with the trailer in tow ( must have CA cold beer n'est pas ! )

Over £500 for the weekend, bearing in mind a car and 2 people Portsmouth  - Le Havre.

I cant be bothered with the Driving to Dover then back from Calais.

If you guys orgainse a trip i may shoot on down on the bike. My bike - The Track = Too much fun to miss. Plus ihave just found 70 Euro's whilst washing my clothes. NICE

We're definately on so we'll see you there - need anything taking down there?

Time to knock this on the head - First of all its best to read your diary.

Some one put me down for 7 days of work at an airshow in Farnborough. DAMN.

Oh its also the Motot GP at Donny on the Sunday - I can see a sickie coming for that .

Sorry lads. Thank god i didnt pay for the ferry.  Dip Stick springs to mind.

I hope the kids in Pompey don't read this forum.  I can see them dancing around the burnt out cars now!!!  :o

Basic costs are these, prices in brackets are for non aco memebers 30 (40) euros for the general admission, free (15) for the paddocks, Free (20) tribunes, Free (10) car parking, 60 (60) Maison Blanche Camping.

The up shot is if you are an ACO memeber it costs 90 Euros, non members excluding car parking is 120 Euros paid in advance and on the door it costs 130 Euros.

I think each ACO member can buy 4 GA's at the discounted rate too!! Not sure about tribunes etc though.

I hope the kids in Pompey don't read this forum.  I can see them dancing around the burnt out cars now!!!  :o

My local kids cant even read, let alone type.

Nicking cars , well thats differnet , Thats the lesson of life.

owing to the fact that they cant read - i have just had a very odd vision of them stealing your car - driving it around - and then filling it up with unleaded......

"but goes like a propa mota don't it"   ;D

Right I have a development:-

Wednesday night has been agreed by myself and Gibberish as a night to actually plan and not just drink. London I think is preferable by all as we live in three corners around London.

Can you please let me know if Wednesday in London is OK otherwise we will have to do a telephone arranging night.

I am working tomorrow and am going back to France on Friday. Tonight is football leaving only wednesday and thursday free. I would like to pack on Thursday.

The other major development is the fridge is now working and the battery problem is looking like it may be solved. I will keep you posted on this front.

Wednesday is a no-go for me but I could do Thursday!

Could you pack on Wednesday night Rick??

its a good possibility as long as we plan and don't just drink.  Drinkings fine but with a decision.  We can change the decision and meet and drink and decide again, that's fine as well.  OOOOh, the pain killers are addictive.  I'll be there.

I am out for the morning I will be back at about 2pm.

6 hour without CA :'(

I'm sure someone at work might have missed you Rick, but posting Out of Office messages on CA could start a new trend... :)

smokie (who will not actually be out of office until later, but has some work to do so might not be around for a bit...)   :D

Thursday night would be better for me also (ooop north Wednesday)

Rick, I've borrowed a 240V/12V/gas camping fridge if we need it.

Are we still going by car or are you now considering the camper?

Have we reached a decision as to what evening we are meeting or will need a meeting for that?

Yes, this Thursday evening at the Argyle Arms near Oxford Circus - see you there?

would that be about 18:00 hrs?

Yes, probably from 17:30 on.
I'll be a bit on the drag as I will be on my way back south by train.

I will be there just before 1700.

Please take note that although anyone is welcome we MUST plan the weekend on that night. If you do come along appreciate we will go on about equipment, cars (the one we go in), ferries, times, people for some time.

Can Rick definately make Thursday??

I am now a definate to travel down with Peter in Black Velvet (wonder how much he'll let me drive??  ;D )  Will need some logistical help though with the carriage of a tent.

See prevoius post Mark  ;D

I spoke to Andy and Steve yesterday but had to go back to work!!!
I think you had already said that thursday is OK.

Depends on if you let me guide you!

So who else is going???  I assume Gilles will be there, although it could be in a working capacity again??

How about the RS2's?? Fancy another 4 hour scooter ride Simon???  ;)

I think you will find it was 4hours X2 as the SNCF would not let him take the said bike on a train, forcing him to ride home aswell.

Rick
Gibberish
Ferrari Spider
JPChenet
Steve Brown
Barry
Gilles??
Andy Zarse??

Any more?

Sorry that I can't offer assistance on this JP, car loaded to the roof and beyond with boogie boards and buckets and spades.

Cheers Barry, but I think Steve is taking his estate car down so hopefully be able to sneak the tent into his car.

I'll bungee it to the tailgate wiper arm  ;D

Unless we take The Beast Steve.  Yours is probably faster.  Tlak to you about it on Thursday.  :)

Excellent Roo bars, that should keep the big french bluebottles and mosquitoes out of the way  ;D


(http://www.aaa.iinet.net.au/roosign.jpg)

ancillary lighting looks effective, how far down the mulsanne can you see, or do you use it for the low flyers?

Roo bars are very effective against trees, but the extra lights are only good in fog, and for collecting half the French insect life!  :)

Now that would be an impovement upon the average life found on my fogs  :D

Spoke to Andy Zarse this morning. He can't make Thursday evening this week but he is definately up for the Classic. He is going to check out Ferry prices for the Commer but otherwise he is happy to take his Scooby Estate!!

We Should have space in Steve or Gibb's Car for Andy

The more the merrier.  I'm not sitting on anyone's lap though  ;)

Sorry, no can do on Thursday.

What routes are Gibb and Steve intending to take? Would prefer not to go Dover-Calais, hate long journeys, I'm not the world's greatest passenger. May have Steve Zarse in tow too, so we may need to make own arrangements.

Has anyone got a proper link for the Newhaven Dieppe ferry people? Can only get a price through the ferrysavers.com website, sure I can do better direct.

Other than that P&O Pompey-Caen seacat thing comes out at about £340, which is a bit stiff for a weekend I reckon.

Andy we are planning on Dover Calais at the moment but remember that Newhaven Dieppe will save only an hour. We are taking the fastest practical car because we all hate long journeys.

Here's the Newhaven / Dieppe link http://www.transmancheferries.com (http://www.transmancheferries.com)

The service is by older french freight ferries (broke down a couple of times during LM week) with a longer sailing time and less frequent crossings.

Price currently £72 return so you pays your money etc.

Jus read the thread - posting "quotes" is far too technically advanced for me but have the following responses:

1. Mr & Mrs RS2 are definitely planning on being there - no excuse not to really is there. RS2 may be gone by then though - but I've being saying that since January!
2. Scooter (yes there and back- bloody SNCF) was good but once a year is enough I think!!
3. Probably can't get any extra time off so will arrive Friday night or Sat morning.
4. Happy to accomodate anyone on way there/back (as long as Mr Zarse leaves my shaving foam alone this time!!) - but is really only useful for anyone travelling via St. Malo. - (We had Canada Phil and daughter stay with us last Sunday)
5. As for your meeting on Thursday - isn't there a little footy match on ???

cheers
Simon.

Peter and I are booked on the Friday early am Pompey Caen fast craft, returning Sunday evening (although it's a flexi ticket so may travel back Monday am depending on what everyone else is doing)

Not the cheapest, but probably justified by the saving in time and what it saves in Petrol (especially in the Spider!!) 280 mile round trip as opposed to 800 via Dover Calais

Just to let everyone know got the return 5 day ticket PO Fastcraft out Friday am back Sunday pm although can change for £5 if needs be for £300.

I am aware of that but getting everyone free on the same day is not easy. I would hope that we have all the planning done before the game starts. Then the game and the Le Mans preparation session starts. ;D

Sorry to appear unpatriotic (which I'm not) but, sod the footy  ::)

http://www.hoverspeed.com/

I would avoid the Transmanche ferry, as Steve says it is VERY hit and miss weather it runs, the ferries are crap and full of lorries so loading-unloading can be a desiel fumed nightmare.

The Hoverspeed fast cat service is alot better and only takes 2 hours, no lorries or coachs.

The drive from Deippe is a dream, You can give Rouen a wide berth and enjoy some great roads and still be there in under 3 hours.

If you haven't had the time to look on the ACO website for the mouthwatering collection of talent appearing at the classic then hook in here.

http://www.lemans.org/univers_sport/lemans_classique/live/pages/programme_gb.ht

Our Johnny will be appearing, closely stalked by his new mate JP. (http://)

I'll definitely be there !  8)

Just got confirmation this morning of our small group having a group slot in the Bugatti Classic Car area, including track action! Shoul dhopefull get out on to track a few times this year!!

Bring it on, slight consolation for missing the big June event this year ;-)

Cheers, if you're around look out for Club houx Annexers....

Mark B

Things are moving along now following our "planning meeting" with ferries etc booked and arrangements made.

Andy Z - you still on for the Classic?

Is it worth thinking about roping our camping area off for the classic, is there a preferred location, not downhill of the bogs, do we know a definate contingent size?

(http://)

Recieved our tickets from the ACO last week, tribune tickets do not have allocated seats, could be good, pick your favorite spot , or bad, trying to find 4 seats together if the tribunes busy.

Hi there everyone,

Bit of help please  ???

I was going down with friends and sharing a room with someone who was booked into a hotel.  Friend now not going but I have a ferry ticket.

So if I go down can I get a camping pass etc.,.. on the door?

From reading this thread I think I can but want to be sure.

Thanks for any help.

Regards,

Robin

I watched them unload 4 bike-engined kitcars on the way to LM advising them it was fine, only to see one guy crack his ally sump!
3 hours delay, due to loading,  on the way home too!

Yes, as far as I know.  That's the theory we're working on.

Yes, as far as I know.  That's the theory we're working on.


Thanks for that Steve.  Now working on getting someone to come with me, hoping one of the guys I went down with in June can be persuaded.

Regards,

Robin

I've got two available flats 500 m from the railway station for LM Classic.

Anyone interested in?

Thanks Gilles,
It looks like there will be a fair few of us camping.

 ;D  8)  :D

All sorted.  Bobblehat racing (minus Bobblehat :o) are coming to the Classic.

We are going out on Wednesday on the Portsmouth-Caen night ferry returning Monday afternoon by the same route.

We will hopefully see some of you guys in Maison Blanche.

Well I guess that makes you the CA advance party. So make sure you take plenty of tape to mark off all our pitches!!!

(http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/archive/crimetape.gif)

Certainly can if you are serious.  How many pitches do we need?

Robin

I've got all the tape !!

I  doubt that demand is going to be too high but I am coming in Steve Browns car I think we will have three tents then there is Ferrari Spider who will have two tents I believe. Not sure if we said if we are taking a gazeebo or anything. But 10m x 10m should be more than enough for both of us.

Cheers. Only a week and a day until we set off!!!!

(http://www.burnoutworld.com/cars/burnoutpictures/images/Chevrolet%20Impala%20SS%20Burnout.jpg)

Don't forget Barry!!! He'll need some space too!

That is true I think he has the family with him though so I am not sure how much space he needs but I would guess about 10m x 6m for him depending if he is with family??

JP what are you doing about your stuff for Camping. I might take the train to Gibb's you see.

Any room for a couple of small Team Zarse tents?

We'll leave 'Santa' at home. Promise.

 ;D

Going to try to meet with Peter to see what we can get in the Spider. I've got the tent here, airbeds and a couple of folding chairs. Peter thinks we might get it all in?????  ::)

I'll let you lknow asap. If we need a couple of chairs I'm sure Bibb will have a couple he can take for us from his collection of camping gear.

Have you got a 12V air pump. Mine broke at Le Mans and I haven't got a replacement yet. I have a footpump but the electric ones are much faster and smaller.

I don't have one but Steve or Gibb might.

i have a 12v pump, is it for the obvious things?

JP

We will have a 12v pump with us, along with almost every thing else, bar the kitchen sink.

Thanks for remembering the the Rugrat Racing trip to LM, we will need about 10m x 10m inc car, but will have to take a rain check on position when we get there, kids need to sleep, might try to get the copse of trees between us and the track, and the 3 year old has to be near the bogs.

Gilles

Do you know if the Poo bar and the Grand Marnier crepe stand are going to be at the Classic?
Must get our priorities right ;D

a poo bar is planned, as Mumm is the exclusive supplier of Lm classic but no idea of its location

no idea either of the presence of the Grand Marnier stand !

Whahooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!

(http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1065000/images/_1068434_mumm150.jpg)

Norbert

How can we spot you on MB?

Do you have the refueling Moke with you?

Cheers Gilles, Jo will be a happy bunny, especially if the GM stand is there as well :)

Hi Barry,

We are travelling light this time so now camper van and no Moke.  We are coming down in my car.

So you need to look out for an 'ice metallic blue' Subaru Impreza STi with number plate ending ** ** SRT.

Regards,

Robin

PS anyone know where to get barrier tape?

I think Gilles has some barrier tape and can meet you down there with it. Otherwise email or PM me your address and I'll send you some asap so you have it before you head off.

That said, I'm not sure if it will be that busy???

YHM

Mr Chenet!!!  Busy, once we arrive there will be a car to wash and polish and maybe polish again.  OR, we could have a drive around as much of the circuit as possible with all the other petrolheads.  BUT once we have done that we may want to see what the circuit looks like by going around anti clockwise.  Bring some marigolds just in case, can't have chapped hands.

Oh we also need to do some cruising.

Right at Lunchtime today the internet is being plugged from me.

If you need to get hold of me email me at info @ 24 - lemans.com

that is without the spaces.

www.24-lemans.com is the URL.

Forecast is beginning to look very promising 8)
Time to pack that suntan lotion and get the beers on ice ;D

"All sorted.  Bobblehat racing (minus Bobblehat ) are coming to the Classic."

"Its mutiny sir I say its MUTINY"  >:(

Oh well I guess I will have to wait for two more years.

Have fun guys

Tell you what we'll put a bobble on the top of Norbert's hat .  What about that? ;D

Still at least you are spared my driving  :P "Truck? What truck?"  "THAT TRUCK!"  :-*

BIG WHITE TRUCK :o

Oh dear poor Kieth, I forgot about that!!!!

Yellow bobble please on Norbert, actualy I will hand the original bobblhat to Kieth this weekend, as he has the red mini out at Shakespeare race way.

Still at least I have the extra Warp Drive now  ;D

and it is having the V-Limited splitter and mudflaps fitted on Wednesday morning so that must be good for another 20bhp  ;)

and I take it that means 'my' red Mini?  Be interesting to see what times it runs, maybe I should bring the Scoob?

"mudflaps fitted"  ???

How do mudflaps make it go faster? That would be intresting to see what you could get down the strip, ill be there on Sat PM

Opps looks like we have just hijacked this thread,

I've got barrier tape...

When, where and how much do you need it ??

If you can't get any tape we'll have plenty with us ( second use is to tie the 3 year old up so he doesn't escape).
our A6 is almost the same colour as your STi, and the reg ends in BNJ, pop into the circus tent for a beer.

 ;D Bobblehat, maybe I should have visibly engaged  'Sarcasm Mode' as it is probably a bit of a Scoobynet in joke.

Having said that the splitter DOES increase downforce, I just hope it wont create a problem getting on the ferry with the resulting much lower ground clearance  ::)

See you when we get back.

Robin

Gilles,

That would be great if you don't mind meeting up with us as it will save carrying it over with us.  We arrive at Caen at 7.30am, so allowing for a breakfast stop and fuel stops I would imagine we will get to Le Mans between 11.00 or 12.00.  I am not sure how much we need I will ask below people to confirm the space thay want reserved so we can judge from that, I hope that is ok and I look forward to meeting you.  (I will PM you my mobile number so you can find me)

***EVERYONE***

Could everyone who wants space taped off please confirm and say how much so that Gilles knows how much tape to bring and I know what pitches to try and get.
As we are leaving on Wednesday I may not be able to log in again after Tuesday PM.

Kind regards

Robin

Thanks Barry,

If there is a problem with Gilles meeting us I'll take you up on that and certainly see you for a beer!

Regards

Robin

Note to Keith:-  Shall we point out Barry's alternative use of barrier tape to Tom and especially Michael  ;)

Please provide some space for the Ferrari Spider / JPChenet / Rick Cutler / Gibberish / Steve Brown / Team Zarse / RS2's? within the CA compound.

Muchos gracias, see you Friday.

OK  So we will try and reserve a compound with 7  10mx10m pitches plus our own.

In case there is more than one ice metallic blue Scooby there we will also have our mascot Norbert, as pictured left, on display to help identify our pitch.

See you Friday,

Robin