Club Arnage

Just a quick update on works in progress at the circuit.
The groundworks for the new paddock area are well underway.  There will be a terrace at the bottom of the village area to provide a viewing area into it for the public.  5 extra pits should be up and running for the big race.

The tramway works are on schedule and rails are already appearing at the Antares (circuit) end.  This means that if things continue as they should (ie they don't find a cache of unexploded bombs or similar) there should be a tram service from the station to the circuit in time for the race.  Will keep you posted as winter goes along.

Tertre Rouge (Stella) bar is unaffected and still open for business.

oh what is is to have a member of 'la resistance' able to keep us informed!!

well done and keep it up!! ;D ;D ;D

Thats the best news I have heard all day. ;D 8)

The tramway works are the best news for me.

I come to LeMans on foot and the hike from the station to the circuit,especially carrying my kit and in the usualJune heat,can be pretty wearing sometimes.

Looking forward to next year's race already and should definitely be there.

Me too.  I'm going to run around the garden naked now  ::)

Ok Steve, just make sure you dont run into any sheep and give them a nasty suprise  :o

Me too.  I'm going to run around the garden naked now  ::)


TVR Tuscan eat yer heart out.

See http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/live/actu/2006-09-26_NC_1167_gb.html

Hi Termie,
              Thanks for keeping us up to date. Is the Stella still Reassuringly Expensive? or do they jack the prices up for June?
Hi Randy,
              Coming again in 2007? I will be in Sarasota on Monday morning . How close is that to where you are ?
PM me your Cell # and maybe we could meet for Brekkie?Phil

Tertre rouge mods are now underway. See http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/dossiers/travaux/index.html

And some recent pics http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/actu/2006-11-02_NC_1227_fr.html

Looking good - at least the tramway work doesn't screw up the Mulsanne or the Chemin de Boeufs.  Is there any indication on when the tramway will be in use yet?

MG Mark

In theory by May - will do a few recces between now and then.

I was thinking of arriving on foot on the Wednesday.

Will the tram service between the station and the circuit be running by then, do you think?

According to the publicity, yes, (hence the "in theory" bit) but I'll keep everybody posted as time goes on.  I propose to give the tramway a "dry run" myself once it's open. At any rate, the bus service will run so you won't be entirely stuck whatever happens. 

In theory by May - will do a few recces between now and then.

cool!! have to try it out at the moto gp ;D

The resurfacing work on the D139 (Arnage to Porsche curves) is now complete.

New pics here
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/live/actu/2006-11-14_NC_1233_fr.html
today

And more here
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/live/actu/2006-11-14_NC_1233_fr.html

Thanks Termie, some work going on there.
Cheers.
Brian

No sign of any UXB's this year then. Or should we  start a sweepstake.

Can't imagine anybody will be in LM this weekend (except of course Mr & Mrs Termite), but as part of the local telethon, you can get driven round the Bugatti for 30 euros.
That's Sunday sorted then.
http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/actu/2006-11-29_NC_1246_fr.html

The tramway will carry its first passengers at the end of 2007
http://www.ville-lemans.fr/page.do?t=2&uuid=4FCFD0ED-D4D0B214-49621248-7F0DC323
so it looks like the bus still for this year's race at least.

I ended up unwittingly contributing to the Telethon in Lille over the weekend. Mrs S purchased sufficient of her laundry products to donate €6, for which we got a "free gift"

Here are 60 odd pictures taken last weekend by Bentley 03 who post on 10/10ths

If you have a nervous disposition you should not look.

Judging by the amount of trees cut down, maybe we should get 'Sting' to form a charity.

http://www.putfile.com/bentley03/images/61231

New pics today.
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/live/actu/2006-11-14_NC_1233_fr.html

Some important news for route planning this year
http://www.cg72.fr/MediasCG72/pdf/Voir.pdf
Appologies for the French.
Basically there are now two new payages on the A28 which could be useful for travellers to LM.  One is between Fresnay sur Sarthe and Mamers.  Not immediately obvious that this is of interest, but it does allow anybody who is in a bit of a hurry, to use the motorway but still do the last 30 miles or so of the old N138 and arrive at LM by the more traditional route.
The second is at Parigne l'Eveque which allows a different exit from the motorway on the south side of the city - much more convenient for the circuit and should help the traffic flow considerably.  I'll investigate further and try to place these properly for inclusion in the guide.



Arnage corner has also been resurfaced.

Another bomb was found in the paddock area during building works yesterday
http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/pages/som_actu_fr.html
Watch where you step!
PS No English translation available.

New pics from the circuit
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/live/actu/2006-11-14_NC_1233_fr.html

Nice picture on top of that page. ;D

(they change, but the football Dome of RfH is also there)

Only too bad the used a Paul Ricard picture for it, our lion wasn't on it by then.  :-\

Some pics of Arnage and Tertre Rouge taken Sunday
http://www.flickr.com/photos/97986095@N00/sets/72157594533795125/show/

Looks like the messy MGer's have been there already ;D ;D

The work looks more advanced than the Dunlop Chicane work did this time last year.

thanks for sharing :)

This bit is of course, being bullied along by the tramway works! ;)

Its a shame their making Tetre Rouge a shallower apex, I think there will be less glowing brake discs at night (favorite place around 12 -1 oclock)  :-[

Reminds me of the M25...

Without the traffic.

If they combined the car, truck and bike races, it really could be like the M25......

MG Mark

Provisional timetable here
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/live/pages/horaires_gb.html
Much the same as every year.

Fancy this?
http://www.lemansdriver.fr/pages/stage_formation_gt.html
Some pretty tasty cars you'll be able to drive around the Bugatti soon. :P  Ford GT for me.

Yup.. saw it and called them as I fancy screaming the DB9 round the bugatti as I am in the loire region for a week in my for my big 40 ;)

no prices until march i was told tho :( so if you get prices/dates earlier can you PM me?

Cheers

Andy

More new pics
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/live/actu/2006-11-14_NC_1233_fr.html

A couple of press releases from the ACO
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/live/actu/2007-04-10_GD_1287_gb.html
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresmoto/live/actu/2007-04-10_GD_1289_fr.html

Some more pics of work in progress
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/live/actu/2006-11-14_NC_1233_fr.html

I may be slow, but are they building more garages in the pits area?

Does that mean there could be more cars?   ???

Or am I completly off the mark, and should go back to fixing the brakes on my cherry picker.....

Keep up at the back!  Yes, that is why we now have 55 cars on this year's entry list.

DOH -  ::)

To much beers, or not enough

Think my brain got a bit washed out a Sebring

Thanks

It rained hard enough for it nopanic. ;D

And nobody looks wetter than you do in those pics!

http://www.endurance-info.com/modules.php?ModPath=phpBB2&ModStart=viewtopic&p=70230&p=70230&sid=d2c2945678993fba5a3c9b0f3132f08e#70230

There are some new pictures on endurance-info that seem to show the ACO has decided to plant some new trees to replace those dug up during the recent track works.

A minor point I know, but it was starting to look like a barren wasteland without them.

They appear to be on the outside. Wonder if they can plant some on the inside to provide some shade!

At least it looks as though the spectator banking on the inside of tetre remains, but is the chippy still going to be there?

I see the super steep steps to the left of the general entrance tunnel have gone.......that was an accident waiting to happen.

I believe that Felix has put in a tender for the pitch ;D

As well as the corner reprofiling, it seems like the run down between the Esses and Tetre Rouge on the outside of the circuit has been further sanitised - shame, as that was one of the last bits that still had that feeling of being connected to the days of yore, being right up close to the armco, a bumpy, lumpy path and the dark and dingy tunnel.  What's the big car parking area out the back of the pits going to be for - the expensive motorhome pitches?

MG Mark

Here is the plan
http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/dossiers/travaux/ressources/plans/slides/plan_masse_1024.jpg

Pic 8 on Nordics link looks as though there may be some cracking viewing to be had from the inside of the track. That earth bund looks as if it might give a fence free view!
It'll be nice when it's finished...
H

aahh... Morte au Vache..

H,

Was down that way last year - it was well worth the trek (or drive and park up).  From the top of the bund nearest the Esses, you get a glorious uninterrupted view from the dunlop bridge, down to and through Tetre Rouge, and onto the start of the Mulsanne.  Despite my mourning of the passing of the old tree tunnel and dank pedestrian tunnel, it is a big improvement and a great place to watch from.

MG Mark

I sort of suspected that might be the case Mark. The last time I headed up that way was the year after they re-aligned the hill down from the Dunlop Bridge, and I was so disgusted with what they'd done I just couldn't summon up the interest to go back. But it looks like I wasn't seeing the Big Picture. I do miss the tree lined banks on the outside of the Esses though, it was such a great sight at night with the cars screaming behind the pines but still only a few yards away. In the pines, in the pines, where the sun never shines...
If my legs will carry me, then I'll definitely give it a go this year, - besides it's a while since I've been to the Tetre Rouge Bar, apparently reports of it's death have been greatly exaggerated!
H

Poor old Morte au Vache, dead and gone forever. I for one will miss him and his slimy old tunnel. I'll also miss Monsieur tending his allotment. One year I remember him hoe-ing around his juicy great leeks as the 787B scremed past. He didn't bat and eyelid and continued gardening noncholantly as if nothing unusual was going on about him. His artichokes were a sight for sore eyes I can tell you.

Anyway, there does look to be some good viewing opportunities with the new layout, perhaps we can call it Son of Morte au Vache. But as ever, I'll reserve judgement until I've seen it for myself.

Appologies for the quality of this - hope it doesn't get me into trouble - but here's an aerial view of Tertre Rouge.
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/cooperlola/tr.jpg)

Oh my - looks like I am going to have to negotiate a rather large roundabout to get to the moose meet on Wednesday...  :-\

F

Any idea when the picture was taken? There seems to be a lot of activity on HA.

I dont think you can see HA in that pic!  Tho I might be mistaken of course...

Unless I'm having a brainstorm this is the bottom end of HA.

You obviously can't believe how green and verdant it is ;D

Agreed Bob, that is the northeastern bit of HA.

Fran, that roundabout has been there for a few years, it's the link for the LM ring road in the foreground right.
The best way to the Stella Bar is still under the bridge / tunnel of the track at around the '29' of '13,629' on the picture.

Ask a HA'er, he'll always know the way to the Stella Bar (http://www.sebringfans.com/forums/Smileys/SFBigSet/afro.gif)

Ooops - I do beg your puddings!  I was mistaking the Mulsanne road for the other one.  Obviously long overdue for a reconaissance visit to Gods own country this year  - while its still there!!



That of course depends on where you are starting from Steve!!   :P

F

Surely all roads lead to the Stella bar ::) Not to Rome as some would have you believe.

My guess is it was taken during the bike 24 hrs?

Nice pic' on the front cover of the mag' (Le Mans Racing) btw, Fran. ;)

Shame their have removed the trees along the inside leading up to the corner. It was one of my favourite spots for watching the cars as the noise was quality. Was'nt the same last year. Also liked the little hollow in the corner that used to wobble a few of the cars. :'(

Yeah its a shame that every year we lose another bit of history, i liked the trees too- it felt like a proper road circuit, now it just feels sterile like any other purpose built track through there. That dip caught out a few cars after the drizzle on the Sunday morning of the classic last year- very entertaining, how that big Caddy didn't hit someone I don't know. Alas now gone!   

The full entry list with drivers is now published
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/live/ressources/pdf/jt2007_liste_invites.pdf
Nice to see that we can add Jacques Villeneuve to the list of famous Belgians. ???

new pics from the track here
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/live/actu/2006-11-14_NC_1233_fr.html

Stop me if I'm being numb, but Martin Short's listed as a driver for rollcentre? I thought he was going to 'sit it out' this year.

Autopsort said something about him driving a few weeks ago. Anyone know the story behind his change of mind?

I rather suspect that Phil Keen made just one mistake too many and that he decided the car would be safer if he drove it.

Could well be Termie, but I've emailed Shorty to ask him why anyway! Oh, and to ask him for a donation to the charity raffle!  ;D

JP- will the charity donation be Vanina Ickx's phone number. If so i'll open the bidding at a tenner:-)

Phil Keen walked away after the saturday of Monza LMS round,  saying that he didn't feel comfortable in the car, so this is pretty much old news!

Shorty sending Keen snr a large bill for damage probably hasn't helped either.....

Still Shorty wanted that LM Podium,  lets hope the diesel class race each other too hard hard and all pack up!

http://www.lemans.org/mailing/2007/05_30_24bonnesraisons/datas/com_gb.pdf
A piece of fluff really but no. 22 looks very interesting.

What a great idea, I like it

I like the sound of 22, but doesn't number 23 sound a little like competition for RLM?

I assumed that it was RLM; I'll check the French version to see if their frequency is different.  I know they're here and will  be from this Friday.
Edit : Nope they're the same.  I hope to meet Hindy at the weekend - I'll try to find out - don't see him translating into French somehow!

Seems to confirm that the 3pm start is here to stay. Untill the next clash with a footie match of course :)

Trams will come into full public service on 15th November, according to the latest information.

http://www.ville-lemans.fr/page.do?t=2&uuid=4FCFD0ED-D4D0B214-49621248-7F0DC323

Works at the station however will not be complete for another couple of years.  Mr & Mrs T will make the trip to the circuit as soon as the public service is up and running, and will report on the trip from the centre of the city.

A couple of bits and pieces :
The tramway will come into operation a week today.

They will run from 05.00 in the morning to 01.30.  The cost will be 1.25 a single trip.

One of the trams is called "Desire" (well, I thought it was funny.)

The new "Welcome" restaurant is coming along.  The groundwork is complete and the building is beginning to grow walls.  The signs are good that it will be opertional in time for the race.

Any news of what is happening to HA? How much of it will be left next year?

All I can tell you is that nothing is going on there yet.  I'll check the stadium site and see what the timetable looks like.  The word last time was that it was delayed (finance) but no news as to how long for.

Thanks Deb. With a bit of luck it will be delayed as long as Wembley and we will be OK for the next few years.


edit --- Wow, I just got another star.

I've looked back on the site and it's still saying that the stadium will be ready by Jan '09, which does not bode well for H/A.  However, I suspect this is an update problem, as last time I looked there was no sign of any work going on and as I said, I had heard that there was a delay.  We'll have a decco next weekend when we try the tramway out.

Looking at the official ACO ticketing and planning form on the other thread, as hard as I keep looking I cannot see any or much difference on the plan for HA. No apparent changes yet I think. and long may it be so...

http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/calendrier/pdf/24h2008_plaquette_billetterie.pdf

CAn anyone else see owt that I'm missing. To me "Home On The Range" is looking reasonable so far.

The verdant pastures etcetera ecetera... :)

bill

Perd

Sorry to dissapoint, but HA will only be half as big as previously. From the roundabout out to tertre rouge isn't showing on the plan as a campsite for mext year.

Desole'

I see what you are saying but it is still showing as grass and trackways. I (optimism switched on here) think we'll get at least next year out of  them...
 :(


Bloomin' hope so, at least.

bill

Ah, I forgot about the good old optimism mode.

And the French reputation for organisation and adherence to deadlines. (The origin of the gallic shrug I believe) ;)

Fingers crossed indeed.

Lots of JCBs digging up bits of Houx Annexe today.  I reckon it will be a bit smaller next year.

And what have they done to Maison Blanche?  21 years on the trot and we've been bounced out.  Apparently there's loads more tarmac for the test track - it looks like the circuit comes through MB now, and an enormous gravel trap.

Anyone know anymore?

I have it on very good authority that HA will actually now be "full size", despite the plans..enjoy it one last time in its full scale.  ;)

I have a feeling MB will be a fair bit smaller though.. :-\

Happy Xmas to all at CA from BM, with a ying and a yang and a zippedy doo.

Hi Termie,

any pics of the new welcome area at the end of the pits? ;)

New pics
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/actu/2007-12-24_NC_2507_fr.html

What the hell has happened to MB, looks like the banking and trees have gone where we have been camping for years! Bet there will be no grass either!

This bit gives details of the Garage Vert mods http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/actu/2007-12-24_NC_2506_fr.html (http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/actu/2007-12-24_NC_2506_fr.html)

Mr Babel gives a stab at it thus -
"From November 2007 at at the end of February 2008, the layout of the circuit Bugatti U level of the turn of the Garage-green will be the subject of important work. The objective being to always better answer the safety requirements imposed by the International Federation Motorcylcist, this turn neither more nor will be moved less to be able to offer a broad release on the left side of the track. That amounts entirely shifting the entry of the turn, the loop and the exit towards the line of a score of meters. Financed by the Mixed Trade union of the 24 Hour old circuit of Mans, owner of the circuit, at the request of the ACO, at a total cost of 4,8 million euros, this work will have the originality to preserve at identical the drawing out of U so particular of this turn. 750 m of track thus "will move" towards the east, and the linear length of the layout of the Bugatti circuit will be slightly changed. In against part, this zone of the circuit will pass to 12 m broad, and the entry of the turn will profit from a bituminous mix extra width from 5 m, including 2 m covered of synthetic grass, and 15 m gravel vat. In the curve, the external gravel vat will pass from 52,50 m to 75 m, with 20 m of release out of bituminous mix. In addition, this new Garage-green falls under a total project of creation, side is Bugatti circuit, of a new entry éponyme, with some steps of the terminus of the tram. The spectators will be able to thus come directly to the entry from the circuit by public transport. An access for the people to reduced mobility is envisaged, as well as the possibility of establishment of a provisional platform of more than 2 000 places, and the startup of a new tunnel which will make it possible to pass under the track to go up to the Dunlop footbridge via the two already existing tunnels."

Gobbledebuke, not as good as NuLab though. But it aint far short.

Mmm, looks like wellies and hard hats required for June, what have they done to MB. >:(

Try this..thanks to BM for the link....



http://lemans.org/sport/sport/dossiers/travaux_2006_2007/liste.php?dir=photos

I think we can thank someone closer to home - and closer to the action - http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=6116.msg105524#msg105524

Looks like Bleu Nord will be the new MB then  :'( :'(

Why the f*ck can't they leave things alone.  Us poor members of Joe Public at the bottom of the list again!!

Del

I'm hoping that Blue Nord will be the new MB, as we've been bounced there.  Shame, but I think they want all the rowdy campers off site.

Does the ACO have something against trees? They seem to chop them down at the first oppertunity. Do they not realise that provide essential shade in hot weather and absorb water when it is not soo pleasant out there?

National Rail are the only other people I can think of that chop down trees quicker.

Looks as though the banking and trees are still there.

Im guessing our camping is going to be slightly different next year then brian  ???

I believe the word we're looking for is 'merde'

It looks like they've levelled the section between the MB Campsite and the MB (Ford) stand.  The steps that are usually behind hospitality are the giveaway.  Presumably this will be the welcome centre for Circuit MB. But then they've levelled the rest of it too.  I hear there's tarmac down and enormous graval traps

Peter, looks like if you want to visit for a cool one next year, we will all be on blue nord.

Peter,

Plenty of cold beers on Expo 200ft from Werner. Assuming we get the pitch.

Cue, come in biker Chris ;)

i knew there was a reason i should be coming back to the holy ground this year!! and i'm youngish free and single!!!

I'll try my best  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Given yourself away there Peter - I never would have known that Catchpole and Ferrari Spyder were the same person   :P :P :P

Del

Perhaps Ferrari Spider and Catchpole are different people, who move within the same circle of friends.

That's what I thought as well, the banking is not easy to tear down, plus it also would demolish some of the spectator area's leading up to the chicanes.

So ,,,, MB is "gunna" be fu<ked up again?
May as well do a "virtual" at home, along with the Radio Le Mans website, tent in the garden, Bar-B-Q, then p1ss on the rose bushes!
Saving loadsa dough and agro on the way home!

Au revoir non give a merd France!

I think the trees on the banking have some sort preservation order, as some rare birds nest there.  You'd think they had more sense.  So I suspect the banking will stay, despite the pisspoor view, but holy merde are we getting into a "Monza" problem

Ready in time for the race, Fagey:
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/actu/2008-01-17_GD_2513_fr.html

Stuff the welcome centre. Lets hope the campsites are ready in time.

Is the welcome area for ACO memebrs only?

You can buy your GA ticket with the Welcome supplement, usually around 15 euro's I believe.

By ACO member do you mean Club 24 member........if so then I will be able to get my own crumbs.

Who wants to be in the center anyway, it does not provide good viewing of the track. Been there two years ago and it was rubbish.

it's handy if you're at the poobar and need to go to the toilet ;D

Knetter, I think you're confusing it with the members' centre in the village.  This one replaces the old restaurant and is in a new site at the end of the pit lane. The viewing looks as if it will be stunning.
It remains to be seen what the entry requirements will be!  You probably need to be an Audi dealer....

Exactly, I was referring to the new building at the end of the pit straight. Not the old museum (?) building.

Latest official pics of the works:
http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/actu/2007-12-24_NC_2507_fr.html

That is one big hole on HA :o. We won't recognise the place when we get there

I have always thought that HA didn't actually belong to the ACO and that it was only let out as a campsite for race meetings. Has this changed?

I think but don't quote me, that this marks the edge of the ACO's property, and the new perimeter fence will be either side of the booths, which mark the entrance to the new tunnel.  The new stadium will be next to the tram terminal, and the car park on the bits of HA outside the fence.  Does that make sense?

Personally I wouldn't mind if they fenced in the whole of HA. Yes, it would probably be a step towards marked and numbered pitches that everyone was up in arms about when it was to happen on MB. On a positive note though it would help to keep the bastard pikeys at bay, at least until the gate garcon pisses of the moment the race finishes

That Late?

They pissed off from Bleu Nord at midday in 2006.

The signs are up already

Hmmm...that flat, tree-less landscape looks more like BN.

Del

Hi Del,
 looks more like the road out of Dodge. As in "Get out of Dodge"
 Phil

 ;D ;D

So the security people aren't going to be running around the camping site the whole time or is it just the last day they run off...

There is some new video footage on the ACO website, featuring the completed, remodelled Bugatti circuit:

http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/actu/2008-03-31_CF_2588_fr.html

Worth looking at the footage of the 24 heures moto practice, as it has some good shots of the new layout.

(Run through the open-wheel footage, and the other clips pop up automatically afterwards)

Tafel out, Saulnier in:

"Withdrawal of the Tafel Racing Ferrari F 430 GT (LM GT2) jeudi 10 avril 2008 - 16h35 The Saulnier Racing Pescarolo-Judd (LM P1) invited to the test day on 1st June 2008 . The Tafel Racing Ferrari F 430 GT is the first withdrawal among the 55 entries for the 2008 Le Mans 24 Hours, and will not take part in the test day on 1st June. The team’s decision, only 4 days after its victory in the Saint Petersburg round of the American Le Mans Series, comes as a bit of a surprise. However, Jim Tafel, the team’s owner, has resolved to concentrate on the American Championship this year. In compliance with the ACO regulations the slot left vacant by the Ferrari’s withdrawal goes to the first car on the reserve list, no matter what its category. Thus, the number of LM P1s goes up from 20 to 21 cars as the no.4 Saulnier Racing Pescarolo-Judd comes in relation to the list published on 31st January 2008. Seven other cars are on the reserve list, and it should be remembered that after 23rd May 2008 no reserves will be brought in to replace withdrawals "

Ok, not on topic but still relating to the centre of the universe, nearly.

Does anyone (Termie) know the name of the Chateau/hotel on the coast road from Honfleur to Deauville. It is on a bit of a hill overlooking the road and the sea.

I would like to take the wife there as a surprise when visiting that area later in the year. I spotted it on the way back from Spa last year but did not catch the name only that it was a hotel, pretty big place.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

>Martini...

Possibly?
http://www.manoir-poterie-honfleur.federal-hotel.com/

Thanks Debs, not that one, it was a big Chateau

>Martini...

The only other idea I can come up with is
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187189-d196109-Reviews-La_Ferme_Saint_Simeon-Honfleur_Basse_Normandie_Normandy.html

But if you click on the map, you can run down the coast road and all the hotels are listed.

The reviews on that place look like it's over-priced rubbish.  :(

Trip advisor is good for this sort of thing - as the outside can so often be deceptive!  Of course, this may not be the place Martini is looking for.

2008 poster:

http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/ressources/images/affiche_1024.jpg

Mr Zarse's version along shortly, hopefully! :)

I like that more that last years but I hope the reflective track surface isn't a prediction that it will be another wet one. Or the result. Hopefully it is the Pug lapping the Audi

I thought for a moment that LM had become a round of the 'trophee andros'

The information pages are now up and running on the ACO site, although as yet only in French:

http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/pages/animations_fr.html

Two obvious things I've noticed so far are that a) there will be no bus services to town, the tram will take over that role - although there will still be a bus service to BSJ (don't know about Mulsanne and Arnage yet, am still investigating) and b) the Welcome Centre will be open to Joe Public, not just VIPs, exactly as in the past.

EDIT : Yes the Mulanne/Arnage service still runs, as per usual.

But it seems there will be no big screen @ Mulsanne - did someone nick it last year? (I know it spent most of Saturday night rebooting but ...)

Deb,

 You made reference in an earlier post to not being able to get diesel.

Very little on the news about it over here.

Whats the situation? Is the problem only with diesel, or petrol as well?

At present many of the ports and oil refineries are blockaded and to date (in spite of rumours earlier in the week) there is no sign of a breakthrough.  So far diesel supplies are the hardest hit with rationing at some petrol stations, and many others closing.  Thus far there is still unleaded about in most places (although the prices are extortionate for all fuels with even diesel going towards and over the 1.4€ mark.)

The problem is with the fishermen who are complaining about....
























...the price of diesel.

Oh dear!!  We got stuck on the road into Calais Port on the last bank holiday when the fishermen blockaded the road right in front of us!  We kept well back the CRS looked pretty handy!

Thanks for the update Deb, we run diesel so would appreciate an update nearer the time about what problems we're likely to come across.   

At the moment, you wouldn't even get here, unless coming by train or 'plane as last thing I heard, the ferries weren't running.  Let's hope it's sorted by next weekend for those coming to PQ.

From "Slot City" this morning:

"French Fishermen's Strike.

The French Fishermen's Strike could upset the plans to race the Real C2940
GT40 at Brands Hatch this Bank Holiday Weekend. It is estimated, as many as
3000 vehicles are stuck on each side of the Channel. The truck carrying the
rebuilt GT40 is due to start it's 10 hour journey to Calais Friday Morning
as practice starts on Saturday, and there seems little chance of the car
catching the booked ferry, as ferries have not been sailing for almost 3
days. We will decide on Friday Morning (when the strike is supposed to end)
whether there is any chance of the car getting across the Channel in time to
register.  Please keep watching the website for information."

Naturally, I will keep everybody up to speed on this.

Oh dear, that's bad news.  We'll be at Brands this weekend so fingers crossed they get to us.

Things are supposed to be back to normal at Dover at least

From Port of Dover Web Site

MESSAGE UPDATED at 06.35 hours on Friday, 23rd May, 2008

Current sea conditions in the Channel are slight, with a  north-nor-westerly breeze, Force 3, and the visibility is good

SeaFrance sailings to Calais are running to time, with space available.  P&O Ferries to Calais and Norfolkline to Dunkerque are subject to slight delays, and have limited space available.

SpeedFerries’ fastcraft services, from the Hoverport to Boulogne, are operating to schedule, but are fully booked all day.

Arse - I'm due to be taking the camper out from the UK tonight .....  :-\ Guess I'll have to take a few cans of UK diesel with me too and hope I can get over anyhow !!

Mr T has just departed on a diesel hunt.  I'll let you know if we find any!

HA!  Success.   Diesel at our local Intermarche this morning. :)  (1.39€)

Just out of curiosity Deb, how much is Sans Plomb 95 and 98 at the moment?

Haven't got a clue, but you can look it up here:
http://www.prix-carburants.gouv.fr/

thats a handy page :) parents local one is dam cheap -

Well, in Holland the price for unleaded just went up to 1.65 euro a liter :-\