Club Arnage

After giving it much thought, I have decided to give the June race a miss next year in favor of the Classic. I have wanted to get to the July race for a while, and as it is a biannual race and not wanting to wait until 2010 I think 08 is a good bet.

In an ideal world I would of course do both, but I am not allowed I could not get the time of work.

What I want to know is how do I get the camping sorted, I understand that only Masion Blanche is open. would we be better camping off site or even getting a hotel. Or intial thoughts are to travel down thursday, is that too early or to late?

I have looked on the ACO web pages, but I have not found alot of info about the logistics.

Another option is via car clubs, does the Porsche club do anything or maybe the Jag clubs, has anyone done it that way?

Any info will be greatly recieved.

An excellent choice. I went last year and its a great event- much quieter but the cars are amazing.
 Last year MB and Karting Nord were open, MB sold out first although I believe there was still space on MB.  You want to get there for Friday lunch at the latest to catch the quals (although there is still camping space up to sat aft)
 There is little info on the classic website at the moment but that should change at end of month.
 See you there!

From what I've heard, bookings are being taken from September (ish).

See here - http://www.lemansclassic.com/2008/GB/index.html (http://www.lemansclassic.com/2008/GB/index.html)

We had an East Anglian Cobrateers / Club Arnage enclave on MB last time.

It's a dilemma next year isn't it?!

We've done the last two Classics and in an ideal world would do a week for the 24, a week for the Classic and then a week for Spa but that plays havoc with work and uses up the majority of my holiday in a fairly short space of time.

I can't really decide what to do.  Until we went to Spa I was all set to drop that but I really do enjoy our week in Spa....

I think I'm hoping that MB really will be allocated for the 24 hour and then I might go down later in the week not for the whole week. 

We'll definitely do the Classic and if I was pushed to drop one or t'other, it might be the 24 that goes because the Classic was much more relaxing as a camping trip. 

I would really like to go to the Classic one day, maybe when my son is older so I can take him (and so have an excuse at home). As for choosing: I know nobody is irreplaceble, but I cannot imagine a 'normal' 24hr for DfH without myself for now. I wouldn't like to do the preparations I do now and wish the guys a happy week in June, to say the least :-\

Have visited the last couple of classics, totally different from the 24h but great in it's own way.
Less hectic, better access to paddock, cars, drivers and track.

Great cars and a very relaxed atmospere.
Opted for staying in town and that works fine because the traffic isn't anything like the 24h and I didn't have the impression that the atmoshere on the campsites was something I couldn't do without.

Arrive Friday evening (for night practice) or Saturday morning, spend the day visiting the paddock and see as much as possible till late Saturday-night.
On Sunday I usually catch 1 or 2 classes in the morning and leave around noon.

(Paddy, will give you a lift from Holland next year if you want, leaving Friday afternoon and will have you back for dinner Sunday.)

I've been to both.

There is only one Le Mans and Steve made a film about it.

The other is all about old cars parading around LM and taking the odd break.

Both are great, but don't forget there is only one LM race and its held in June.

Jem

Nordic, when we spoke at LM this year I was pretty sure I was only going to do the Classic next year, out of the two LM races, I am still of the same mind. Also I think my UK friends (not CA members) are likely to do the same.

As for anything else I really am not sure whether I am coming, going or have been.

Will not do Spa in '08 and probably not Sxxbring.

>Martini...

So are you going to any other races to make up for no Spa, Le Mans or SEBRING! ;D

Following next year (When I plan on doing the 24h only) I hope to

Do the 24 on the 'odd' years, and the classic on the 'even' years. Only so much holiday and brownie points available etc etc etc.

Hopefully my list next year is:-

Sebring
Le Mans
Le Mans Classic
Spa 24
Petit Le Mans

Plus a couple of FIA and LMS events.

No plans here yet for '08, except no-Sebring and yes-Le Mans 24. I'll see what comes up.

And Bas, thanks for the offer! 8)

I'll do both again I guess. I had a great time last year at the Classic, although I have to agree with Bas that the camping could do with some more Dutchies atmosphere. The event is great for those who appreciate the history of sportscar racing and it hosts the best cars you'll find anywhere.

You need to come to Dr Sconefingers Northern Soul All nighter then!

Not really, I'll do both again but on the bike for the Classic as I don't have to bring all the crap down I usually do as we stay in an auberge ;D

Rusty

I would love to do the classic but I wouldnt give up the 24 for it. I wish they would move it into the school holidays then I would take the family and do Le Mans in a more relaxed style.

It is if you add Spa into the equation  ;D

Well, the 24 hours race is a MUST for me and nothing except force majeure could keep me from going there. However, next year I'm planning to do both. A friend of mine has bought a Triumph TR5 and we will take this car down to the LM Classic - hope it will make the 500 mile journey from Cologne...

I would love to do the classic as well as the 24, but not too sure MrsDave and Dave's jr (x2 by then) would agree with my thinking.

Looks like just the 24 unless a miracle happens.

I was kinda hoping you would be going down in an Alfa Bertie convoy with us guys. Its only Friday morning to Monday morning- start working on them now and you'll be there. (Says the man who will probably be bludgeoned to death for asking for two LM pass outs in one year) ;D

Pretty sure on the Classic and may even do some euro bike races.

>Martini...

Its a really hard choice to have to make. But we think that the alternative year soloution is the best, at least until we are able to convince those that hold the purse strings 2 trips per year are viable.


Is it as hard to get camping tickets for the classic as the true 24 hours?

Assuming Dr Sconefinger is not under his patio it sounds like a good number of you will also be there.

What campsites are open for the Classic?

Where everyone staying?

The cobra club attend the classic 'en masse' about 60 of us last year and probably a few more next.
As an avid LM devotee, I can honestly say its the classic for me every time, did the main race several years but really got fed up with the non racing activities, have to say the classic is more like the main race was about 5-6 years ago but with fewer people.
No theft, relaxing, leave your campsite in the knowlege that it will all still be there when you get back 8), that kind of thing.
Oh and heaven forbid we also take the ladies ::)...... a lot less grief when you want that pass out. ;D

Last time it was easy to get tickets for camping at the Classic.  Originally it was just MB open but I think fairly near the last minute they started selling another site, presumably as there was still demand.  I might be wrong but I think it was Karting Nord?   Presumably it had to be one of the inner sites that they own. 

It's a crap event though, you really wouldn't want to go, please just do the 24 and don't waste your time on the Classic  ;)

Yes, it was Karting Nord and tickets were still available from the Rottunder thingy on the day (about 70 euro I think). KN was lacking in atmos somewhat and the guys over in MB looked to be having more fun although it was all too quiet by 2am.   
 I agree that it was all very crap and should be avoided like the plague!
 Psssst- see you there Piglet.

It is my understanding that tickets for next years classic go on sale at the end of the month and as this event gets more popular I was wondering if it would be a good idea to work out whos going an put in a block booking like Termie did for the 24hr? Last time round early bookers got Grandstand seats thrown in, also by the time I got my ass into gear all the MB tickets had gone too.
 What do you think?

I'd really like to go to the classic too as I much prefer seeing the cars i grew up watching racing around Le Mans rather than "wind tunnel" sculpted Audis,  but I'd never give up the Big 24 hours over the Classic in terms of friends and atmosphere.
I would however think seriously about a friday afternoon departure from London and a blast through france in the Frogeye to arrive Saturday early hours, followed by a monday morning return journey.

Assuming that the ACO are acting as the ticket office and that I don't have to deal with any money, I'm happy to do the same again.  I'll keep an eye on the site but if anybody else hears first that sales have begun..

Late friday departure is pretty much what i do for the big 24 in June and it works well for me, i get to le sarthe around 4 am, no great rush, just a serene cruise through the night with no traffic problems and a stop in rouen for muchos espresso to keep me going.

Thats pretty much how we plan to do it next year although being from up north its a lunch time(or dinner as we call it) departure for us. We cannot decide on ferry- pompy to Caen or go the long way through the tunnel. You going next year Dave?

would love to, lets see how my bargaining goes.

Forget Pompey-Caen, school hols kicking off, return will be about £700 or so. The tunnel is a bloody long way for just a weekend. No, those with a brain used Newhaven-Dieppe/Le Havre. Classic 2006 cost less than £100 return from memory. And only £200 return for this year's 24 Hour.

Which company is that with Andy?
 We took Pompy Caen last time round and it was about £360 return for 4 in a Van inc a nice cabin in both directions- which ain't too bad. It was a great craic too as about 80% of the vehicles on board were classics and the bar ran dry on the way out!
 We plan to take 3 cars this time though so its going to be real expensivo.
 Thanks for the offer of 'playing mother' Termie, you are a Saint!

Si, Transmanche Ferries - http://www.transmancheferries.co.uk/ (http://www.transmancheferries.co.uk/)