Title: Hello from a 'mature' enthusiast
Post by: Michael Oliver on January 14, 2009, 10:59:06 pm
Hello to you all. Some of you may know me from my magazine features or Lotus books.
My interest in Le Mans is two-fold. Firstly, I am organising a Le Mans-themed film festival (see the calendar for info), which is a follow-up to a festival about Jim Clark which was held last year at the same venue, Eynsham Hall.
Secondly, I have been to Le Mans once and would very much like to go back. The first time was rather a long time ago - 1965 to be precise. Since I was only two years old at the time, I do not remember anything of it. Although I have wanted to return in recent years, unfortunately it always seems to clash with a Scout camp I help out with every year. However, this year it is not being held (the camp, that is) so you never know, I might finally make it down there...
I used to go to a heck of a lot of sports car races in the 1960s and 1970s at places like Brands Hatch, Spa, Nurburgring, even the Norisring once but kind of drifted away in the mid-80s and now tend to go to historic meetings like Goodwood, Silverstone Classic, Oldtimer GP etc. instead.
Although all of my writing and research is history-focused, I still follow the contemporary sports car scene, although a recent switch to a TV provider that does not feature Motors TV has dealt a bit of a blow to some of my viewing activities. Still have Eurosport though...
Anyway, that's enough of my rambling for now but looking forward to contributing to the 'So you think you know about Le Mans' section at some point...
Michael
My interest in Le Mans is two-fold. Firstly, I am organising a Le Mans-themed film festival (see the calendar for info), which is a follow-up to a festival about Jim Clark which was held last year at the same venue, Eynsham Hall.
Secondly, I have been to Le Mans once and would very much like to go back. The first time was rather a long time ago - 1965 to be precise. Since I was only two years old at the time, I do not remember anything of it. Although I have wanted to return in recent years, unfortunately it always seems to clash with a Scout camp I help out with every year. However, this year it is not being held (the camp, that is) so you never know, I might finally make it down there...
I used to go to a heck of a lot of sports car races in the 1960s and 1970s at places like Brands Hatch, Spa, Nurburgring, even the Norisring once but kind of drifted away in the mid-80s and now tend to go to historic meetings like Goodwood, Silverstone Classic, Oldtimer GP etc. instead.
Although all of my writing and research is history-focused, I still follow the contemporary sports car scene, although a recent switch to a TV provider that does not feature Motors TV has dealt a bit of a blow to some of my viewing activities. Still have Eurosport though...
Anyway, that's enough of my rambling for now but looking forward to contributing to the 'So you think you know about Le Mans' section at some point...
Michael
Title: Re: Hello from a 'mature' enthusiast
Post by: Fran on January 15, 2009, 09:02:41 am
Welcome Michael
You LM film festival has already got a mention on the forum so you might find a few of us there....
First atttending at age two has got to be a record - so is not returning for over 40 years!! I am sure we will soon hear if anyone else first went to LM at a younger age!
F
You LM film festival has already got a mention on the forum so you might find a few of us there....
First atttending at age two has got to be a record - so is not returning for over 40 years!! I am sure we will soon hear if anyone else first went to LM at a younger age!
F
Title: Re: Hello from a 'mature' enthusiast
Post by: Bob U on January 15, 2009, 10:33:14 am
I am sure we will soon hear if anyone else first went to LM at a younger age!
F
F
I do believe that Delboy was conceived and born there. ;D
Title: Re: Hello from a 'mature' enthusiast
Post by: DelBoy on January 15, 2009, 12:45:00 pm
I am sure we will soon hear if anyone else first went to LM at a younger age!
F
F
I do believe that Delboy was conceived and born there. ;D
Not quite, Bob - the race wasn't running when I was conceived/born. This was during the cessation of the event during the WW2 hostilities - not, I might add, because the race was yet to be conceived :P :P
My first attendance was in '64 at the ripe old age of 19, and in spite of the loss of a considerable number of grey cells, I still remember parts of it ;) ;)
Del
Title: Re: Hello from a 'mature' enthusiast
Post by: Nordic on January 15, 2009, 03:53:27 pm
Hi Michael,
Hope you like the slightly less serious view of motorsport (and life in general) than you may find on Atlas where I have seen you post in the past.
I Was quite old at 14 when I first visited Le Mans in 1980, but I am pleased to say I have only missed one since, last year when we did the classic instead.
btw, are you any releation to Jackie Oliver?
Hope you like the slightly less serious view of motorsport (and life in general) than you may find on Atlas where I have seen you post in the past.
I Was quite old at 14 when I first visited Le Mans in 1980, but I am pleased to say I have only missed one since, last year when we did the classic instead.
btw, are you any releation to Jackie Oliver?
Title: Re: Hello from a 'mature' enthusiast
Post by: Leftie on January 17, 2009, 01:31:12 am
Micheal,
Welcome to the 'mad house'.
This is the font of all motor sport knowledge.,
Brouse and enjoy all the forums including the humourous ones - these can be eye openers.
Leftie
Welcome to the 'mad house'.
This is the font of all motor sport knowledge.,
Brouse and enjoy all the forums including the humourous ones - these can be eye openers.
Leftie
Title: Re: Hello from a 'mature' enthusiast
Post by: Piglet on January 20, 2009, 03:40:21 pm
Hello and welcome to the forum ;D
Title: Re: Hello from a 'mature' enthusiast
Post by: Barry on January 20, 2009, 05:46:07 pm
Never to late to discover Le Mans, enjoy the forum.
Start planning to go, you won't regret it.
Start planning to go, you won't regret it.
Title: Re: Hello from a 'mature' enthusiast
Post by: Robspot on January 20, 2009, 09:01:21 pm
I'm not averse to older women but I don't think I would introduce myself as a 'mature' enthusiast on an open forum. Maybe just try and talk about cars instead.
