Club Arnage

Right....here we go.

This is a bit anorakey........but I thought it might be an idea to find out how many times we as individuals have visited the race and over what period of time.

I'll start with mine:-

Started going in 1998 and have not missed a year since......so that makes it 12 years


wishy

8

1991 for me ohh thats more than 10 fingers errr 19 i think ???

'99 (the Flying Mercedes year) and every since, so that's 11.

Reconaissance visit to the 2006 testday and every race week since then - that makes 5 trips and 4 race visits

5th anniversary next year, I hope to make it 10 before they run electric cars  ::)

1991 and then took a break until 1995 and been every year since so I make that 16 visits to Le Mans.

 :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X


Del

5th year in a row this year...

When was your first time Del? 1960's I believe? ;D

Sounds like a trick question to me :)

I have been to LM every year in June, and often twice, since 1997 with the exception of this year. I have been known to be there for the social but not for the race (only once...)

Smokie,

No trick question.

I just thought it would be interesting to see how dedicated to the cause we all are.

It would be interesting to do some stats on the average attendance of CA members over the years.......including Delboy as I think he needs more than his fingers and toes to count how many times he's been. ;D

I went with my dad and his friends in 1978 or 1979 (too young to remember which, and he's not sure), 1981 and then a big gap to 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009 and also the classic in 2006 and 2008.
Thats a rather pathetic eight in total, must try harder.

Si

First time for the race was 1997, but only did the practise weekend in 2003 (not the race), and practise and race in 2007.

So a total of 14 visits, but only 12 races.

I seem to remember you have the edge on me when it comes to your first visit but I think we are even in the number of times.

On my fourth of fifth visit I thought I might be a long serving visitor till I met a guy there who had 15 under his belt.

t.

14

last 9 for me plus 1 other in the late 80's

1980 was my first so 2009 was my 30th visit to Le Mans. (missed the 2008 race but did the classic instead, so 29 actual races)

Thats 720 hours of racing, if I assume I spent on average 4 days there, 120 days camping.

Termietermite and I are just beginners, this being #12! We started in 1997, loved the race, but hated Page and Moy. Tried again with MRI in '99 and 2000, haven't missed since! Moving here does make it easier, mind, so if your pension plan allows, check it out!

Although a newbie to CA, not to Le Sarthe.

My Dad and me first went in 1988 - good one to start with! and haven't missed one since, so this year was our 22nd.

We've seen some changes I can tell you.......sitting on a ledge metres above the old pit garages....amazing!

first in 99, missed 2000 and 2001 then everyone since except 2008 when I went to the classic instead so thats .......
8

First time was 91, missed 92 but been every year since

Exactly the same here.
The other half (Claire) has been every year since 98.

first year ive missed it in 5 years for me :(

Dads been going since just after i was born and missed 2 maybe 3 so he is on 19/20 times  :o

'64, Marius - GT40 debut year.  Then 5 years out of the next 6 - I think it was '68 I missed because the race was postponed to september.  Definitely there when they made the movie ('70).

Had the 70s off due to the acquisition of wife, mortgage and kids.  Started going again in the early 80's, and have been every year apart from a couple of years early '90s

This year was my 31st or 32nd.

My ambition is to make it 40 - but as I am officially 'old' in january, the mind may be willing but the body not so.  :'(

Del

I was a late starter due to work and family etc and have only been 3 times (Consecutively from 2007) I fully intend to attend for as long as possible, with me being 40 I think I may still have a potential 30 events in me. (My boy can push the wheelchair!!)
Bring them on!! ;D

I knew I was close.  :)
Next year will be my 30^th and the following year 30 in a row.  First trip in 1980 then every year since 82.

t.

My first visit to the great race was in 1983 when I went by coach with Tee Mill tours and I have been every year since, so 27 consecutive visits. This will also be the 20th consecutive time I have competed at the Le Mans 24 hour Kart race at the Alain Prost circuit  come July.

Ninth time this year & I still haven't been to the museum or the drivers parade. there's never enough time  ;D next year  ;)

i went to the museum before i went to a race years ago but its changed since! The drivers parade is a tradition for me and dad. Have few beers in the square then off for a meal.

Stictley speaking Kev, as you woosed out this year it can't really be called a tradition can it :-\

6th time in a row for me this year :)

28th for me this year :)

First year was 1981 and the Saturday was my 17th birthday - best present I ever gave myself! Missed 85 (long story!) but otherwise ever present. Planned marriage and kids around June just in case .. marriage now no longer valid anyway!

Been to several test days and two Classics (1st and 3rd so due again in 2010) and have been working "trackside" at both Classics, all test days attended (1998-2003 and 2005) and races 1998-2003, then 2005 and 2007. Attending the honorary lunch for Jacky Ickx in 2000 and working for Gunnar Racing (again in 2000) have been the highlights :) :) :)

Never counted visits up before so here goes:
Race = 28
Test days = 7
Classics = 2

Crikey! 37 visits in total, no wonder I know the way down with my eyes shut!

Was working out the stats on Sunday with the boys over a couple of cold ones whilst watching down at the Esses and the 100th Le Mans should be my 51st race (and probably on or around my 68th birthday) if I don't miss another one .. would be sooo mega to have been to over half!

 ;D

First time in 1988 and I loved it and thought I'd go back next year. Loved it even more and I was hooked. Sure it's changed a lot over the years, some good some bad, but I've made some fine friends over the years and on the whole I'd say it's enhanced my life (other than the fact it's highly likely to kill me one day).

Never missed since '88, so that's erm... twenty erm... er... look you do the maths...  :)

Started in I think it was '85 but that was a one off until returning in '93 with a different other half that actually appreciates motor racing! Have since only missed 2 (in the '90's) until the present date. That makes a total of .....er...... 16 so far.

We did discuss whether we would make it all the way to the 100th and, given good health or suitable mobility equipment it may still be a possibility. I'll only be 83 by then.

First visit in 1978.  Missed a couple in mid/late 90s (usual excuses - marriage, child) but 25+ easily.  Having started going with my father am happy now to count my own son as regular team member.  At 13 years old this was his fourth consecutive visit.

Here goes the thread off at a tangent - We went to St Saturin for the first time this year....can't believe this is the first time - will be going again next year.....this is how traditions start!!

Speaking on behalf of all Melans -

Myself - 5yrs  ;D
Kate - 4yrs
Est - 4yrs
Ro - 4yrs
Hayley - 3yrs

23

First one in 2001 then back in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008. Missed this year  :'(

So that's 5. I even saw the start one year.

This was my 5th in a row.

Correct but due to a personal issues within the family none of us where going to come at all this year, untill a few days before the race my dad got the all clear to go and as he is retired he went. I couldn't get time off work at that short notice therefore not being there  :'(

only seven

but boy they was good uns

seen the start many many times usually at Tertre Rouge though

but that is far too far from BN for my knackered knees these days

 :o

You should try the little shuttle train Bill.

1985 - 1991 = 7 years (the better years, I feel)

2002 - 2009 = 8 years

TOTAL 15 years plus two Classic races

24 Hours = 11 years straight (first one was 1999)
Pre-qual = 1 year
Classic = 3 years

8

so what's the total so far?

No No No No - I've seen Ro in attendance for at least the last 10 years :)

<This may be an "in" joke - so please don't be offended if you're reading it and don't get it>

2002 - 2008 - so 6 years I think...

Missed this year (short term pain, long term gain).

Will be back in 2010, until I die.

This was my 26th visit. First went in 1981 and missed '91, '94 and '95 since then.
Been to several practice days ( not sure of exact number) and one moto GP.

If you are including Classic's then it's another 2 to my total.
10 in total.

Only 12 for me although my first drive down Hunaudieres was in 1961 (I wasn't at the wheel, in spite of what you might imagine.)  On the other hand I reckon I've averaged 20 hours watching for most of those so I've amassed quite a few hours in spite of being a relative newbie. 3 Classics, 3 LM Stories and several circuit laps on top (mostly Bugatti - only half a dozen on the full circuit) plus various other meetings on top.  Very pleased to have maintained my viewing record this year and only gave in at 3.30 in the morning then up again less than 4 hours later.

Only missed 2 years since I was 15. I'm now 32.

I was slow to learn but I'm trying to make up for it!

First one in 2001. Every year since so 9 so far. Double figures next year.

Plus two Classics and two Pre Qual/Test Weekends.

Oh, and four Sebrings.

As Andy put it, it's made a big difference to my life, bonding closer with frineds who I have introduced to it and making new ones from near and far who I now class as some of my closest friends

10 and a few quallies

seems like a life time but I wouldnt miss it!

19th year on the trot for me ladies  8)

It was the sixth in a row for Dirk3D, Martijn, MarcQV and me - so that's nothing compared to some of you ;)

Maybe not Paddy but in those 6 years you and DfH have made one hell of an impact on us all ;D

I have to Second that.

t.

Umm -  every year since 1995, so thats errr.... 15 I think!  ???

Plus 1 x Classic and a couple of test days.

F

First year in 1998, and then every one since. That'll be 12 for me as well then !!

Just a junior visitor at 5 straight

I've just had a tot up of the scores so far and with the 54 posts we have a culmative attendance of 695 years so far,which averages out at 12.87 years each.....not bad eh.

This total is upto Jules posting so far and our American friends have not contributed yet!!!

I have not included the classic visits either as I feel that is a separate issue :)

Wishy

Started in 1996, and only missed 2000 and 2002 since then. 
This was my 12th Le Mans.

That's very impressive.  Maybe we should tot up the miles watched so we can do one of those 'how many times around the world' stats.

Still got more attendances to put to the list .........I forgot to add Mini Wishy and Pretzel's other half as she is more of a petrol head than us!!!

The miles watched is an interesting option...........but for one thing some of CA don't even make it to the track let alone watch the race ;D

This year I watched the first 2 laps and the last 1/2 hour.......that equates to about 9 laps in total and Neil only watched 2 laps cos he is a lightweight and snook off early.....made some excuse that he had a ferry to catch.

5th. time in a row for me. Startet out in one of those large Danish camps, but prefere to go there by car so the last 4 i organised a trip for a group of colleges (3 - 31 and growing)

Jeez Wishy even I watched more than that, I can see a change in name coming up... Wishy...LB It has a kind of ring to it

>Martini...LB

I've done 18, all from the USA - missed 98 when they moved the date due to the World Cup (and I was on honeymoon) and 05 when my daughter was born.

To be honest, it's getting to be a bit of an old chestnut.  I used to do LM, Indy, Talladega Diehard 500, Brickyard 400, Mid Ohio, Rolex, RA and Sebring (and USGP when it was on) as all part of my racing year, but I've lost the heart for all the farting around.  I couldn't give a toss about the racing at LM anymore (which is a shame).  Listening to diesels whispering around the track is truly crap and that's where the development's going to keep going.

It's just the company and the vast liquid stupidity that keep me coming.

I just don't think the atmosphere's at the Sarthe anymore.  Those days in the early 90s - at dusk in the esses, watching Saubers and Jags thunder through... all gone.

I think this year was my 18th.  First went on a coach trip in '86 to see the Jags and while I've missed a few (one year I booked a holiday in the Costas without checking when the race was and another year my ex-brother-in-law had his wedding that weekend) I can't imagine not going now.

One year I got fed up with the steady erosion of the old atmoshpere (the year they standardised the food stands - I liked merguez or brochettes barbecued on an oil drum) and didn't go.  I then realised that it's who you go with and what you do that makes the trip.  The cars may be dull (actually the diesels are very dull) but the ambience in the town centre on Friday isn't affected by that, nor is the quality of the champagne.

This year I went with a friend who was a complete novice and we had a whale of a time.  Roll on next year - I've got two more newbies to bring!

Well said!

 ;D

10 years this year, plus a few 24 hour bikes - complete rubbish, dont do it, a few Moto GP's and the 1000kms of Le Mans in Nov 2002. - Also rubbish.

I really hoped the French winning would have been the start of a mass party . . . but no.

The Bentley Years 01 02 and 03 were great. too much security and Police presence has slowed things down. Plus a little yob element.

This year was my 25th on the run and I've also done one classic.

I miss the old pits and the pit balcony.  The old Welcome area was great for two things, one a good view from the top of the tower and two relatively clean bogs.

it cant be all that bad though as my two sons (23 AND 21) now come ( 3 times each ) and all they talk about all year is LM, so maybe some of the magic is still there, its just different.

Have we booked for next year................you betcha we have !

Jem

I fell into conversation on the way back last Monday with a couple of Newbies at Charles de Gaulle who reminded me of all the mistakes we made on our first trip all those years ago. Would you believe we actually turned up on MB without (a) food and worse (b) beer so I was immediately despatched to the shop for provisions.
For both of us just being there at the fabled Le Mans was enough in the days when the "Village" was just that, a dusty track with food and drink stalls. The atmosphere on the Saturday night was electric. Also, the cheap t shirts got cheaper the nearer you got to 4pm on the Sunday. I noticed that they don't anymore.

For me, I wouldn't miss it for the world. My annual pilgrimmage is a big part of my life but I do think that some things detract from the whole legend that is Le Mans:
1. Diesels. They just don't sound like sportscars.
2. The cost. Whilst the GA ticket is fantastic value compared with, say, Grands Prix, the campsites are getting more expensive. Compare Maison Blanche with Whittlebury Hall at Silverstone.
3. The "Corporate" Village. Lets face it, a lot of the people there are guests of the big teams, sponsors and big business interests and the numbers of true race fans seem to be getting less.

I hope I'm not being too cynical - I love the event, the place, the drivers, the cars, everything and only a full field of whispering diesels will kill it off for me but then I suspect it will do the same for most people.

Thank God for Corvettes!

Whilst I agree with most of your sentiments, Steve, I would take issue on this one.  I have said elsewhere that the ACO have never made a significant hike in any of their prices from one year to the next, the prices rising only by the odd euro or two.  The seemingly expensive nature of the tickets id down to the £ - € exchange rate.

Also, to compare with Whittlebury - for me, with caravan and electric - would cost £75 for thursday arrival......and strictly speaking I should order two plots as my 'van is over 6m.  So that compares nicely with the €80 for a pitch on Houx with arrival on the monday.  Admittedly, if you've only got a tent and don't need electric, it's a different matter.

In spite of all the changes at LM over the years, I'll take it any time compared to the souless dump called Silverstone, and they only run a quarter of a race there.........

Del

That was the weather, Robbo. Dull, gray and cold - I remember the 1000 KM race a bit.  ::) I think it was in November. On the other hand this was the birth of the LMS as we know it now.

For me, this time was the 11th year (1999). I've never seen a non Audi win before (or Bentley or VW). That got me excited this year - I'm a virgin after all. I was a bit surprised that the French kept so quite about it. Still, I was so glad it wasn't Sebastian Bourdais on the top step. Mmh, maybe that was the reason.  ;D

Forgot to add: I met a chap from the USA this year who had his first visit in 1965 as a mechanic... that's impressive.  :o

Hi Derek
How are you. I'm sorry we didn't get chance to chat much this year. I missed the CA gathering as I was being entertained to dinner by Bas and his mates and, to be honest, their hospitality was so bloody good I didn't want to leave! I got to the Courbe bar at 11 but couldn't find anyone although I noticed vaious TWATS and Bretheren in the Guiness Bar but by that time I'd been down to Tetre Rouge and was bit "wobbly".
I'm trying to get out of going to a wedding on 12/13 Sept so I can go to your favourite soulless dump for the 1000kms. Will you be going?
Steve

Not sure yet, Steve - see how the summer pans out

Del

As the page has been hijacked for a mo...just thought I would do another update :)

With 61 posts plus Mini Wishy we now have 805 years which worksout at 12.98 years average between us so far.

Sad really is'nt it...........Note to oneself "must get a life" ;D

We were at the Courbe until 1.30, Lord S - surprised you missed us (I was the bird in the wheelchair) - you just can't have looked hard enough.

I wonder how much of that time was spent actually watching the race Wishy?  Not a lot by the look of some posts elsewhere.

I first went in 1983 then went, '84, '86 '88, '90, '93 '96 and then every year since so in total 20 times

5 times so far, which in all likelyhood will stay that way!

Roy,

Is it something we've said or done to stop you coming again?

Wishy

First there in '93 and every year since except '97 and '99, so 15 times.

MG Mark