Hello everyone. Back to the land of the living again. Still exhausted and wired on strong coffee.
By and large another great weekend. Bloody ACO did an absolutely dreadful job in organising the weather. It's been on the calendar for two years now so they had plenty of notice to book some sunshine, but failed in typical French fashion. I'm sure us Brits could do better.
Great company as ever. Big man huggs to Uncle Martin, who can provide sensible conversation given a little effort. Shame we only get to meet once a year, and already looking forward to next time.
Big thanks to Newcastle Dave and his group. Lots of new friends there and a certain civility this year with proper food, our own Vicar and daily Yoga classes to sit and watch / laugh at over a cold breakfast beer.
Thanks to Stuart for his company, especially on the long drive home when the black coffee / Red Bull caffeine shake start to take over!
Huge, huge thanks to CA's own Goddess, the wonderful Fran for being the responsible adult and translator.... She even did the washing up without protest this year! Again, a year is far too long between meetings and I'm missing your company and good humour already. Hope you and your husband got home OK.
Also last but not least my new friend Eric, a seriously funny guy who I hope will be there next year. Proof that language is never a barrier and a little pigeon French and English will get you through- comedy being a universal language that works anywhere. 'Cuckoo'.
Nice to meet a few faces from team CA. Sadly didn't get to meet everyone, but big shout to Mr Rick, Barry and Jo, Lee, the Browns etc. promise to make more effort next time.
A few thoughts on the weekend.....
Weather total pants. Got soaked a few times.
Driving standards in general were appalling at times. Probably more discussion on this topic later, but for now let's say it was really something that needs to be addressed.
Size of the event. It's getting really big now. Maybe they need to open on the Thursday so you can actually get round and see everything. At some times, in certain places it was just like the 24. There also seems to be a certain element turning up now. Lewd behaviour, bare chests and drunkenness isn't what I go to the Classic for (although having been there with Martini twice prior I should be used to it by now).
Those small gripes apart, it was another great weekend. The cars were stunning, the atmosphere was great, the friendly and open attidude of the drivers and mechanics was wonderful as ever.
A few highlights......
Plateaux 6. I could watch a whole 24 hours of that race. Driving standards higher than the other grids, the cars looked genuinely fast and the assault on the aural senses is incredible.
Ferarri 250 GTO paddock and parade. Such stunning cars but slightly strange seeing so many in one place. Kind of underwhelming in a sense. Almost like spending a lifetime looking for a unicorn, then finding 26 of them in a pub having lunch.
Walking back from Tetre Rouge at 3am on Saturday morning and only seeing one single living soul all the way back to MB. Almost like you had become the only person on earth. Took time to take in the buildings and small details of the place you think you know so well. I've always liked my own company and to spend a steady hour long stroll in a place I dearly love, alone, was a real highlight of the weekend.
The Friday evening meal in Arnage was great. Plenty of entertainment from the passing cars and the crazy young lad on the Scooter who pulled every trick in the book to raucous cheers. Several loud choruses of Happy Birthday in which all the other guests and passer-by's joined in with was rather cool, and topped off a good day in which to say goodbye to your thirtys and hello to a decade of buggered knees, bad backs and digestive problems.
Being allowed onto the ferry despite only checking in 11 minutes before sailing after a mammoth effort in the van, wringing its neck for the last 120km whilst ignoring an ever strengthening smell of burning plastic and rubber. Why oh why must I always be late despite setting off in good time? This year was too close for comfort.
Finally the good craic and banter. The weather was rubbish but it failed to dampen the spirits. I raise a glass to you all.
The Classic for me has always been an antidote to the modern 24. Smaller crowds and a more relaxing atmosphere. It's got busier and busier over the last decade and in that respect it has begun to lose its shine somewhat. The standard of racing also took a dive again this year. There are now too many people on the track who are there because they can afford too. A few very special cars have ended up damaged this year as a direct result. I'm now asking myself if I can justify going to the Classic again at the expense of attending the modern event which is now enjoying a golden patch. It's a shame as I've always enjoyed the classic, but this year not so much as in previous years. Maybe it was the weather? I'm not sure, but as an event it oat it's shine this year. However, the usual fun, games and companionship from the guys on the campsite more than compensated for this years shortcomings, and for that I thank you all once again.
Cheers all.
Lazy Bastard.
