I have been following this topic with great interest since Randy starting talking it up weeks ago. I have spoken with him, and just now got off the phone with Jupiter, and well, I'm looking into it. My first reaction was what a great story it would be, so I'm working on developing that idea, and in the meantime I'm looking into flights and travel options.
First, let me me say this: LeMans has been a place of legend since I was a kid. Its like chamelot without the dragons. If I can pull this off, and get to hang not only with my Turn 10 buddies, but you fine Club Arnage Folks it would be awesome. An honor and a privledge.
Next, the first of many questions:
Flight options, UK versus somehwere else, how do I get there and connect up, etc. I may not be able to leave as early as the 10th and make it to Amsterdam, so I'm looking for help in figuring this out. Sunday and Monday I will check with the airlines and see what's cheep and available (no wise cracks you guys!). I have some miles with American that may help. So... fly into UK and bum a ride? Fly into Paris and bum a ride? Fly into somehwere else and bum a ride? See what I mean?
But in the meantime:
What kind of shooting conditions will I encounter? I've heard that its tough to see the track due to protective barriers and fencing. I've also heard rumors of a CA Scaffold. Is it True? Tell me more! If you can get a decent shot with a still camera without a huge lens, that will work for me, and if you have any stills shot in previous years from available locations that would be helpful Be sure to note what length lens you were using.
What is it like traveling in the EU with camera gear? I have two main options, shoot with my "A" package (similar to a video news guy) or a smaller package that looks like a mix between a home camera on steriods and a still package, plus some kind of tripod (bigger camera equals bigger tripod) In the little bit of international traveling I've done with gear I've gotten a carne (kinda pricey though...), sort of a bond issued in the US saying that all this gear is mine and I promise to bring it back with me instead of selling it to you folks at an outragious profit. The smaller package might pass for amateur/hobbiest, and clear customs more easily. In general, what's it like when you cross an EU border? "May I see your papers?"
What kind of paddock access is there? The ALMS has spoiled me in this regard, but to tell the story I'm envisioning I need to see the cars. Is this possible?
What is the general schedule of events? When do you guys set up camp, is it in a park, can you see the track from camp (like at Sebring)? What happens race week? How often are the cars on the track, support races, etc. At this point I can use as much information as you can provide me. I just stick it all in my little brain for further use in putting the story together, so tell me any and all things.
OK thats it for now. You can respond to this either on the forum or directly to me at
john@svpweb.comThanks,
John