French Trackdays

[S3am]

The Noble and I are going to the South of France for a month or so and I was thinking of trying out a french circuit. I know UK companies run events out there, but has anyone any experience of trying to organise themselves there? I also wondered if it was possible to get on track at Paul Ricard? Do they run this kind of thing there?
Any experiences?

Cheers
Sam

[fergus]

Paul Ricard (or circuit du castellet) is now a private test facility owned by Mr. Ecclestone. If you give Bernie a ring and he agress, then you're OK. They security down there is VERY tight, as the F1 guys do a lot of testing. The french tracks are considerably cheaper to hire than the UK tracks though. Try contacting them directly. A number of UK based bike trackday organisers use several of them to great effect (see www.byrne-up.co.uk).

Try: Pau Arnos, Dijon, Val de Vienne, Nogaro, Ledonon, etc.

Tracks like Magny Cours you will probably have a lot of difficulty giring yourself. There are also a large number of 'private' tracks which I know the owners are sometimes willing to hire out for SMALL groups (i.e. sub 10 cars). You need to account for marshals, ambulance on site, etc, etc. good luck!

[S2rr Kitty]

Try also Farside Sportsbiking - they specialise in French trackdays (bikes) but may offer some assistance or contacts - I have done Nogaro, Val de Vienne, Folembray (v small) with them - all outstanding!!


Anna

[batster]

S3am said:

The Noble and I are going to the South of France for a month or so and I was thinking of trying out a french circuit. I know UK companies run events out there, but has anyone any experience of trying to organise themselves there? I also wondered if it was possible to get on track at Paul Ricard? Do they run this kind of thing there? Any experiences? Cheers Sam

Sam - you lucky man - the roads let alone the tracks in France are superb so you should have great fun! The Noble will be a rare sight over there as well. Saw the new Noble at the Motorshow and wondered if you have got your name down for one. I have just swapped the M3 for a 996 Targa - tried to buy CSL but just gave up due to crap dealers and desire for a change.

Batster