Le Mans Classic, talk to me...
Discussion
Been going to LM24 since the early 2000s. Git that completely sorted, we've done everything and know what's what.
However, never been to the Classic and have decided to go in 2023. Don't worry, tickets all sorted, camping sorted (Houx closed, so in Epinettes) no worries on that score.
What I'd like to know is how different is it? Looking at the schedule for 2022 it seems there's a lot of racing all the time for various ages of cars, pick what you want to see? No village I assume although 2023 being the Centenary...? Anything markedly different? Apart from less people?
What do I need to know?
However, never been to the Classic and have decided to go in 2023. Don't worry, tickets all sorted, camping sorted (Houx closed, so in Epinettes) no worries on that score.
What I'd like to know is how different is it? Looking at the schedule for 2022 it seems there's a lot of racing all the time for various ages of cars, pick what you want to see? No village I assume although 2023 being the Centenary...? Anything markedly different? Apart from less people?
What do I need to know?
The Classic is in effect a series of races that are repeated over the weekend so you see daytime & night-time sessions. Having been for the first time this year it's a less well organised version of the Goodwood Revival 
If you have an appropriate car & the inclination, I'd suggest you get a Parade Lap ticket & take your crash helmet....it would allow you to drive the full racing circuit for about 20 minutes & to see a different side of the racing (YouTube will give you an idea of the parade laps). I also recommend you have a paddock pass to get up closer to the cars.
The infield is packed with cars & displays so there's more to see off track than at the 24hrs.
If you have an appropriate car & the inclination, I'd suggest you get a Parade Lap ticket & take your crash helmet....it would allow you to drive the full racing circuit for about 20 minutes & to see a different side of the racing (YouTube will give you an idea of the parade laps). I also recommend you have a paddock pass to get up closer to the cars.
The infield is packed with cars & displays so there's more to see off track than at the 24hrs.
Shorter event and not much happens away from track. Think last year it opened on Thursday pm.
If do have eligible car and get (free?) ticket for infield car show display parking then it’s the best way to go. Last year was quieter for that if Friday but really busy Saturday & Sunday.
Very large village/trade stands compared to main race and that was open after 4pm on the Sunday- lots of car art, leather jackets and expensive car related decor. Lot less campers normally and know lots more people there who drive in from hotels etc and use infield display parking.
Parade laps good (eligible car and book early).
Should be an excellent set of manufacturers displays for 2023 plus Le Mans museum special display (maybe another parade).
Racing a bit more spread out than a few editions back. Only 3 runs each so need to try and work out what sessions you want to see. Qualifying laps on Friday pm we’re running behind schedule and not much on screen info (lot less big screens than main race).
Race session times also slipped. Late 1960’s cars GT4Os at night are great. Think they do old LM starts for the pre-1970s grids so need to have a GS opposite pits for that- if watching from round track (like Porsche curves) there’s big gaps between grids.
Paddock passes required for viewing paddocks - always get these.
T17 and T18 good for ACO discount beer and food and viewing.
Dress code is optional especially if very hot.
Car show in interior good - although 1,000 Porsches displayed by model and probably lined by year is a bit much.
2022 timetable included some Parades that were dropped as schedule slipped and 4pm start Saturday wasted with Little Big Mans (very slow kids cars that struggle up the start straight). So it’s more like 15 hours of ‘racing’. Goodwood revival and members meeting has better racing.
Hotel de France post race Sunday is good - great option if leaving infield display parking and get funnelled out by Tertre Rouge dual carriageway.
Driving there and back from Calais etc is great to as cars on road to/from event are better than main race.
If do have eligible car and get (free?) ticket for infield car show display parking then it’s the best way to go. Last year was quieter for that if Friday but really busy Saturday & Sunday.
Very large village/trade stands compared to main race and that was open after 4pm on the Sunday- lots of car art, leather jackets and expensive car related decor. Lot less campers normally and know lots more people there who drive in from hotels etc and use infield display parking.
Parade laps good (eligible car and book early).
Should be an excellent set of manufacturers displays for 2023 plus Le Mans museum special display (maybe another parade).
Racing a bit more spread out than a few editions back. Only 3 runs each so need to try and work out what sessions you want to see. Qualifying laps on Friday pm we’re running behind schedule and not much on screen info (lot less big screens than main race).
Race session times also slipped. Late 1960’s cars GT4Os at night are great. Think they do old LM starts for the pre-1970s grids so need to have a GS opposite pits for that- if watching from round track (like Porsche curves) there’s big gaps between grids.
Paddock passes required for viewing paddocks - always get these.
T17 and T18 good for ACO discount beer and food and viewing.
Dress code is optional especially if very hot.
Car show in interior good - although 1,000 Porsches displayed by model and probably lined by year is a bit much.
2022 timetable included some Parades that were dropped as schedule slipped and 4pm start Saturday wasted with Little Big Mans (very slow kids cars that struggle up the start straight). So it’s more like 15 hours of ‘racing’. Goodwood revival and members meeting has better racing.
Hotel de France post race Sunday is good - great option if leaving infield display parking and get funnelled out by Tertre Rouge dual carriageway.
Driving there and back from Calais etc is great to as cars on road to/from event are better than main race.
Vsix and Vtec said:
Ive got tickets for this too, plus camping. I don't think my 1987 ford capri which I hope to be going in, will qualify for the parade laps though!
if it gets in it should qualify for parade laps - check with 1st tickets in few weeks? There's a lot of French cars that get inForgot about Group C and late qualifying sessions of Friday night (should probably make the most of these). Definitely need a programme to work out what grids on track as some cars overlap into 2 grids as not much info on screens and no RLM. 7 GT40's in a row (first flying lap in race) at night around Porsche curves with discs glowing is a great sight.
Group C not in the Plateaus/Grids and has a support race Saturday am (think there was a jaguar race and a Le Mans legends (post group C race too then)) and a fairly early quali on Friday before it's dark which is a shame
Did find a detailed timetable for 2022
http://peterautoracing.alkamelsystems.com/Results/...
Same as yourself, done the 24hrs since ‘03 but did the Classic for first time in ‘22.
Really enjoyed the event, completely different vibe to the 24hrs. The racing is fairly irrelevant in terms of results, just study the timetable and plan which type of cars you want to see. We picked Dunlop stand to watch from to see a bit of movement with the cars through the curves.
We spent a long time looking around the club parking areas with the huge mix of cars around. We parked here each day and that worked well.
The competitor paddock areas was another great place to look around. Enjoyed just seeing the cars trundling in and out. You get a really good up close view of the cars.
By the time we’d looked at everything else, it was just our specific ‘must sees’ we watched around the circuit.
We did the parade lap and that was great fun (although an early start). Tried to take it all in, but was also concentrating quite a bit to avoid getting involved with other cars. Even if a fair bit of it was quite slow as things bunched up. (Tip.. Should have dropped right back at start).
The event is great in its own right. Different to the 24hrs where the history is made and this fantastically celebrates that history.
Essentials (IMO)-
Paddock pass
Club parking was good
Parade lap (if car qualify’s and your first trip. Got to done at least once)
(Our experience with fast track tours was excellent.)
I love France so much….. one of the favourite bits of the trip was long lunch in st malo.
Really enjoyed the event, completely different vibe to the 24hrs. The racing is fairly irrelevant in terms of results, just study the timetable and plan which type of cars you want to see. We picked Dunlop stand to watch from to see a bit of movement with the cars through the curves.
We spent a long time looking around the club parking areas with the huge mix of cars around. We parked here each day and that worked well.
The competitor paddock areas was another great place to look around. Enjoyed just seeing the cars trundling in and out. You get a really good up close view of the cars.
By the time we’d looked at everything else, it was just our specific ‘must sees’ we watched around the circuit.
We did the parade lap and that was great fun (although an early start). Tried to take it all in, but was also concentrating quite a bit to avoid getting involved with other cars. Even if a fair bit of it was quite slow as things bunched up. (Tip.. Should have dropped right back at start).
The event is great in its own right. Different to the 24hrs where the history is made and this fantastically celebrates that history.
Essentials (IMO)-
Paddock pass
Club parking was good
Parade lap (if car qualify’s and your first trip. Got to done at least once)
(Our experience with fast track tours was excellent.)
I love France so much….. one of the favourite bits of the trip was long lunch in st malo.
Edited by LM240 on Saturday 31st December 16:35
Edited by LM240 on Saturday 31st December 17:59
some useful info above thanks. I'm popping down from North Scotland so will be in my T5 campervan to cover the stops needed there and back (will pass on the parade laps this time...). First time at any Le Mans (apart from driving through) - got entry ticket (inc paddock) and booked camping in Beausejour. Thinking of chucking a pub bike in the van to get to and from the infield. Won't bother with a portable radio if no Radio LM broadcasting. Got a '61 mini and '68 Elan so just looking to spend a nice weekend in France watching similar classic cars racing - hoping weather plays ball. Keep the useful tips coming.
One of the key points, hinted at already, is that the racing doesn't start until 1600 on the Saturday and continues through to the same time Sunday, so don't plan on leaving early on the Sunday or make other plans for the Saturday evening (although you can nip into town and back on the tram and only miss a race or two)
Vsix and Vtec said:
I bought my tickets via my ACO membership, is the parade lap something I can add on or have I missed out by not going via a ticket operator?
I can only comment on my experience (my first time at the Classic this year) where we purchased our parade lap pass from our operator (1st Tickets) although other ACO approved operators maybe able to assist - this year’s pass cost £205 btw (but I’ve seen £230 quoted for 2023) and the 20 minute sessions are from about 07.00 until about 08.30 & were on the Friday & Saturday this year.You will need to ensure you have an eligible car which is allowed in the club display section in the middle of the circuit which is where they run the parade laps from. The link below should give you an idea of what’s been eligible in the past....
https://1st-tickets.co.uk/images/LMC2016%20Happy%2...
MrC986 said:
I can only comment on my experience (my first time at the Classic this year) where we purchased our parade lap pass from our operator (1st Tickets) although other ACO approved operators maybe able to assist - this year’s pass cost £205 btw (but I’ve seen £230 quoted for 2023) and the 20 minute sessions are from about 07.00 until about 08.30 & were on the Friday & Saturday this year.
You will need to ensure you have an eligible car which is allowed in the club display section in the middle of the circuit which is where they run the parade laps from. The link below should give you an idea of what’s been eligible in the past....
https://1st-tickets.co.uk/images/LMC2016%20Happy%2...
Not too bothered about the cost, the sticking point I can see here is that whilst there is indeed a Ford Capri mentioned, it specifies pre 1973 Capri only. Unfortunately mine is a 1987 2.8 Injection Special, so not really old enough (and I dare say some might suggest not a classic either!).You will need to ensure you have an eligible car which is allowed in the club display section in the middle of the circuit which is where they run the parade laps from. The link below should give you an idea of what’s been eligible in the past....
https://1st-tickets.co.uk/images/LMC2016%20Happy%2...
Thanks for your help though, really appreciate it!
Edited by Vsix and Vtec on Tuesday 3rd January 22:20
Vsix and Vtec said:
Not too bothered about the cost, the sticking point I can see here is that whilst there is indeed a Ford Capri mentioned, it specifies pre 1973 Capri only. Unfortunately mine is a 1987 2.8 Injection Special, so not really old enough (and I dare say some might suggest not a classic either!).
Thanks for your help though, really appreciate it!
My mate had a 2.8i special back in the day with a dixie horn, it's a classic in my eyes.Thanks for your help though, really appreciate it!
Edited by Vsix and Vtec on Tuesday 3rd January 22:20
S3Swiss said:
some useful info above thanks. I'm popping down from North Scotland so will be in my T5 campervan to cover the stops needed there and back (will pass on the parade laps this time...). First time at any Le Mans (apart from driving through) - got entry ticket (inc paddock) and booked camping in Beausejour. Thinking of chucking a pub bike in the van to get to and from the infield. Won't bother with a portable radio if no Radio LM broadcasting. Got a '61 mini and '68 Elan so just looking to spend a nice weekend in France watching similar classic cars racing - hoping weather plays ball. Keep the useful tips coming.
Apologies - Did a check and RadioLeMans did have podcasts for some races at Classic and live coverage of 2018 Classic races - don’t think they do blanket coverage in week before at Le Mans so bring transitor.Only headphones/ear defenders I’ve seen at Classic were on a dachshund in GS though.
Spydaman said:
As the camping at the main event was sold out within a couple of hours I’m going to the Classic instead. I’ve booked camping and ferry already but are entry tickets limited and likely to be sold out too?
Not sure on capacity limit as main race limit of 270,000 has been mentioned but earlybird ticket period would expire or possibly be shortened & if getting paddock tickets too (recommended) then that might be subject to more stringent limits.24 Hours is the 'lager' race, with generally younger visitors & about double the numbers of people & can be crowded. Classic is the 'wine' race for usually more mature/gentile visitors....
Parade laps are good, BUT check your insurance, as the French have/had a far more relaxed view, it's not like a 50mph max limit like on some UK circuits, & it becomes a free for all, & insurance companies know about this. Whilst good natured & fun, some people get the red mist, & accidents do sometimes occur. So check your insurance covers you!
Car clubs normally get a run out before the main racing. Worth a look to. Otherwise, the car clubs all have displays. The classic caravan club was there on the first time I went, with everything from tiny towed snail caravans to American monster motorhomes. Other stands had good variety, always something to see.
Paddock pass is a must, great variety of amazing cars, being worked on, which you can walk very close to.
Parade laps are good, BUT check your insurance, as the French have/had a far more relaxed view, it's not like a 50mph max limit like on some UK circuits, & it becomes a free for all, & insurance companies know about this. Whilst good natured & fun, some people get the red mist, & accidents do sometimes occur. So check your insurance covers you!
Car clubs normally get a run out before the main racing. Worth a look to. Otherwise, the car clubs all have displays. The classic caravan club was there on the first time I went, with everything from tiny towed snail caravans to American monster motorhomes. Other stands had good variety, always something to see.
Paddock pass is a must, great variety of amazing cars, being worked on, which you can walk very close to.
I’ve been lucky and managed to get tickets and camping for this years 24hr race, then early last week mrs cass booked us to go through France and into Spain for our holiday, the easiest route takes us through Le Mans again, after telling her this she said she would like to stop and have a look at some of the places she’s heard me talking about over the last 12 years of going.
I was telling a mate who just happens to do hospitality at Le Mans, he asked me what date we go back over I said 1st July, he said you do know you will be back in time for the classic, so I’ll be at both this year even if the classic will be just passing through.
I was telling a mate who just happens to do hospitality at Le Mans, he asked me what date we go back over I said 1st July, he said you do know you will be back in time for the classic, so I’ll be at both this year even if the classic will be just passing through.
Gassing Station | Le Mans | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff