Friday 5th May 2023

Le Mans Friday Service at Classic British Welcome

Heading to the 24 Hours of Le Mans? Join us on June 9th to start the weekend in style

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The PistonHeads Friday Service at the Classic British Welcome may not be celebrating its centenary just yet, but it’s a well-established tradition for the day before the big race.

We’ll be joining more than 1,000 classic and sports cars at the Val de Vray centre in Saint-Saturnin on June 9th for the free event, a 30-minute drive from our private campsite at Bleu Nord. The theme this year is Ferrari, to celebrate the official return of the manufacturer to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Beyond the cars on display, there will be plenty of food and drink stalls, live music and a cinema to add to the atmosphere. This year’s fitting special guest will be Gérard Larrousse, who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans 50 years ago in 1973; Ferrari’s last official year competing.

If you’re heading down to Le Mans, there’s no better way to kick-start your weekend. We have space for up to 100 classic or sports cars, so sign up here to join us for free. Don’t have a classic or sports car? No need to worry, as you can still use the free park-and-ride service and you don’t need to put your name on the list.

We advise arriving for the 09:00 opening time, as it’s pretty hectic from 10:00 onwards. Check out the CBW website for more details after signing up here  – see you there!

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If you own a Ferrari and are interested in exhibiting your car in the main exhibition hall or taking part in the Saint-Saturnin Calvacade, please email [e-mail]

[Ben Lowden]

I can't believe this is happening next month already – this year is flying by!

[Vette_1978]

I always love the CBW, especially the queue to get on with car overheating and the queue to get out with the car overheating. I also love the way they sprinkle the salt on your fries using their hands after mopping their humid sweaty brows.

Be there again in a few weeks eating French salt sweat fries, just adds to the flavour.

[blueST]

What's the criteria for classic? I've got an 2007 Defender 110 which certainly feels like a classic when I'm doing 60mph on the autoroute! It definitely isn't a sports car!

Edited by blueST on Friday 5th May 15:48

[Crazy4557]

Best get there early as it gets mobbed these days and traffic can be horrific.
Great show though and a traditional venue for many Le Mans fans.

[blueST]

blueST said:

What's the criteria for classic? I've got an 2007 Defender 110 which certainly feels like a classic when I'm doing 60mph on the autoroute! It definitely isn't a sports car!

Edited by blueST on Friday 5th May 15:48

Sod it, I’ve put my name down. If it’s not exotic enough, I won’t be offended if it gets bumped from the list.

[MrC986]

blueST said:

Sod it, I’ve put my name down. If it’s not exotic enough, I won’t be offended if it gets bumped from the list.

The power of the PH sticker & the fact it's an original version might just convince the stewards to point you in the right direction 😉

[willredstone]

I’ve put my name down…first time Le Mans-er, potential first time poster :biglaugh

Edited by S2996 on Sunday 7th May 17:59

[Natpen79]

I’m interested in this. Me and my lad are camping at Porsche curves on a different site.
Would love to bring my yellow mk1 Leon Cupra R if it’s allowed.

[BigRobbo]

Ben,
When will you be sending out the thingymujigs to gain access to the on site parking for this fine event?

[Ben Lowden]

Natpen79 said:

I’m interested in this. Me and my lad are camping at Porsche curves on a different site.
Would love to bring my yellow mk1 Leon Cupra R if it’s allowed.

You won't be able to park inside the main event I'm afraid as it's two-seater sports cars and classic cars only, but there's plenty of free parking outside that you can use.

BigRobbo said:

Ben,
When will you be sending out the thingymujigs to gain access to the on site parking for this fine event?

Yep I'll be sending out the first email Friday next week

[Natpen79]

No worries.
Will come along anyway and park in the public parking.
Cheers.

[VladD]

Ben Lowden said:

You won't be able to park inside the main event I'm afraid as it's two-seater sports cars and classic cars only, but there's plenty of free parking outside that you can use.

There are a lot of cars signed up that don't meet the criteria.

[Natpen79]

Yeah, that’s why I added us to the list when I saw some of the others.
No problem.
Could have brought the mk1 mx5 but I’d rather us have a tent and chairs and a backbone by the time we arrive. Lol

Edited by Natpen79 on Thursday 25th May 13:54

[JamesW]

VladD said:

Ben Lowden said:

You won't be able to park inside the main event I'm afraid as it's two-seater sports cars and classic cars only, but there's plenty of free parking outside that you can use.

There are a lot of cars signed up that don't meet the criteria.

With the exception of the 911, which contrary to some beliefs does actually have four seats

[Dal3D]

JamesW said:

With the exception of the 911, which contrary to some beliefs does actually have four seats

My GR86 has rear seats too, but not really for humans to sit in. though. Signed up as will be staying localish anyway and will probably be a great turnout regardless of where we're parked.

[WickedWizzzard]

So, if I am camping inside the circuit, to attend this I would need to get on my car, get out of the circuitm and drive 30 mins across Le Mans and park on the public car park (field across the center)? I can imagine there's going to be so much traffic. Is there another way of getting there?

[kiters42]

I’ve always found the easiest way to get there is tram into central Le Mans and then pick up the bus can’t remember what number though and you can have a few beers as well.

[WickedWizzzard]

kiters42 said:

I’ve always found the easiest way to get there is tram into central Le Mans and then pick up the bus can’t remember what number though and you can have a few beers as well.

Yeah, that seems more sensible. Let me look into that route. Seems like bus 210 up north, one stop and 20 mins from the centre. Thanks! Might make it there wearing my PH LM23 t-shirt

[Dblue]

Traffic getting in isn't too bad - If its as previous years then they're well organised if a bit random in choosing what gets in or not.
Getting out again was always an absolute nightmare - the excruciating queue out to the D338 was pants. Looked like they've done something about that last year but the trick is turn right at the top of the hill , not left, and work your way back into town through La Chappelle Saint Aubin village.

[leyorkie]

Dblue said:

Traffic getting in isn't too bad - If its as previous years then they're well organised if a bit random in choosing what gets in or not.
Getting out again was always an absolute nightmare - the excruciating queue out to the D338 was pants. Looked like they've done something about that last year but the trick is turn right at the top of the hill , not left, and work your way back into town through La Chappelle Saint Aubin village.

Oh you can’t go that way it’s far far too busy