UK based Le Mans equivalent, camping & cars/motorsport

[sidekickdmr]

We go to Le Mans every few years, went this year and had a GREAT time but don't plan to go each year as the tickets are SUCH a pain to get now, and the logistics/costs etc

So, we would like to, as a group of lads, have something to look forward to in 2024, sunshine, camping, beer, bbq's and motorsport.

Any suggestions for any car based events with on site camping and some atmosphere?

Ta

[Vsix and Vtec]

The Silverstone WEC 6 hours should be good day out, it was the old school (2019) Silverstone 12hrs race that led to us going to Le Mans. The Woodlands campsite is a short walk from the track, it has a decent toilet block, a pub and a fair amount of pitches.

We've not been back since that first time, but it was a great event.

[Northcote67]

Hi,

we camped at the last Silverstone WEC 6 hours a few years back and it was okay, would do it again but nothing like Le Mans.

Also note that WEC isn't coming back to Silverstone until 2025 I believe.

[RL17]

Not UK but WEC Spa 6 hour race mid May (euro 55 or so early ticket for all including grandstands and camping on site from 30 euros or so) - weather can be variable - but Silverstone can be cold and windy in summer. 3 1/2 hours or so from Calais closer than LM. Crwods ramped up for 2023 event

or Nurburgring 24 end of May - 75 or so GT cars and lots of atmosphere by the look of it 4 1/2 hours or so from Calais - bit further than LM

[sidekickdmr]

Thank you all,

Silverstone WEC looked pretty perfect but not on next year

And spa/nurberg would be fab, but not really ricking the closer and easier box unfortunately

Any other ideas?

[Roast Beef Racing]

Isle of Man TT

[jeremyc]

24 hour 2CV race at Snetterton

Also has a bunch of support races, free parking and a dedicated campsite a short walk from the circuit.

[L500]

Depends how 'laddish' you want to get, and it's not specifically a car event, but CarFest is worth a look.

Great friendly and safe atmosphere. A far cry from my Houx Annexe years, but I enjoy it. Weekend tickets with camping.

[flatlandsman]

WEC will likely never be back to Silverstone, it doesn't make enough money. That place really now only runs events that make guaranteed big money or club events, very little in between and obviously stuff like car shows that make a lot of cash.

WEC, GTWC, SBK, even BSB is not going there in 24, I am actually staggered British GT is still going there as they can't make money from that, but maybe Ratel has done a deal with paying or hosting fees as the crowd does not really warrant the hire of the full GP track.

I would argue if MotoGP continues to get such poor UK crowds that event might be under threat too. Silverstone simply do not run events for the sake of it now.

[lezdix]

Personally I'd look at Thruxton, Brands or Donnington et al where the camp sites are "on-site". I think in those three the longest walk it 2 minutes to the track. Camping is cheap, very relaxed but no electric hook-up if you like your luxuries.
We just scan their events and see what appeals. Smaller events the camping is often free!

[Skylinecrazy]

Goodwood? Silverstone Classic?

[flatlandsman]

Depends on budget, if you are camping at those events you are looking at fairly serous money

[RL17]

Camping at FOS not too costly this year - just over £200 for car and four persons camping (non-electric). Entry fairly dear but don’t have costs of getting to places like Le Mans. Some of the camping a bit of a hike or bus away though. Bit too busy/corporate at WE?

Silverstone Woodlands with pub and pizza van on site is pretty close (200 m or so from Club Corner and buses) and must be reasonable for most events. Silverstone Festival had late racing Saturday night and music.

[Jos Notstoppen]

Not sure if this is suitable.
12 HR lawn mower racing at Billingshurst, West Sussex.
https://www.blmra.co.uk/

https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/the-worlds-to...
Link is for the 2023 event as the 2024 date has not been agreed yet.

[sidekickdmr]

Jos Notstoppen said:

Not sure if this is suitable.
12 HR lawn mower racing at Billingshurst, West Sussex.
https://www.blmra.co.uk/

https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/the-worlds-to...
Link is for the 2023 event as the 2024 date has not been agreed yet.

It's not suitable at all, and its a million miles away from lemans, and I love it!

I've emailed to ask about 2024 dates, might be just the ticket

[geeks]

The C1 series is having its 24hr race in 2024 at Anglesey if thats of any interest?

[marcosgt]

flatlandsman said:

WEC will likely never be back to Silverstone, it doesn't make enough money. That place really now only runs events that make guaranteed big money or club events, very little in between and obviously stuff like car shows that make a lot of cash.

World class motor racing seems to be a thing of the past in the UK.

No WEC round for some years and no WRC either.

Silverstone is a bland circuit, so I don't miss going there, but I wish there was a WEC round. Maybe if Aston do well, we may get a round again, but I'm not holding my breath.

I went to Monza for the WEC this year and liked it so much I'm off to Imola in 2024.

Edited by marcosgt on Sunday 10th December 19:22

[sjg]

Santa Pod let you camp on multi-day tickets, the main camping can be a bit livelier than the “family” camping beyond the pits. The FIA Main Event or Euro Finals are great, although there’s lots of other good weekends too.

[Jordie Barretts sock]

Not UK but I'd say N24 or Spa24.

Both similar but not the hassle of LM.

I've been to LM since early 2000s and am considering these as alternative options.

[flatlandsman]

Wales are getting a round of the ERC next year an event they worked hard for.

But you are right, Basically the only track that can host big events is Silverstone and they only really hold events now that are club type events, tuner events or massive events that make them a ton of money,

Instead of being the home of Motorsport, it is now primarily a profit making machine, clearly ably assisted by the public who see no problem paying vast sums for F1, I do not blame the place, II just wish they gave a little back instead of just being a testing venue, club events venue and a few larger events.

MSV do far more and at least try new things.