The 24 hour yawn at Le Mans
Discussion
Le Mans can be really really dull, and it often has been these last few years. Not helped by commentators who forget about the race order, and miss most of what's happening under their noses.
Question: would it be better if you could relate to the cars? A works team of TVRs - Jaguar XKs - Merc SLs - BMW Zs - Toyotas - Hondas - Lambos - Astons - Porsches - Ferraris - lots of things that are loosely based on what you can buy, but seriously quick. Last time I was there sixteen manufacturers entered cars that meant something to spectators.
Or would you stick with today's Sports Prototypes, plus Porsches etc?
Question: would it be better if you could relate to the cars? A works team of TVRs - Jaguar XKs - Merc SLs - BMW Zs - Toyotas - Hondas - Lambos - Astons - Porsches - Ferraris - lots of things that are loosely based on what you can buy, but seriously quick. Last time I was there sixteen manufacturers entered cars that meant something to spectators.
Or would you stick with today's Sports Prototypes, plus Porsches etc?
I've actually watched very little (a few laps) of the racing because of that very reason. That and I've been too pissed...
I wouldn't say it's boring because the noise and spectacle are something to behold but those sports prototype things hold little interest for me other than that.
I wouldn't say it's boring because the noise and spectacle are something to behold but those sports prototype things hold little interest for me other than that.
Le Mans is dull if you can't follow the race order without a doubt. But tuning in to Radio Le Mans brings the whole race alive IMHO. The commentators really know what they're talking about and can often guess the different teams strategies.
Personally I find it more interesting when there have been lots of manufacturers involved - in recent years I'd say the 1999 race featuring BMW, Toyota, Audi, Mercedes, Chrysler, etc. was one of the most exciting.
With the return of British teams - Bentley and MG - there really is something for us to get behind and cheer on. It doesn't really matter to me whether they're converted road going cars or high-tech prototypes - the buzz is still the same !
Personally I find it more interesting when there have been lots of manufacturers involved - in recent years I'd say the 1999 race featuring BMW, Toyota, Audi, Mercedes, Chrysler, etc. was one of the most exciting.
With the return of British teams - Bentley and MG - there really is something for us to get behind and cheer on. It doesn't really matter to me whether they're converted road going cars or high-tech prototypes - the buzz is still the same !
quote:
...all of which is the main reason why I've never bothered going. The drive down would be great but I'd rather have a nice warm bed than a tent. Been there...
-Manek-
Even my girlfriend - normally the first to complain about a lack of creature comforts - understands that the true spirit (well beer, wine & spirit!) of Le Mans, can only be fully appreciated 'on site' under canvas.
Have to admit though, that I'm very sceptical about how 'true' the competition is between Audi and VW (sorry Bentley).
Marcus
& Ocean Haze Griff 500
Agree with Nick M.
Le Mans is what you make it. We go down with a big crowd every few years. The good thing is you can follow the race with the excellent radio Le Mans, watch the race, then go off inyo town ,or Arnage for a few hours, then come back and pick up again. Mind you, after the deluge last year, it was enough to dampen most peoples spirits, but the downside will all be forgotten by the time the next one comes around.
Regards
Big Rumbly, and a belated happy new year.
Le Mans is what you make it. We go down with a big crowd every few years. The good thing is you can follow the race with the excellent radio Le Mans, watch the race, then go off inyo town ,or Arnage for a few hours, then come back and pick up again. Mind you, after the deluge last year, it was enough to dampen most peoples spirits, but the downside will all be forgotten by the time the next one comes around.
Regards
Big Rumbly, and a belated happy new year.
Besides, UK circuits don't let you pile all the bins on top of one another, fill them with Super-U and set light to them do they Ted 
www.locost-racing.com
Car No. 13
www.locost-racing.com
Car No. 13
I tend to agree with McNab about the racing (and the rest of you about the actual 'being there' thing). It's what ruined the GT1 class racing as well....6/7 years ago it was lots of privateers, Marcos, TVR, Vipers etc...then of course the Porchse GT1, Merc GT1, Toyota etc...and suddenely all of the cars looked the same, and curiously had 1, million pound, road-going version. I lost interest suddenely - and its only recently re-awakened now that the powertour series has started attracting decent numbers of privateers again.
Le Mans is the same....and I think McNab is spot on.
Night
Le Mans is the same....and I think McNab is spot on.
Night
Very interesting response. I just think Le Mans could be so much better. The drivers put a lot into it, as do the teams, and in their own unique way the ACO has tried very hard to get it right.
But what about the spectators? I've been one for year after year. Not at the event admittedly - I might get all nostalgic or something equally awful - but with the radio coverage, and latterly Eurosport. And I can't get much out of it at all.
Such a lost opportunity, now that GP racing has turned into a glorified circus, and American racing tries to commit harikari (Indy vs CART).
Edited by McNab on Wednesday 16th January 14:29
But what about the spectators? I've been one for year after year. Not at the event admittedly - I might get all nostalgic or something equally awful - but with the radio coverage, and latterly Eurosport. And I can't get much out of it at all.
Such a lost opportunity, now that GP racing has turned into a glorified circus, and American racing tries to commit harikari (Indy vs CART).
Edited by McNab on Wednesday 16th January 14:29
I think the GTO (GTS?) class is very closely based on road cars the 996 GT3's are very similar to the car you would get if you bought for the road.
If Jag / Aston / TVR / Lotus were going to race then they would be able to do so - i think Porsche are so prevalent as they are well know for lasting the distance, it would be good to see a 360 Ferrari or some Tuscans out there as well.
I understand there is then another class up (GT) which is the saleen and corvettes / vipers etc.
I think the categories work it is just that some other manufacturers need to get behind it. For 2% of their F1 budget Ferrari could be there in the GT 550 Maranello and a GTS/GTO 360, now that would surely do more to boost sales than some German twot in a piece of carbon fibre beating mclaren etc.
Bennno
quote:
For 2% of their F1 budget Ferrari could be there in the GT 550 Maranello and a GTS/GTO 360, now that would surely do more to boost sales than some German twot in a piece of carbon fibre beating mclaren etc.
Bennno
Unfortunately, I guess that if any of their general, core (serisouly rich) customer base, do actually attend any race, it's most likely to be at some expensive hospitality box (or similar) at a G.P.
Can't see too many of their kind queing up in the morning outside one of the various Le Mans campsite facilities for their 5hit, shave & shower.
Marcus
& Ocean Haze Griff 500
Come on Ferrari have won at Le Mans several times, when you take a look back their pedigree comes from 250 GTO's, 250 LM, Look at the 70's Daytona's
I think thats the way to make their cars desirable.... in know a couple of Ferrari owners whom are currently too embarassed to go for a drive on a Sunday after michel p00packer has been on TV.
bennno
You won't believe this, but way back then (Dear Lord, how I hate memoirs, sorry!) drivers had to visit the Gents too. They had a sort of semi-discreet corral behind the pits guarded - seriously guarded, by the biggest menacing old Madame you could imagine.
No Francs no entry, driver or not!
No Francs no entry, driver or not!
Nick, for my sins I am a ridiculously emotional person, and although I quit racing 48 years ago I can't watch it live. Brings a tear to the eye. Took the family to see the film (Le Mans) ages ago, and they tell me I spent most of my time under the seat - the realistic bits were too realistic. I think I'd need a full PistonHeads page to describe what it was really like, and I'm not here to bore you, I promise!
Did listen to Radio Le Mans last year, but couldn't make much sense of it - frustrating, because my son Christian kept phoning me from the circuit to get an update on the race order!!!
Did listen to Radio Le Mans last year, but couldn't make much sense of it - frustrating, because my son Christian kept phoning me from the circuit to get an update on the race order!!!
I've done three, it's definitely one of those "got to do before you die" things. nonegreen and I first went in '93 as I recall, the year Jaguar (driven by DC) were disqualified from the GT class for not being French. You buy the silly radio hat, tune it to Radio Le Mans, stock up on the plonk at Carrefour and go for it. We had a go at hiding in the woods behind Mulsanne and dodging marshalls during night practice one year - very silly.
Agree that the spate of prototypes with number plate and indicators bolted on to make them road cars is silly. Would much rather see TVRs, Loti, Listers, Marcos, Vipers etc. with a few Group C or similar added for sheer spectacle and some overwealthy amateurs in 911s as comic relief.
Fond memory - all going to McDonalds in the morning for a McDump 'cos they had a bog you could sit on and toilet paper.
Happy days,
Steve
Agree that the spate of prototypes with number plate and indicators bolted on to make them road cars is silly. Would much rather see TVRs, Loti, Listers, Marcos, Vipers etc. with a few Group C or similar added for sheer spectacle and some overwealthy amateurs in 911s as comic relief.
Fond memory - all going to McDonalds in the morning for a McDump 'cos they had a bog you could sit on and toilet paper.
Happy days,
Steve
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