Angouleme - Circuit des Remparts 2012

[Alan Cox]

A few snaps from this year's event - Sadly, there was no stand-alone Bugatti race this year, but Bugattis were still in evidence, and were still winning.

[Alan Cox]

And a few more...

[delta]

Whats the blue single seater Alan.Photo's bring back fond memories,thanks

[Alan Cox]

It's the Formula Renault Alpine A336 of Yann Littee, Iain. I've always had a soft spot for the Alpine single-seaters.

[delta]

Thanks Alan,FJ's might be back there next year."hope so"

[zefarelly]

I was always under the impression tin tops where not welcome at this event?

[Peat]

Wow. I'd never heard of this event until now. Looks like another to add to my list of street races.

Checked the track out on streetview, its awfully narrow, is there any actual 'racing' or is it more of a combined sprint?

[delta]

I can assure you Peat," we is racing!!!! And you must go.

[Alan Raine]

It's on my list of places to visit and with a bit of luck I'll be in France when it runs next year. Mind you, I've not told my wife yet?

[Peat]

Looks great.

Any comparisons to Pau? I loved that!

[Alan Cox]

Originally Posted by Peat

Wow. I'd never heard of this event until now. Looks like another to add to my list of street races.
Checked the track out on streetview, its awfully narrow, is there any actual 'racing' or is it more of a combined sprint?

Oh, it's definitely racing, Peat. It was first used in 1939 for GP cars, and was won by Raymond Sommer in an Alfa. In 1950, Fangio won there in a 4CLT Maserati and, because of the street nature, the layout hasn't changed in all those years. No run-off, so quite a learning experience for those drivers today brought up on flat, airfield circuits where you go a mile before hitting a barrier. Check out these You Tube clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ccevu4bblJM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZN-u...=results_video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIboJ9oBp6g
This is probably the best 'in-car' video that has been posted:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWUaQ779_XQ

Originally Posted by zefarelly

I was always under the impression tin tops where not welcome at this event?

They have always had closed cars, zef, and this year there were more races for saloons/GTs than open cars.

[Peat]

Wow, it's a dinky little place isn't it? The compressions on that bottom straight must be testing on those old gal's!

Spectacular backdrop too. SOLD.

[zefarelly]

Alan, GT's yes, I know Celia and Ian went down with the Peerless ( or Warwick) a few years ago, but I dodn't think saloons . . . perhaps I could go, although, again, another clash in Mid September . . .

[Alan Cox]

Originally Posted by Peat

Wow, it's a dinky little place isn't it? The compressions on that bottom straight must be testing on those old gal's!
Spectacular backdrop too. SOLD.

Yes, Peat, make a note in your diary. It is ALWAYS on the third weekend in September which has tended to clash with that event down in Sussex in recent years. However, the revival is dependent upon the GP calendar so does move about on occasion. Happily, Angouleme doesn't give a stuff about the GP calendar (why should it - it survives brilliantly without the need for superstars/prima donnas although it does attract French former GP stars e.g Jacques Laffite, Erik Comas, JPB, Pesca etc and Clay Regazzoni used to be great fan). Try it at least once before you shuffle off.

[delta]

Originally Posted by Alan Cox

Yes, Peat, make a note in your diary. It is ALWAYS on the third weekend in September which has tended to clash with that event down in Sussex in recent years. However, the revival is dependent upon the GP calendar so does move about on occasion. Happily, Angouleme doesn't give a stuff about the GP calendar (why should it - it survives brilliantly without the need for superstars/prima donnas although it does attract French former GP stars e.g Jacques Laffite, Erik Comas, JPB, Pesca etc and Clay Regazzoni used to be great fan). Try it at least once before you shuffle off.

I had a lovelly chat with Rega last time I was there. Sadly few weeks later he was gone.

[Alan Cox]

Some shots of a stunningly convincing Touring-bodied Alfa 2.9, entered on the Rally de Charente and made by the Argentinian Pur-Sang company and driven, I think, by the company president, Leonidas Anadon. Plus a beautiful Figoni & Falaschi-bodied Delahaye (genuine, in this case!)

[zefarelly]

I rather like the Facel Vega.

[Alan Cox]

Some scenes from the Concours d'Elegance which they used to hold on the Friday evening before the event, featuring mannequins from local boutiques. A very classy 'do' which is no longer held in that format.

[zefarelly]

The trouble with exotica is it tends to be high maintenance.
No problem with window shopping though

[compte deGraves]

Originally Posted by zefarelly

The trouble with exotica is it tends to be high maintenance.
No problem with window shopping though

And the cars are quite expensive and high maintenance as well.