Home  
Site Partners: SpotterGuides Veloce Books  
Related Sites: Your Link Here  

Go Back   TenTenths Motorsport Forum > Saloon & Sportscar Racing > Sportscar & GT Racing > 24 Heures du Mans

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 21 Jun 2007, 16:35 (Ref:1943496)   #1
Mal
Veteran
 
Mal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
England
London
Posts: 4,346
Mal is going for a new world record!Mal is going for a new world record!Mal is going for a new world record!Mal is going for a new world record!Mal is going for a new world record!Mal is going for a new world record!Mal is going for a new world record!
Le Mans - Your favourite grandstand and why?

I ve been thinking about grandstand seats for our group for next year. The Last few years we have been in LaGache (Michelin), prior to that we were over the pits.

La Gache is a great spot for watching the start and the pits and you get a fair view of the big screen. There is a distant view of the ford chicane and the pit entry, but if you are too low down your view is obscured by the fencing and the crowd. The stand offers shade from the afternoon sun and good shelter from rain

The pits are really high up and give a great view of the straight but not much else You can only see the pits by hanging over the front railings and your are so high the the impression of speed is quite diminished. You use to get good access to the rear paddock and a good view of the run from the Porsche Curves to the Ford Chicane when you look over the back. They also offer little shade from the afternoon sun and can sometimes allow you to get we if there is driving rain as the roof is so high.

I am interested in what people think of the various stands and their advantages and disadvantages.

I was wondering about the stands further up the straight T12 - 16, I think. Does anyone have experienceof these, what are they like? Do you still see the big screen and can you see the Dunlop Chicane from any of them.

Your comments would be appreciated.

Cheers

Mal
Mal is offline  
Quote
Old 21 Jun 2007, 16:54 (Ref:1943504)   #2
paul-collins
Veteran
 
paul-collins's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Canada
Mosport on a good day
Posts: 5,147
paul-collins should be qualifying in the top 3 on the gridpaul-collins should be qualifying in the top 3 on the gridpaul-collins should be qualifying in the top 3 on the grid
T14 (Barnato)

drawbacks were looking down the straight toward s/f - the pre-start lineup was almost entirely obscured by fences - pits, you can't see because the overhead stuff (fuel, air guns) similarly obscured things - you could sort of see the last 5 pits ok though, and you could see *when* a car was on pit lane due to reflections from the glass of the VIP suites.

pluses - screen directly opposite. Can see up into the dunlop chicane pretty well, and can see everyone pit out. The rain on Saturday and Sunday came straight down, so the roof was fine - but there was no back wall, so the Thursday and Friday rains came in and made the seats wet. (we had a towel for that on Saturday though) Also, comfortably close to the tunnel, two sets of washrooms, and some food/beer stalls.
paul-collins is offline  
__________________
... Since all men live in darkness, who believes something is not a test of whether it is true or false. I have spent years trying to get people to ask simple questions: What is the evidence, and what does it mean?

-Bill James
Quote
Old 21 Jun 2007, 17:42 (Ref:1943528)   #3
ss_collins
Veteran
 
ss_collins's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Nigeria
Mooresville, NC
Posts: 6,704
ss_collins should be qualifying in the top 3 on the gridss_collins should be qualifying in the top 3 on the gridss_collins should be qualifying in the top 3 on the gridss_collins should be qualifying in the top 3 on the grid
under the trees at the esses.
ss_collins is offline  
__________________
Chase the horizon
Quote
Old 22 Jun 2007, 11:57 (Ref:1944175)   #4
minimangler
Veteran
 
minimangler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Wales
Leftfield, somewhere.
Posts: 2,954
minimangler should be qualifying in the top 10 on the grid
The one i might one day sit in
minimangler is offline  
__________________
Fred Mackowiecki- the one man I'd love to swap surnames (and talent) with.
Quote
Old 22 Jun 2007, 14:54 (Ref:1944323)   #5
bonedome
Rookie
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
England
Posts: 27
bonedome should be qualifying in the top 10 on the grid
Hi, for our groups last 2 visits we've had tickets for No.20 Leonard, both times near the back which gives good views over the fencing, along the s/f straight towards the pit exit, down to the ford chicane and exit from the Porrche curves.
This year we were near the edge of the grandstand and some rain did blow in but being opposite the Rollcentre pits and both Pescarolo sport pits we had very good views of the crew working on the car, plus the clock gantry, where we had a good view of the prize giving on Sunday.
The only problem we had on the Saturday was a congested set of steps leading to the grandstand itself, which the two ladies guarding access to the actual grandstand had no interest in clearing.
I think we'll go there again, but still make sure we do the usual walking to all the other general ticket areas.
Hope this helps
bonedome is offline  
Quote
Old 23 Jun 2007, 21:36 (Ref:1945138)   #6
GTfour
Veteran
 
GTfour's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Netherlands
Holland
Posts: 1,812
GTfour has a real shot at the podium!GTfour has a real shot at the podium!GTfour has a real shot at the podium!GTfour has a real shot at the podium!GTfour has a real shot at the podium!
We stayed in the Dunlop grandstand this year for the first time and it is one of the best seats in the house imho. Never seen so many " moments",spins and graveltrapdives... Also a very good outbreakin' point as well as lot's of glowing discs.
During the start this grandstand is unsurpassed for it's a sqeezing first corner and it lost Sebastian Bourdais his pole spot immediatly. Right in front of us!

Only drawback I found was missing the spectacle of all the cars being cheered in at the finish and thus Jan Lammers' anuall revving and burning out of the Dome.

Chances are big we'll get this grandstand again for next year
GTfour is offline  
Quote
Old 24 Jun 2007, 12:15 (Ref:1945471)   #7
PascaLM
Race Official
Veteran
 
PascaLM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
France
Near Blois, France
Posts: 3,124
PascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of Fame
Mal, I have had the same seat in the Michelin grandstand for more than 10 years and I agree with you. We can see the grid (its second third), the Ford chicanes and the beginning of the Dunlop curve.
I like the Dunlop one too, I always get in during the sunday practice and spend one hour or two.
PascaLM is offline  
__________________
BoP = egalitarianism
Quote
Old 24 Jun 2007, 13:28 (Ref:1945500)   #8
TheNewBob
Veteran
 
TheNewBob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
England
Lincs, UK
Posts: 2,555
TheNewBob should be qualifying in the top 5 on the gridTheNewBob should be qualifying in the top 5 on the grid
Quote:
Originally Posted by PascaLM
I always get in during the sunday practice and spend one hour or two.
Is this a session I missed!!??

I'm thinking of a grandstand seat for 2008, I like the idea of the start/finish straight to see the start and end of the race, but also to have a place to sit down during the night to rest and watch a few pit stops. I'm not sure who I'm going with next year, though, so I hope the seats don't all sell out before I'm sorted...
TheNewBob is offline  
Quote
Old 24 Jun 2007, 14:19 (Ref:1945526)   #9
Adam43
14th
1% Club
 
Adam43's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
European Union
New Orleans
Posts: 42,394
Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!
I would imagine PascalLM is talking about the test day.
Adam43 is offline  
__________________
Seriously not taking motorsport too seriously.
Quote
Old 24 Jun 2007, 16:24 (Ref:1945572)   #10
PascaLM
Race Official
Veteran
 
PascaLM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
France
Near Blois, France
Posts: 3,124
PascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of FamePascaLM will be entering the Motorsport Hall of Fame
Quote:
Originally Posted by AdamAshmore
I would imagine PascalLM is talking about the test day.
The test day is practical because you can test any grandstand you want ; you are admitted to any grandstand.
PascaLM is offline  
__________________
BoP = egalitarianism
Quote
Old 24 Jun 2007, 16:51 (Ref:1945580)   #11
Adam43
14th
1% Club
 
Adam43's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
European Union
New Orleans
Posts: 42,394
Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!Adam43 is the undisputed Champion of the World!
Hence the name
Adam43 is offline  
__________________
Seriously not taking motorsport too seriously.
Quote
Old 27 Jun 2007, 07:58 (Ref:1947877)   #12
Aysedasi
Team Crouton
20KPINAL
 
Aysedasi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
England
Lymington, New Forest, England
Posts: 39,518
Aysedasi is the undisputed Champion of the World!Aysedasi is the undisputed Champion of the World!Aysedasi is the undisputed Champion of the World!Aysedasi is the undisputed Champion of the World!Aysedasi is the undisputed Champion of the World!Aysedasi is the undisputed Champion of the World!Aysedasi is the undisputed Champion of the World!Aysedasi is the undisputed Champion of the World!Aysedasi is the undisputed Champion of the World!Aysedasi is the undisputed Champion of the World!Aysedasi is the undisputed Champion of the World!
Over the years, I've sat in:-

Dunlop - 1990 and 2007
Maison Blanche - 1992
ACO (or whatever that is called now- 18?) - 1993
Lagache - 2003
T34 - Pits - 2004-2007
Tertre Rouge - 2006

For me, I wouldn't go anywhere else but T34. Whilst there are limitations to the view, it is (by far) the best place to watch the pre-race festivities (which I love) and its a great place to watch at night. As a photographer, you also have the enormous benefit of no debris fencing to deal with. You can also hang over the barriers (after the first couple of hours) and get some good shots. So its definitely T34 for me for the foreseeable future. (The drawback this year was the pig's ear the ACO have made of access to the stand - I seemed to be walking miles toreach it this year...... ).

Having said this, for the last two years I've been greedy and have had two seats. Tretre Rouge last hear and Dunlop this year. Both are OK but I didn't really make enough use of them to justify the expense. If I was to get a second ticket next year, I would want to try Maison Blanche again. In 1992, it saved me from getting very wet (most of the race) and afforded an excellent view.

Last edited by Aysedasi; 27 Jun 2007 at 08:00.
Aysedasi is offline  
__________________
96 days...
Quote
Old 27 Jun 2007, 11:02 (Ref:1948015)   #13
bernard b
Veteran
 
bernard b's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
European Union
France
Posts: 1,232
bernard b has a real shot at the championship!bernard b has a real shot at the championship!bernard b has a real shot at the championship!bernard b has a real shot at the championship!bernard b has a real shot at the championship!bernard b has a real shot at the championship!
I'm OK with Ayse, T34 is the best for me
I had the chance of getting in all the grandstands over the past few years (during test day or practice sessions), and the only other I really enjoyed were the MB grandstand and Dunlop
in MB, the main problem is that there is no giant sreen, but the whole view is above the fences
the Dunlop one is probably the best for the action on track, but what about heavy rain? did you test it in the bad condition, Ayse?
all the permanent ones in the straight are almost equal one another, except the first non covered one. The temporary at the end are not worth the value IMO
and finally, the 2 in the esses : avoid it, no good view (especially the 2nd one)
bernard b is offline  
__________________
bernard
Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
RML MG Lola for 1000km Le Mans, LMES and Le Mans 24 hour 2004 Wout ACO Regulated Series 21 27 Sep 2003 15:26
[LM24] What is your favourite Enduro after Le Mans? SALEEN S7R 24 Heures du Mans 36 3 Mar 2003 14:49
[LM24] Your Favourite Le Mans Moment(s) Fab 24 Heures du Mans 69 5 Jun 2002 15:31
[LM24] Alan McNish ONLY thread!! (Not Favourite Moments at Le Mans!) Mal 24 Heures du Mans 25 28 May 2002 12:08
[LM24] Your Favourite Viewing Place at Le Mans? Aysedasi 24 Heures du Mans 12 18 Oct 2001 19:02


All times are GMT. The time now is 04:07.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Original Website Copyright © 1998-2003 Craig Antil. All Rights Reserved.
Ten-Tenths Motorsport Forums Copyright © 2004-2021 Royalridge Computing. All Rights Reserved.
Ten-Tenths Motorsport Forums Copyright © 2021-2022 Grant MacDonald. All Rights Reserved.