GD's
GD's
24 Heures du Mans
17 - 18 Juin 2000
It's a real enthusiasts circuit and for those really keen, camping as close as 20m from the track is, well idiotic actually as you have to sleep sometime. Tents are everywhere and camping in the run-off areas is not allowed, unless it is on the ajoining Bugatti circuit - had you fooled there !
'Le village' buzzes with hospitality tents, video screens, bars and restaurants. It's a chance to sit down and relax, but the noise is still there (and the earpiece connected to Radio Le Mans broadcasting in English !). The food in the restaurants is not too dear and certainly better than the warm baguettes still in the rucksack. The souvenir shops are packed with t-shirts and other memorabilia. For those lucky enough to get into the hospitality tents, the food and souvenirs come 'free'. It's certainly no expense spared. Walking across the Dunlop bridge takes you to the funfair with the 'big wheel' looking down onto the track. The usual stands and stalls are there but it's France and it's just that bit different.
And finally for the blokes. This is France and the girls are gorgeous. Glamour goes hand in hand with the racing here. The Hawaiian Tropic girls do their best to please the cameras ogling eye.
To those who haven't been, you just gotta go. Stay in tents or a hotel, it depends on what you can sleep through. But while awake, savour the smells, the noise, the atmosphere. It's nowhere else but Le Mans. Did I enjoy myself ? Oui