I haven’t stood trackside at that hallowed ground since 2018 and the effect is starting to be noticeable, it’s like an itch that you can’t scratch. There was an ill-fated trip in 2020 planned that obviously never came to fruition, but it’s been decided, me and a like-minded bunch of friends will be there in 2023, for not just any Le Mans 24 Hours, but the centenary.
Visiting the Circuit de le Sarthe is like a pilgrimage, the place has a buzz, an aura, you know you’re somewhere special. It’s a piece of Northern France steeped in history, the poignant spots around the track, Tertre Rouge, Mulsanne, Arnage, Porsche Curves, Maison Blanche, all evoke wonderful memories, the place can stir emotions like no other, the air is rich with nostalgia.
I was a late bloomer when it comes to actually visiting Le Mans, it took until 2014 to finally get there after decades of watching on TV. My amazing wife Kayleigh planned the entire trip in secret for my 30th birthday, she probably regrets her actions because our yearly holiday funds now must take into account a “Le Mans” budget.
Kayleigh had arranged absolutely everything for me and three of my very good friends to head down to Le Mans for the full experience, we were there from Wednesday until Monday to ensure we didn’t miss a thing. What a first Le Mans it was, not only was the weather utterly stunning but it was a significant year too, Porsche had returned in the top class for the first time since 1998 with their 919 Hybrid, we had a Volvo full of camping equipment and beer, we were pigs in the proverbial.
One of the many charms of Le Mans is the multi-class racing, the thrill of seeing the cutting-edge prototypes driven by the some of the world’s best drivers sharing the track with GT cars driven by well-funded gentleman drivers. This variety of cars is really something to behold, and it’s not just a visual spectacle, the aural one is seriously impressive too. Everything from the eerily futuristic sounds of the hybrid Hypercars harvesting battery power under braking to the guttural sound of the Corvette V8s that you can feel through your body. And this crazy sensory overload goes on for 24 hours straight!
Something that can’t be overlooked on a visit to Le Mans is the camaraderie, it’s difficult to comprehend that you’re in a relatively small area with 250,000 other like-minded people. The people you meet and the friends you make give you anecdotes that you can bore your non-car friends with for years come.
If any of this has tempted you to make your visit to Le Mans, I’ve got several pointers to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. Firstly, book a secure camp site, that way you can head off for the day with the peace of mind that your car and equipment are in safe hands. Secondly, get some decent walking boots or shoes, you are going to be on your feet a lot and walking miles each day. Thirdly, take clothes for all weathers, I know it’s a cliché, but it does always rain at Le Mans. Fourthly and finally, I can’t stress this enough, always have some loo roll about your person!
