I was determined to do it. To stay up through the night. I sat and watched the Le Mans cars whizz by, listened to the exhausts crackle and watched as flames spurted from and licked the edges of it. As I type this, it is all still unfolding, but for me it was when darkness fell that the true spirit of Le Mans came alive. There really isn’t time to sleep. Well, there wasn’t for me.
I arrived with Audi and we were put up in a hotel and had free access to just about any part of the hospitality services. It’s a great experience, but while we were being chauffered-driven around the race track, we witnessed that the real buzz was happening where the paying public was. So once it got dark, we did our walk about.
You go to the Le Mans thinking that you are attending a race, but it‘s actually one big party. There is a carnival-like atmosphere with people swarming everywhere around you and rides, fast food stalls, beer tents, display stands, games and a host of other activities. It reminds me somewhat of last year‘s Soccer World Cup spectacle. But this is only 24 hours long, so you need to prioritize what you participate in – aside from watching the race, of course.
There is a host of things to do, but some need to be near the top of your list more than others. One of these is a ride on the big wheel. It‘s a famous part of Le Mans and it took some convincing to get me on it given my fear of heights. But once you are up there, you get to see the track from a bird‘s eye view and it’s quite a sight to see with your own eyes.
Another thing would be to walk the track. There are shuttles availble, but you feel the vibe better when it‘s bouncing off everyone around you. You‘re all part of the same experience. Also, if it‘s available, try to book a pit lane tour. Due to an accident, we were unable to do this and I‘m kind of disappointed about it. It‘s not everyday that you get to see these cars up close. Speaking of which, try to visit the stands of those participating in the race. More often than not, there will be a previous Le Mans car on display. Audi has it‘s winning car of last year on display at the moment. It looks bruised and battered, but it‘s a winner.
Try to watch the race from as many different angles as possible. Sitting in the same seat for most of the time gets tire some and, if you are taking pictures, it all becomes a bit predictable.
There really is no way to explain the feeling of being here in the flesh. There cars are still on the track (most of them) and once it‘s all over, I know I’ll still have the engine noises ringing in my ears. I am yet to sleep. There is just too much to be taken in.
Keep your eye on www.carmag.co.za for a full race wrap-up. RIght now, Audi and Peugeot are fighting for the top spot.