76th 24 Heures du Mans - page 3

14th/16th June 2008

On Friday there is no on-track action at all. The teams spend all day checking and rebuilding the cars for the next days race. The public are admitted to the pit lane for most of the day to see the work in progress. Often the cars are quite hidden in the pit garages, often no more than a bare chassis. So as to give the public something to see, they arrange the body panels on the apron in front of the cars.

After a quick visit to the pit lane I visited the Classic British Welcome at a village called Saint Saturnin just North of Le Mans town, about 20 minute driver from the circuit. It's a free event held each year just before the the 24 hour race with displays of classics, food, a bar, and musical entertainment. A civilised and broad classic event, highly recommended to gently introduce you to the race weekend of the year.

Club Tertre Rouge, Friday eveningI

I decided not to do the drivers parade in town since I had an invite to the Club Tertre Rouge Party, at a Gite near to the circuit. Hosted by Nick Mee, the London based dealer in Classic Astons, it is an essential event for Aston owners Club Tertre Rouge. If you are taking your Aston for the 50th anniversary in 2009, this is an event that your should not miss under any circumstances - it's ticket only so sort it out before you leave the UK