[LM24] La Sarthe/Arnage Track and Other Changes

[CTD]

They do have their warehouse where they stock all race cars and prototypes. I'm pretty sure one is kept there

[GT6]

Originally Posted by CTD

They do have their warehouse where they stock all race cars and prototypes. I'm pretty sure one is kept there

hidden under a blanket in the corner no doubt

[CTD]

Originally Posted by GT6

hidden under a blanket in the corner no doubt

Well, they do show off their R390's and R391 with no shame:
http://www.twinturbo.net/net/viewmsg...msg_id=2079707
(I hope that it is ok to share this link to another forum again, as it was accepted when I posted it for the first time many years ago with the arguments that it contains wonderful images).

But I'm prolonging this off topic, so I'll stop now

[Gingers4Justice]

I think that's a great addition to the museum.

The catastrophic failures are every bit as interesting as the success stories.

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

I think that's a great addition to the museum.

The catastrophic failures are every bit as interesting as the success stories.

It's true. Never known so much chatter/hype/anger/hysteria around a sportscar project. I think it had as many pages on the forum thread as it did competitive laps completed.

Happy I got to see it compete. Can't honestly say with a straight face that I saw it "race".

[Mike E]

Originally Posted by Simmi

It's true. Never known so much chatter/hype/anger/hysteria around a sportscar project. I think it had as many pages on the forum thread as it did competitive laps completed.

Happy I got to see it compete. Can't honestly say with a straight face that I saw it "race".

You saw it compete with GTE-Am...

[Mike E]

Some changes being made around the back of the pits to improve emergency access.

http://www.endurance-info.com/en/new...mprove-safety/

[Michel Vaillant]

An extension of the Mulsanne's mound is building, probably a ramp for wheelchairs...

[GT6]

Originally Posted by Michel Vaillant

An extension of the Mulsanne's mound is building, probably a ramp for wheelchairs...

Probably like those put in at arnarge

[jimclark]

Happy I got to see it compete. Can't honestly say with a straight face that I saw it "race".

You saw it compete with GTE-Am...

Maybe "participate" is the more appropriate term...?

[Mike E]

Anybody know if Audi will continue to supply course vehicles?
You would think it would be a great opportunity for BMW to announce their impending arrival.

[GT6]

i think renault are this years supplier

[Badlands99]

That will ensure some very slow pace laps!!!!

[Mike E]

Originally Posted by Badlands99

That will ensure some very slow pace laps!!!!

Unless 'Renault' means 'Alpine'.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/mo...val-due-geneva

[Graham Goodwin]

This may be of interest here - looking back 45 years to when we almost had a permanent - but very different, Le mans 24 Hours circuit!

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2017/0...s-circuit.html

[jimclark]

Originally Posted by Graham Goodwin

This may be of interest here - looking back 45 years to when we almost had a permanent - but very different, Le mans 24 Hours circuit!

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2017/0...s-circuit.html

Phew!!!

[Mike E]

Originally Posted by Graham Goodwin

This may be of interest here - looking back 45 years to when we almost had a permanent - but very different, Le mans 24 Hours circuit!

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2017/0...s-circuit.html

Fascinating, thanks Graham.

[Brake dust]

Originally Posted by Mike E

Fascinating, thanks Graham.

Just read the article as well - thanks GG! Very interesting read!

[Truckosaurus]

Yes, that DSC article was very interesting. Although I think it is for the best the circuit remains temporary and only used once per year for top level racing, makes it much more special.

[Beryl]

I would have been ok with this one, especially if the new pseudo-Hunaudieres being private permanent track would have precluded the construction of chicanes later on.

Also, this sort of circuit may have sprouted a shorter version, fit for F1, MotoGP, GT racing and junior single-seaters, using part of or the full pseudo-Hunaudieres. I'd say that possibility would have been an interesting alternative to the dull Bugatti circuit.

[jimclark]

Originally Posted by Beryl

I would have been ok with this one, especially if the new pseudo-Hunaudieres being private permanent track would have precluded the construction of chicanes later on.

'Curious...what makes you think that they wouldn't have been? I've got a very strong suspicion they would have. Everything's being emasculated these days...for many different reasons.

[Mike E]

IIRC the maximum permitted length for straight sections of track under FIA sanction is 2km.

[Brake dust]

Originally Posted by Truckosaurus

Yes, that DSC article was very interesting. Although I think it is for the best the circuit remains temporary and only used once per year for top level racing, makes it much more special.

I agree. Adds to the mystique of Le Mans. Plus I get run my rental car over the curbing during Le Mans week

[Beryl]

Originally Posted by Mike E

IIRC the maximum permitted length for straight sections of track under FIA sanction is 2km.

I stand corrected then. That 5 km pseudo-Hunaudieres would require two chicanes, same as the actual current Hunaudieres, and would be more chicane dense and slower than the actual circuit. That's not appealing.

[Le Vieux]

Originally Posted by Beryl

I stand corrected then. That 5 km pseudo-Hunaudieres would require two chicanes, same as the actual current Hunaudieres, and would be more chicane dense and slower than the actual circuit. That's not appealing.

IIRC the two chicanes on the Mulsanne Straight were introduced by the FIA in a fit of pique when the ACO defied Jean-Marie Balestre. Irresistible force meets immovable object.

Derek Bell's autobiography contains a brilliant passage in which he describes the original straight as being an opportunity to relax and look at the stars