Rob
I went there in the 1970s twice in order to recce for our own attempt at the real 24H with a +8 . It was of course something of an heroic failure as the regulation change banning works prototypes got over-ruled and the car would have been hopelessly uncompetitive and we cut our losses. The Traco engined +8 that was just sold in Germany was the only tangible result.
In those days it was real circus with most spectators more interested in the funfair and getting up to all kinds of mischief rather than the racing.
We stayed in a tiny gîte just south of Arnage, but didn't get any sleep at all as I was transfixed by the action everywhere from Mulsanne to Indianapolis. The noise was fantastic (these were the years of the Matra V12!) right through the night. Unfortunately no access to pits unless you had the correct passes (or enough French Francs to bribe the officials?) but the paddock area was more accessible then.
The main thing that struck me was how subjectively the regulations were applied. They were really strict and totally clear in print, however when a real live situation arose it all seemed to get very "fuzzy" according to which team was involved.
You’re right Andy, over the years it has changed, we used to be able to display the cars at Arnages corner on Fridays when there was no racing, but sadly a few idiots spoilt it for everyone by racing up and down between there and mulsanne corner. Nowadays that stretch is closed to the public on Fridays so no displaying of the cars, it used to be great to see all the marque clubs lined up on the grass verges and loads of people just standing around talking about cars, racing and anything else that cropped up.
Access to the paddock is non existent now unless you’re a team member or sponsor. Shame but as with everything in life stuff changes.
We met Tom Kristenson, because his mom and dad would come the race in their very modest motor home and stay on our campsite, he used to come and see them after the race and had a beer with us after one victory, a very nice modest guy.
