Standing below the podium, emotions drifting through the air like the confetti. Le Mans is over for another year. The winners names for ever in the history books. This isn’t going to be another recap of what turned out to be a fantastic race on track though. I’m sure if any of you have visited Le Mans before, the actual result of the race will be only tiny part of your memory. Yes, we’ve all heard that Le Mans is not just another race but the truth is, it’s not.
Le Mans is as much about behind the fence as it is in front. It’s something that is not always portrayed in the media. This year I wanted to change that. It was a last minute plan in all honesty, but even with only a month to go until Le Mans, Travel Destinations sorted me out with everything I needed.
Normally for a weekend at the track I’d be packing my two DSLRs and multiple lenses along with various other camera gear. Instead I just packed my favourite camera, my iPhone and a pocket charger.
Early Thursday morning, I set off to Dover with school friend and Le Mans rookie, Tom as driver.
For me the journey down is as enjoyable as any of the weekend. The look out for stickered up cars as you make your way down northern France, anticipation growing for that first Le Mans signpost.
Grandstands appear in the horizon, Circuit de la Sarthe. There’s a huge buzz that surrounds the circuit leading up to the race, also quite a lot of traffic jams!
We’re in the Beausejour campsite, it’s campsite I have fond memories of from my first visit to the race in 2005.
Steaks cooked, we headed trackside. A couple of beers with friends overlooking the Esses as the sun sets low is as good as motorsport gets.
Darkness completely engulfing La Sarthe, the pit grandstand is the perfect place to watch times tumble as qualifying nears its end.
Friday, a trip into the the town of Le Mans for the drivers’ parade. It’s nice to get away from the circuit before the race and explore the architecture and ambience of the old town. The atmosphere is electric, the beer refreshing.
Back onto the tram to the circuit. The scent of barbecues, destroyed clutches and tyres fill the air. ‘Mad Friday!
Race day. The wait for 3pm to come seems long. It arrives with sound of 54 engines screaming past.
Afternoon draws into evening, the golden sun reflects off puddles collected from the huge rain shower.
The race enters another chapter. The night. The stands and banks are still filled with people, the view from the ferris wheel outstanding.
5.00 am, the campsite is eerily quiet. Heading to the circuit the once leader, #7 Toyota passes me on a flat bed.
Dawn at Le Mans shouldn’t be missed, it’s spectacular.
The pit straight now fairly deserted of spectators, some still curled up in their sleeping bags.
Sunday is now well established, breakfast bought its back to the campsite for a rest.
3pm Sunday. Le Mans over for another year. See you in 2015.
Dan Bathie, All photos taken with iPhone 5s and edited with VSCOcam app.
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