Postcards from the Paddock - Le Mans

Some events have to be experienced to be fully understood and I believe the 24 Hours of Le Mans falls firmly in that category — doubly so when it's the centenary edition of the world's most prestigious motor race featuring the strongest top-class lineup in decades!

I've been fortunate enough to cover the Grand Prix d'Endurance in 2017 and again in 2018 when I was writing for Sportscar365.com. Working as credentialed media necessarily provides nearly unparalleled access and an intimate perspective into what makes the race work behind the scenes but it allows for precious little time to soak in the atmosphere and revel in the spectacle that sets this race apart as one of the crown jewels of the sport. That's why, when my wife and parents expressed interest last summer, I committed to attending this year's race as one of the 300,000-plus disciples making their own personal pilgrimage to one of racing's holiest shrines.

How to describe the experience? Like I said, this is a race you have to see, hear, smell, and taste to fully grasp. Even on the Wednesday practice day, the throngs of race fans in attendance made for long lines at concession stands and busy pedestrian walkways. The crowd reaction as the cars came by on their out laps was one of palpable excitement, with a noticeable added level of enthusiasm for the pair of factory Ferrari 499Ps. It was a portent of things to come.

Me and my wife Audrey enjoying Wednesday’s practice sessions from the grandstands

On race day itself we arrived as the gates opened, some nine hours before the race itself was due to begin! The “endurance” in endurance racing isn't restricted just to the teams and drivers! Watching the crowd build through the morning and early afternoon was delightfully reminiscent of arriving early on the day of the Indianapolis 500 and watching that hallowed facility come to life. The crowd filed in, the support races ran, and finally 4:00 p.m. came around and it was time for the race to begin.

We spent much of Saturday watching from the Forest Esses and in the early hours as the Ferraris fought with the Toyotas at the front of the field it became clear just how significant the return of the Prancing Horse was for so many in attendance. Each time a 499P made a pass, a sizable chunk of the crowd roared its approval. Even with the return of Peugeot to the top class on home soil, there was no doubt which car was the fan favorite.

Sunday I was able to explore more of the track, including watching from the Porsche Curves and then taking a bus down to the Indianapolis-Arnage complex, but we returned to the section between the Dunlop bridge and Tertre Rouge for the final hour. Aside from a brief electronic glitch in the pits for the leading Ferrari (which caused quite a stir through the crowd!), the final result was not really in doubt. Standing trackside as the multitudes welcomed Ferrari back to the top of the rostrum at Le Mans was an experience I won't soon forget.

While Le Mans was an incredible experience, I'm already back on the road for my next race. I'm wrapping up this entry from my hotel room which is located just outside the “Snake” corner complex at Virginia International Raceway, one of the most picturesque tracks in North America. It figures to be an exciting weekend of SRO America racing and if you can't be here trackside I hope you join us for the broadcasts which, as always, will be live and free to view on the GT World YouTube channel.

My view from my trackside hotel room at VIR

Something to Chew On

On Monday after the race my family and I took a day trip North to Bayeux in Normandy where we toured the town and saw the famed Bayeux Tapestry. Commissioned by William the Conqueror's half-brother Odo, the bishop of Bayeux, the tapestry depicts the Norman conquest of Anglo-Saxon England in 1066.

My biggest area of interest outside of motorsport is history, especially ancient and medieval history, so the Bayeux Tapestry had been on my bucket list for many years. Even if history isn't your thing, I think just about anyone would find the tapestry and its associated museum to be an interesting stop. The craftsmanship of the piece, as well as the story it depicted for a largely illiterate 11th Century audience, are as captivating today as it would have been when it was first displayed. The story of the tapestry's survival through the many upheavals of the subsequent centuries was an angle I hadn't previously considered and was just as fascinating as the piece itself!

Which, in a roundabout way, brings me to my restaurant recommendation from the trip. If you find yourself in Bayeux, I heartily recommend Le Pommier Restaurant at 38-40 rue de Cuisiniers. I had a slow-cooked lamb dish in a creamy garlic sauce that was excellent and my wife greatly enjoyed her duck that was served with a fruity sauce and mashed potatoes. The fact that it is an easy walk from the cathedral and the museum that contains the tapestry is also a plus!