Petite LeMans - Friday

dhc · 09-11-2014, 04:00 AM

Hey guys,
Planning a visit to the Petite LeMans, but will only be able to be at the track on Friday. Any recommendations for lodging near the track? Is it worthwhile to purchase a PorschePlatz parking pass, or better to do general parking? Any PCA gatherings either at the track or nearby on Thursday or Friday night?
Thanks

OffCamber00 · OffCamber00's Garage

Hotels near the track are all booked by now. The usual spots are the Chateau Elan and the Holidy Inn @ Chateau Elan. You will most likely end up in Commerce as that is the next closest town w/ lodging.

Porche Platz is a good spot if you have the pcar with you.

We typically hit up the Irish Pub on Friday night at the Chateau. Its very lively and food is pretty good as well.

5String43 · 09-11-2014, 06:14 AM

Doesn't look like it's being televised. Rats!

OffCamber00 · OffCamber00's Garage

It should be on FS2 if I recall. Most likely there will be a rebroadcast on regular FOX.

cashman · 09-11-2014, 08:21 AM

I'm thinking about going Saturday. I have friends that live 20 minutes from the track. This would be my first Rolex type event to see in person. What are they like? Is it a decent event for the wife to sit through? What's the atmosphere?

Only other experience was Nascar at Dover. I had the expectation of Ricky Bobby's wife flashing her ta-tas. Reality was our seats were 5 rows off the track near the start/finish. Couldn't see crap. Once a minute a huge breeze would come by, my seats would rumble, I would get pelted in the face with rubber, and I saw 43 colors flash before my eyes. Also, beer bellied guy next to me would stand up and twirl his hat yelling something about "Dale". This last 4 hours. Not worth doing again.

I think Friday is actually the better day since there are so many other events taking place. Saturday is a 10 hours race. Another question, will they let you leave and come back? See the start - disappear a few hours - come back for the end?

Sorry to hijack the thread but its a related topic and appears you have received your answer. If anyone has hotel recommendations please keep them coming.

OffCamber00 · OffCamber00's Garage

Petit is a great event. We go every year. Its good for spectating because you can walk around the entire track, inside and out, and see different vantage points for racing. Its fun to walk thru the pits and watch the pitstops from the other side of the fence. There is a vendor area that has auto mfgrs - last year we saw Corvette, Mazda, BMW (including some old historic racers), Nissan, etc. It is always a good time and the weather has been spectacular more times than not although last year was cold and rainy.

Yes you can leave and come back. They just give you a ticket you show when you come back in.

Doug E · 09-11-2014, 04:21 PM

What a great event the Petite is. I went every year that I lived in Atlanta but unfortunately haven't made it back recently since moving away. There are so many great viewing spots. Definitely make it a point to walk the inside of the track ... it will take time but it's a long race

If they aren't sold out you'll want to spend extra for an infield parking pass. If you don't have one you have to park outside the track across and down the street in a field quite aways from the entrance. Plenty of food, drink and merchandise once inside.

Couple of suggestions ... if you have a small folding chair bring it and carry it around with you as there aren't very many grandstands / permanent seating ... bring plenty of batteries for your camera as outlets are hard to find when you need to plug in a charger ... wear your most comfortable walking shoes ... consider camping - additional cost from the ticket but lots of fun.

Enjoy and post plenty of pics !

dhc · 09-11-2014, 04:55 PM

Awesome thanks for the advice. Usually most of the races I go to are at Road America. Years ago always went on race day but lately I appreciate going the day before for easier access and smaller crowds. Looking forward to checking out Road Atlanta as it will be my first visit to the track. I am planning on doing the PorschePlatz corral for parking.

Manny Alban · 09-11-2014, 05:02 PM

While you need a Porscheplatz pass to park your Porsche in the corral, any PCA member or Porsche owner can come into the tent (free refreshments and lots of cool guest speakers). Plus it's a great viewing area.

rfuerst911sc · 09-12-2014, 02:26 AM

I'm purchasing my tickets today for Saturday, I'll be going with my wife. Will also be purchasing the Platz parking pass. This will be my 7th or 8th time going to Petit it is a great venue. You have to be in decent shape to walk this bad boy there is a LOT of elevation change. Good viewing around the track but my favorite is the large stadium seating section by the cross over bridge. Lots of room there and a huge TV you can see so you can follow action around the rest of the track. And that seating is not too far from the Platz parking. One word of caution.........Georgia red clay !!!

If it's dry out the red dust gets everywhere........if it's raining the red mud gets everywhere ! The Petit venue/atmosphere is very family friendly as opposed to Sebring which I would classify as adult themed

.......love Sebring by the way. I say Road Atlanta should be on any sports car fans bucket list. I have to be honest I'm not a fan of the prototype cars from Grand Am but I go mainly for the GT divisions. Have fun