At the track in Sebring0
March 18th, 2011I mentioned earlier that there are plenty of similarities between Le Mans and Sebring. Well that is true. However their are just as many differences.
The atmosphere at the circuit here in Sebring is electric. There is always something going on. Perhaps the biggest difference between here and Le Mans is the access that all race fans get.
The paddock area is open to all. If you want to watch the Peugeot or Audi guys working on their cars then just pop by, park yourself outside their garage and watch. The paddock area stretches the length of the back straight and (I timed this) takes 10 minutes just to walk from one end to the next.
If you want to get up close with the drivers then you can do that to. Today all the drivers will be in the paddock for an autograph session and to meet with all race fans. However, be careful you don’t get too close! Yesterday I found myself in the toilets standing next to Allan McNish. We nodded an aknowledgement, but didn’t shake hands!
For a more informal meeting with your race heroes, we are pleased to be able to offer all our customers access to race team caterers in the paddock at next year’s race. All our customers will receive a pass to get in to the hospitality marquee adjacent to the paddock. In 15 minutes yesterday I counted 20 drivers stop by for a meal (including 2 Le Mans winners) and there were race team mechanics and staff on every table around us.
It was great to spend some time yesterday with Eve from Radio Le Mans and with Graham Goodwin from Daily Sports Car. We will be announcing some new and exciting developments with our friends very soon.