Le Mans 2009

Ugh! Has it really been 9 years since I went to Le Mans?! I was 19 then, still getting my feet wet in the politics of the SCCA and thrilled to be pulled out of the crowd by the Panoz boys...happy they were to hear a low-country accent, not too unlike some of their own. I was stationed on the Mulsanne straight with the two American workers I travelled with, Nancy and Jason, and several international teams from Holland, England, and France. We had a front row seat to the Cadillac fire; a lovely 3-story home offered by a kind family who fed us wonderful French food; late night parties and the unforgettable sound of sheer horsepower echoing off the trees. I was the only French speaker in my little group of Americans and was worn out of translating by the end of the week, but thrilled to use a skill I'd spent so much time on in school. The only wreck we worked all week was between two French citizens who collided when the officials turned the streets back over to the town between practices. It was simply a fender-bender, and no one was injured, though it was funny to see Benny and Arjen in their worker whites, with their marshal flags, directing traffic around a crumpled Ford and Peugeot. I still talk to my Dutch buddies, and sometimes in my sleep, I can still feel the ground rumble as the cars pass by just 10' away. I doubt I'll ever work at Le Mans again, but I will go back...2012 looks like a good year. I want Steve and MK to experience all of Le Mans' fun; the sounds, the parade, the camraderie, the cars, the racing!! Brotbeck's making plans, and I'm trying to dig through my records for how and when to apply to work. If anyone is interested in tagging along or has some more info, send me a note!

It's not the same as being there, but do tune in to the race this weekend and be sure to watch "Truth in 24" on Friday night. If you didn't see it the first time, it really is a wonderful program! Here's the Speed TV schedule for this weekend. If you need me, you'll know where to find me this weekend...packing boxes before the television, perhaps working on the trailer during commercial brakes, but really watching Le Mans with the family more than anything! :) We'll see you at Rockingham in two weeks, and don't forget about Father's Day! Check out our Panic Gear...it makes a great gift for the gear-head in your life! ;) Becca