The Le Mans Endurance Series (LMES) will be making its only UK appearance in 2004 at Silverstone this weekend (13th-15th August), providing a festival of motorsport and entertainment for all the family.
The six hour (1000km) endurance race will take place at the home of British Motor Racing on Saturday 14th August, providing non-stop race action from 14:00hrs until late into the evening (20:00hrs). Race-goers will also enjoy free access to the paddock and centre of the circuit, enabling them to get up close and personal with some of the top names in British motorsport, including British Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert and former Formula One driver Allan McNish.
On Saturday, away from the track, an all-new Entertainment Zone will add to the festival atmosphere, providing a range of activities to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day. Live bands, including a number of 80’s revival artists and new teen band ‘24/7’, will be performing between 16:00hrs-19:00hrs, while additional music, refreshments and a traditional hog roast will be available through the day and into the evening.
For a first hand taste of the motorsport action, fans will also be able to experience the speed and excitement of a Caterham passenger ride on the National Straight, or visit the Silverstone outdoor karting centre. An additional feature of the festival weekend is the unique opportunity for fans to camp in the centre of the circuit on Friday and Saturday night.
This one-off opportunity, and a first for the 2004 season, will add to the Le Mans experience for fans wishing to stay over the weekend. However, with more than 1,000 campers already reserving their space, pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
The high-octane experience will then continue on Sunday 15th August, when fans will be treated to more spectacular on-track action from the British F3 and GT Championships. These two highly competitive championships are two of Britain’s most spectacular motorsport series providing hard nosed, bumper-to-bumper racing.
F3 is a crucial stepping stone to F1 and some of the biggest names to have raced in F3 include Senna, Hakkinen, Coulthard, Hill, Webber and Brundle. Support races for this festival of motorsport also include the Classic Endurance Series, Formula Palmer Audi and Formula Ford.
Friday admission is free of charge, while advance tickets are available at £13.50 on Saturday (£15 on the day) and £9 on Sunday (£10 on the day). A three day pass - available at £18 in advance (£20 on the Friday/Saturday) - offers a saving of £4.50 per person. Children aged 15 and under go free* and prices include roving seating in any of the available grandstands.
To book tickets for the LMES weekend at Silverstone, or for further information, visit silverstonemotorsport.co.uk, or contact the ticket hotline on 08704 588 262.
Tickets will also be available at the main gate on the day.
