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      09-26-2019, 01:19 PM   #9
FuzzyPeaches
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Drives: 2011 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Atlanta

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Quote:
Originally Posted by gooselee View Post
So as an Atlanta native, can I trade area tips for event tips? This will be my first Petit Le Mans but I just got invited and signed up for the BMW hospitality chalet thing. Saturday only, hoping to get up there in the morning to poke around at everything before the race.

Most of my race event experience has been Indy and NASCAR so far - this looks like a much more free-flowing vibe throughout the day? Any parts to be sure we are around for?

Area tips:
- Chateau Elan is great but not surprised it's already booked up. If you're into wine, lots of other (better) wineries toward Dahlonega if you want to wander over there before/after your days at Road Atlanta. Fair warning - Georgia wine on the whole tries hard, but has its limits.
- Lake Lanier is great. A bit of a drive to Lake Lanier Islands which is where the more formal park setup is with manufactured beaches, etc. But lots of the bigger marinas along the east side of the lake and around Gainesville will rent little daysailers and stuff. Generally you will want to call ahead but can be a good distraction.
- Lawrenceville isn't a bad area but it's really just a residential suburb. If choosing between that and Gainesville or a Lake Lanier lake house, take one of the latter two. Or really in thay area, find a cool cabin on a lake or in the woods or something. Don't expect to be sightseeing in this part of the state.

Happy to answer more local questions, and welcome any tips on getting the most out of the event!
Quote:
Originally Posted by pseto View Post
Thanks! I'll be back and forth between the BMWCCA corral and the hospitality chalet. This is my first PLM, but I've been to many other IMSA/F1 races in the past. I'm not sure what's a good area to watch the race (certain turns or grandstands), but depending on the weather, will probably watch from the corral/chalet. I'm staying at the Lake Lanier resort, since BMWCCA reserved some rooms there at a decent rate.

Just curious, where did you sign up for the chalet? I already have my credentials for it, but have a friend that I'd like to get in
Petit is very free flowing. Be prepared to walk around a lot. Be sure to be there early on race-day so you can walk down to the front straight and check out the cars.

There's no real racetrack view from the corral, though the chapter usually has a TV set up. As a local chapter member, I'll say you're probably better off at the Chalet since you have access.

The two most popular places to watch the race are:
1. Spectator Hill - You sit at the top of turn 5 looking back at the esses and turn 4 and can watch the cars through to 6.
2. Turn 10 a/b. Cars coming down the back straight at full tilt braking into left and right 90 degree turns to go up the hill under the bridge.

I went over to turn 3 last year and enjoyed it. Its where cars will get up on two wheels jumping the curb, then go full-boogie down the esses and up 5.
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