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At the beginning of the summer we were invited to join the Lotus 7 Club 'Le Sept 8' event at their Le Mans Bugatti track day. The only part of the 24 Hour track that this 2.7 mile circuit uses is the start/finish straight and the Dunlop Bridge - after that is turns back on itself with a mixture of short straights and medium hairpins.
Following pictures were taken during the 'ducks and drakes' session, where we drive in convoy behind a car in order to familerize ourselves with the new circuit.
I enjoyed the Circuit Le Mans Bugatti, but it is by no means a grand circuit, in no way comparable to the famous 24 Hour circuit. It is a modern 'safe' track consisting of mainly slow and medium speed hairpins and open chicanes, connected by short straights. Maybe one day I'll drive the 24 hour circuit properly!
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Massive pit lane, pit garages and grandstand complex on the main straight.
We did not use the pit garages on this visit - the paddock was plenty big enough though.
Some last minute adjustments before going out onto the track.
Steve gives a briefing at the start of the day.
Heading down the famous start/finish straight.
At the end of the straight the track curves to the right in an uphill sweep towards 'Courbe Dunlop' and the famous bridge.
We have just gone through 'Courbe Dunlop' - a small chicane - and are now heading under the famous bridge. 
This section is the only part of the great 24 Hour circuit which we use - we now turn right into Virage de la Chapelle. The 24 Hour circuit sweeps away to the left in front of us.
After sweeping down into La Chapelle we now sweep back up towards Virage du Musee, a fast sweeping left 190°.
And then downhill towards Virage du Garage Vert. Another heavy brake into another 180° corner.
Up and over a slight crest towards a fairly open chicane, Virage du Chemin Aux Boeufs. I had a minor spin here whilst struggling to find a gear - the clutch cable needed adjustment.
On towards Virage des 'S' Bleu.
After the first right hander the corner sweeps to the left. Note the very wide but very flat kerbs - in fact really just a painted line rather than any physical kerbing.
Turning off into the pit entry. The track carries on to Virage du Raccordement, two curves that blend into one and take you back onto the start/finish straight.
Heading back into the pit lane and through a garage back into the paddock.
Passing under the clock - not the famous old 24 hour clock, but the modern equivalent.
Red light.....um Steve!
Back at Steve's house for a good clean after a hard days track work...
...and some rather urgently needed front pads - oops!
