Beermountain HQ Set Up

As always there were several tonnes of interesting kit to get across the Channel. The crossing from Portsmouth to Caen was a strange one - we spent the evening with our new associate, super hip "Liam DJ", and Toad discovered what sharing a cabin with a rhinoceros on heat is really like! Fast progress was made to Maison Blanche, and thanks to Mark & Tracy, our usual spot had been reserved. Like 2005, it was another hot set up day, but the bonus this year was a five course dinner with the DISPOS team on Monday evening. We had it cracked as soon as the motorhome joined us from Silverstone on Tuesday lunchtime.

R&R at Chateau Brushy

The advance party was due some R&R - so on Wednesday we accepted a lunch invitation with the Plaskitt Racing Team (aka Brushy et al) who we met at a cave near Marcon, followed by a cold beer in Chatres. The jeep made easy work of the miles, although we got a bit damp in the downpour on the way back to base.

The Team

The squadron were, as always, in good form - seen here around our base camp attending to light duties, including the great sewage crisis, and some fantastic cooking - but not at the same time. Quite remarkably, also seen here, Mr Disco helping out in between signing autographs and Mr Baron doing his bit for Cuba.

The Media

Word got out what we were up to, so film crews visited us on several occasions. Perhaps the most interesting project we came across was a Channel 4 film centred on the Binnie Motorsport team. Given this year's Driver's Parade experience, there will be compulsory media and French language training for the whole squadron before next year's race!

The Grande Parade Des Pilotes

Being part of the drivers parade added a whole new dimension to our trip - seen here - the team discuss cold beer with someone called Tom (who said he was minding the trophy) the Scuderia Ecosse team, the Binnie Motorsport team, Warren Hughes, Oliver Gavin (last seen on a Chopper), and many many others.

Our tour of the streets was slow and fortunately had a few stops for rest, an occasional beer, and the odd interview. Our smoke tended to drift in slow speed formation flying, something those in the crowd would have noted! No room for our famous "flying wing" formation on these streets.

Beermountain were also honoured to be temporary winners of the ACO "Rookie of the Year" trophy...some sort of mix up between Sebastien Loeb and Sdn Ldr Toad! Huge thanks from the squadron to all who helped us on the day.

Maison Blanche Nightlife

The nightlife on Maison Blanche was so hot this year that Captain carried a fire extinguisher at all times! (nothing to do with nearly wiping out our friends at JPC with a savage firework - Ed). Most evenings we left base to meet some of the international inhabitants, most of whom looked like they were on a weekend pass from the Vietnam war. This year we were surrounded by some great folk including the Pope people, The PC Pirates, The Brethren, DFH, SPS, Team JPC and DISPOS. The advance party even survived a couple of "Tropicomas" with Mark one evening without any long term effects. Mention should also be made of the "club style" sing along on Sunday night - some legendary performances took place, which were sadly not recorded!

Our 2006 Fleet

With the main party arriving on Thursday lunchtime, we were soon ready for some operational action! Seen above the line up of equipment used for the varied tasks we undertook during the weekend. The new Command Vehicle was superbly fit for purpose, whilst the jeep also proved permanently useful for nearly all missions. Swiss needs to write to Aston Martin and complain about the amount of baguette space in the back of his new car though...

Beermountaineers at Jannine's

Thursday afternoon either meant football or (Mr Landlord's) inaugural Beermountain meet up at Jannine's bar. Or both...This seemed to work in two sittings, so quite a crowd over the course of the early evening. Thanks to everyone who came along - I'm sure this is something we should make more of next year!

Motor Racing Legends Race & Plaskitt Motorsport

The Beermountain backed Plaskitt Motorsport MG (driven by Peter Plaskitt) looked stunning in the pits and on the track. Although not one of the fastest cars in its class on paper, it outperformed many of its faster rivals. Other than an unfortunate marshalling incident in the race itself, the team had a great weekend. Brother Martin (aka Brushy) also met Sir Sterling, who liked our new Beermountain pit pass so much he autographed it! Also seen here is the South African GT40 that Sterling drove as pace car at the rolling start of the classic race. More pics to follow!

The 74th 24 Heures Du Mans

The race was full of excitement as always, but perhaps lacking in real cut & thrust up front. In LMP1, Audi had listened to our "Campaign for Quieter Cars" - so much so that they sounded like milk floats going past in the night! More interesting was perhaps the Corvette/Aston battle in GT1. (Thanks to Sooty & Lorry for use of these images)

Beermountaineering

Many teams busied themselves with the usual sport of beermountaineering - seen here some of those on MB campsite. Much technical innovation was evident, led by team "Goatnob" with F1 stress analysis and genuine Action Men present. Also seen here for the first time, a world first - the "Beerstar"!

Friends of Beermountain

Our trip to Le Mans is always made special by the people we are lucky enough to meet, both race goers and true professionals (some both!). Special  Beermountain thanks this year to Mark & Tracy, The Three Amigos, Nick (Landlord) and all at DISPOS, The Pope Crew, Nick & Brenda, Nick and all at Team Sooty, Mart and all at Team Brushy, Gilles and the guys from the parade, the Cheshire Motorhome team, John Hindhaugh and all at Radio Le Mans, Ian Wagstaff, the CBS platoon, DFH, The Brethren, JPC, Club Arnage and of course all at the ACO. Apologies if I have forgotten to mention everyone - a good excuse to have a beer on us next year! Sorry I don't have all your photographs!

The Road Home!

The return leg was a welcome step back to the real world. Glad to have survived driving at one handed high speed in Mr Swiss's new "Ford" we were in time for a game of golf in Ouistream and a meal before hitting the ferry back to Blighty. Terry the duck went for a swim in international waters and was never to be seen again...

Mr T