Overalls will be COMPULSORY in the pit lane for Le Mans

Happy Snapper · 16 Mar 2007, 16:32 (Ref:1868381)

Today from the ACO

For the next test day and the “24 Hours” week, the wearing of overalls will be COMPULSORY in the pit lane (plus the accreditive bib which gives access to this area)

However, please note that the simple wearing of overalls will not systematically give access to the pit lane and only the Press and Communication Department may decide to whom an accreditive bib is to be granted.

NB:
The overalls must meet the following criteria:
- Each person accredited for the pit lane must procure this garment which will not be supplied by the ACO.
- These overalls must offer a real degree of protection: anything from a minimum of 100% cotton (flame-proof) to a greater degree of protection against fire (Norm N°8856 2000).
- This garment, plain and light coloured (white, beige, light grey), must not bear any publicity, logos, brand-names, etc.

Failure to respect any of these criteria may lead to the withdrawal of this pit lane accreditation.

stefan · 16 Mar 2007, 21:48 (Ref:1868578)

That'll keep you nice and toasty. I suppose it's sensible though. Do you think it'll be applied at other circuits?

kdr · 17 Mar 2007, 11:52 (Ref:1869060)

Somewhat inevitable really, it did sometimes turn into a dangerous zoo down there at times. I just looked thru my take over the years and i think i've only ever managed about three half decent pictures from pitlane, so i think i'll pass on the overalls and (hopefully) stick to t-shirt and shorts out on the circuit!

redshoes · 17 Mar 2007, 13:05 (Ref:1869102)

Having never been to Le Mans I'm little surprised there weren't already compulsory. I thought FIA GTs have required fireproofs in the pit lane for some time.

kdr · 17 Mar 2007, 14:10 (Ref:1869150)

Quote:

Originally Posted by redshoes

Having never been to Le Mans I'm little surprised there weren't already compulsory. I thought FIA GTs have required fireproofs in the pit lane for some time.

the only rule i believe they have is a "no shorts" rule, which i've never seen enforced...although i wasn't there last year so perhaps this is a new tightening up of procedures. perhaps someone who was there last year can enlighten us if there was any sort of problem?

i personally don't i've ever taken a good snap down there as you're very concious of being involved in an incident, or worse still causing an incident. le mans is unique in being an eight mile circuit using quite a bit of french route nationales, so i think to myself whats the point in shooting the one bit that could be anywhere. don't get me wrong, its nice that you can shoot down there, but a pitlane is a pitlane is a pitlane, and not really what people want to see when they think of le mans. imho of course.

MikeHoyer · 17 Mar 2007, 16:38 (Ref:1869281)

It is a good idea, will be fun in the middle of a hot day though!

ss_collins · 17 Mar 2007, 18:35 (Ref:1869335)

bit sweaty for those of us who spend our time between the pits and press room. I'd like more guidance on the standards required - does anyone know where I can find some white probans?

Suze · 23 Mar 2007, 00:24 (Ref:1874128)

Just spotted this thread which may help some.

PaulCherry · 23 Mar 2007, 07:33 (Ref:1874274)

Just added this to the other thread
http://www.advanced-wear.co.uk/p_probana.htm

Piglet · 23 Mar 2007, 08:11 (Ref:1874289)

Happy Snappers plan I think is to identify some white probans and then contact the ACO to confirm that, given their slightly vague wording, these will be sufficient.

They seem to fit the bill though...

badgerbaiter · 23 Mar 2007, 16:07 (Ref:1874578)

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdr

the only rule i believe they have is a "no shorts" rule, which i've never seen enforced...

last year i got sent away by the nice security man after he politely told me to get my pantaloons on

the irony was that i wasnt going to the pits i was going the other way, but after a very confused discussion i thought it was easier to go get my pantaloons

kdr · 23 Mar 2007, 20:52 (Ref:1874759)

does it specify overalls just in pitlane, or on pitwall also?

Suze · 23 Mar 2007, 21:12 (Ref:1874774)

I would presume both given the location of the pitwall...?

kdr · 23 Mar 2007, 22:51 (Ref:1874820)

nomex it is then...

ss_collins · 24 Mar 2007, 16:33 (Ref:1875103)

well the e-mail says cotton or better but must be flame resistant.

**Stephen Green** · 24 Mar 2007, 16:42 (Ref:1875104)

In that case Proban should suffice and a set of overalls from AWS costs about £50

chezza · 24 Mar 2007, 22:51 (Ref:1875323)

However, would you get penalised as they say no branding...AWS ones would have the logo on them.

**Stephen Green** · 24 Mar 2007, 22:53 (Ref:1875326)

Not if you ask them to make them without

chezza · 24 Mar 2007, 23:13 (Ref:1875344)

Point well made

**Stephen Green** · 24 Mar 2007, 23:15 (Ref:1875345)

Off to bed with you!

Happy Snapper · 30 Mar 2007, 10:39 (Ref:1879778)

For any snappers that could be intersted I'm talking to AWS re removing their logo, I will post an update when I get one.

I spoke to the ACO yesterday they will inspect the "overalls" in the media office after collecting passess etc from the welcome centre.

Piglet · 30 Mar 2007, 12:07 (Ref:1879827)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happy Snapper

For any snappers that could be intersted I'm talking to AWS re removing their logo, I will post an update when I get one.

I spoke to the ACO yesterday they will inspect the "overalls" in the media office after collecting passess etc from the welcome centre.

Ohhh I get it, I can see you all now, lined up in your shiny white overalls for the cute girls from the press room to inspect you. No wonder you're so keen

Piglet · 30 Mar 2007, 18:51 (Ref:1880031)

Happy Snapper has spoken to AWS who have said that they can remove their logo, if it's done on an individual basis they will make a charge for this but if there is a "job lot" they will do it as a freebie. I don't think they've said what they consider a job lot but if you're interested in buying from AWS it would be helpful if you could post so we can establish numbers.

Their normal Probans are £59 (+ VAT).

If you know anyone else who is buying it might be helpful to point them here so we can put a decent sized order together.

Happy Snapper · 17 Apr 2007, 07:38 (Ref:1893597)

If any of you are planning to order from AWS they need the order this week or you may not receive them before Le Mans.

500mm · 17 Apr 2007, 11:06 (Ref:1893737)

A word to the wise..........following the fire in the pits at Monza.......there may be changes to the specification of protective clothing to be worn in the pitlane....nothing definite but in talking with ACO officials afterwards it is clear that they are thinking of increasing the security......ie 2 or 3 layer suits for everyone..........and also cutting the numbers of media with access to the pits when cars are on track............I would support both moves. I suspect that the rules will apply to LMS races in the future

I will see if I can get more details.

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