Threat to "Le Mans Classic"

[FG1]

Ouest France reports today that the “Le Mans Classic” event in September is still in doubt as the businesses that occupy space on the Mulsanne straight (known in French as “la ligne droite des Hunaudières”) are still objecting to the road being closed.

The paper reports that the businesses who act through a society called the “SAVH” are saying “its OK for the 24 hours proper, but not for the Classic event”. As a result Michel Cosson, president of the ACO has threatened to cancel the event.

The paper quotes Frédéric Courtin, president of the SAVH:

I am disappointed, as I think that the ACO has chosen the most extreme solution. But to close the road is a dramatic step for us. It’s the period when schools and businesses are getting back from the summer holidays and the week following the “Four days of Le Mans” when a lot of contracts are confirmed.

The local government (La prefecture) say “We have absolutely no knowledge about the cancellation of the ‘Le Mans Classic’ event.

The following article in the paper is about how the cancellation would hit the hoteliers hard!

Reading between the lines it sounds as though the ACO are putting pressure on the SAVH to agree financial terms. It’s getting a bit close so a bit of drama and brinkmanship are being used.

But I daresay that this row puts the pressure back on for a dedicated road for the race!

FG