If its Wednesday, it must be France

It didn't so much get light, it just went from black to a sort of grey.  As the V8 Vantage speared its way down to the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone, the day's weather situation didnt inspire us with confidence.  Still, maybe France would be better.

5am is an early start, but we had to be in Le Mans for 3 that afternoon.  A crossing booked for 7.30 should ensure that we make it with just a couple of stops for fuelling the car and ourselves.  As we poked the nose of the Aston out of the carriage of the train in Calais, it became clear that the sun isnt to be with us today.  Nevermind, tomorrow is looking good.

This is our second trip to Le Mans this year, first for the 24 hour race, but now HWM are to dominate the circuit of La Sarthe.  It was time for our circuit day for our customers on the Bugatti Circuit.  Seventeen of Aston Martins finest were to spend the day pounding the track in the spirit of having a bloody good time.

We push on into France, Neil our accountant riding shotgun in the V8, Chris our driver behind in the support van.  We keep to the autoroute all the way to Rouen where we swap seats and refuel.  The rain has now set in and we move deeper and deeper into the countryside, the little Vantage clearing its throat through every tunnel at the depression of the loud pedal.

Five hours after shooting out of the belly of the train, the familiar sight of Le Mans greets us with the unfamiliar sight of massive roadworks.  A new tram line is being put in, so despite the insistence of the satellite navigation, we rely on Chriss local knowledge to find our hotel.

After a meeting at the circuit, we return to our hotel to sample the delights of the bar as we greet some of our customers upon their arrival.  A nice relaxing evening is spent in the delightful company of our clients, who have become firm friends.  If motorsport runs through your heart, seek out a little place called Legends within the town centre.  The walls are lined with memorabilia from all the great teams and the food is certainly served in quantities that could feed a whole team.

We depart le Mercure hotel at 8am sharp the next morning for the circuit.  A convoy of 17 Aston Martins snake their way through the town, exhausts emitting a fanfare of engine noise that seem to be shouting the British are here, the British are here!

Forms filled out, badges on, helmets at the ready, we have our drivers briefing from Chas, one of the 3 Performance Driving Instructors we have on hand from Aston Martin, then its Gentlemen, start your engines! as Le Mans awakens to the roar of the mighty British Bulldogs.

Our morning session runs for 3 hours until 12 noon, when one of the best French traditions starts:  2 hours for lunch!  Everyone has had ample time on the track since the start, and the adrenaline is running as high as the outside temperature as, once again, Le Mans enjoys a beautiful summers day.

Lunch comes and goes, then we all enjoy a tour of the fantastic Le Mans Circuit Museum, an absolute essential part of the trip if ever you go.  Pescarolos sit alongside the iconic Porsche 917 and beautiful Delahayes.  You can tell that France has a lot of pride in its national motor race.

Back on track.  The day continues with more laps of the circuit, with many drivers pushing their cars performance envelope further and faster than they did in the morning.  A fun competition starts up with the rest of us in the pitlane as to who is making the most noise as V8 engines compete with the bigger V12s for honours.

As 5pm approaches the exuberance of the day fails to decline as more drivers head out for one final chance at lapping the circuit.  Then the red light comes on around the track to inform everyone that the circuit is closing.  Just like children at a party, many just dont want it to end, but our day is far from over yet.  Time to adjourn to the hotel.

Everyone meets for drinks in the early evening sun outside on the hotels terrace where we depart for a feast at a local restaurant.  It is here that the social aspect of Aston Martin ownership makes itself felt with like-minded enthusiasts swapping tales of on-track heroism and heart-in-mouth moments from the day.  It is now that the little surprise of the evening comes with Paul Spires, Sales Manager, standing to announce his little award ceremony.  Although a non-competitive event, Paul felt it would be fun to award prizes for those who had shown spirit throughout the day.  Cheers and applause (as well as a small gift) reward the winners.

The brandies and the wine flow as the evening blurs into morning and the weary stragglers make their way back to the hotel for a well-earned rest.  It has been a long, but hugely enjoyable day.

Friday dawns with fuzzy heads and bleary eyes as our friends depart at their leisure.  By mid-morning we are making our way back along the road to Rouen in convoy with a DB7 Vantage.  Stretching the legs of the V8 through France, then the M20 from Folkestone reaffirms the multiple personality of the little Aston.  From grand touring along the fast, open autoroutes to threading it through the roadwork-torn streets of Le Mans, only to bring out the Mr Hyde on the track, the V8 Vantage has performed beyond expectations.  It has carried 2 people and their (ample) luggage for nearly 1000 miles in a couple of days without complaint.

So another epic HWM trip draws to a close.  Our customers have become personal friends and we make plans to enjoy more time and champagne together!  We plan another circuit day for next year, albeit probably a little more local!  Rest assured, no matter where it is, we will make it a day to remember.