Lotus-on-Track, Europe's largest trackday club, have for the past eight years organised a week-long trip to France, allowing enthusiasts – not just Lotus owners – to take-in a variety of circuits.

This annual summer event known as ‘French Frolic’, or FF for short, costs around £750 per car and attracts around 60 cars with Lotus enthusiasts coming together from Britain, France Belgium and Holland to enjoy three or four track days at different circuits. The organisational back up includes a mechanic and spare parts van, whilst lunch and drinks at the circuit are taken care of. Otherwise those taking part are free to organise time between meeting up at the tracks and hotels.

The week began on Sunday when LoT took over the Mercure Hotel in Le Mans for two nights, the car park rapidly filling up with a mixture of Elise, Exige, 340R, Caterhams and VX220's plus the odd BMW. An extra 20 cars joined the core 60 at the first two track days, Le Mans and Val de Vienne. Inevitably there was some last-minute preparation work as some worked late into the night changing brake pads and even radiators, whilst the rest enjoyed a few beers, catching up with old friends.

Monday morning saw a short trip to the nearby Le Mans Bugatti track, a fast and safe circuit with plenty of run-offs, but not really one for the beginner. However, a relaxed open pit lane day made it possible to cater for the whole range of experience levels from the novice through to seasoned racer. There was some very quick non-Lotus cars taking part too, such as a supercharged Ariel Atom, the Ultima SS and some tweaked BMW’s adding to the variety.

Inevitably there were a few problems; with around a dozen cars experiencing overheating despite the mild temperatures, some had electrical problems whilst others soon wore tyres out. Nevertheless all but two cars were sorted in time for the next day. From then on not a single car was lost to mechanical trouble, a tribute to the way in which club members always come to the aid of others.

Tuesday was a relaxed day, where everyone drove at their own pace to the next destination, the Ibis hotel in Limoges, which was to be our base for the rest of the week. Previous experience had shown the organisers that it was better to do it this way rather than keep changing hotels, even if it meant longer journeys to the different tracks.

It was back to track action on for the next three days, starting with Val de Vienne, a fast circuit situated near to Le Vigeant. This track was new to LoT and included some very technical sections with plenty of gravel traps, some of us likening it to a larger and faster version of Abbeville. The day was hot, so the drinks provided were very welcome, as was the limited shade provided by the pit garages. A small restaurant called La Ferme, situated in the infield, provided lunch. As with Le Mans no damaged cars even though a couple of regulars played in the gravel after some sideways driving.

There were high expectations for Thursday’s track, Mas du Clos, and not just because of the altitude. This excellent little track is up in the mountains in the middle of nowhere with breathtaking landscapes all around. No one was disappointed! Persistence had paid off, LoT being one of the first clubs to visit the circuit following its re-opening in June. The track itself is beautiful, with the gradients adding to the fun. Another trouble free day with the only red being for a lost tyre preasure gage, it's owner now having completed a hat trick of red flags in the opening 3 days!

Friday was to be the last track day and again LoT had found another new venue, the privately owned Le Mornay. We enjoyed a nice relaxed day at this small circuit, and being safe and slow, reduced the mechanical risks before the long journey home, some having to go as far as Scotland. It was nice also to visit the castle adjacent to the track, owned by a former Formula 3 racer.

The day ended with many beers on the terrace at the Ibis, when the French and Scottish contingents put on a picture show on their PC’s. A really nice evening, as we looked back over the events of the week.

In 2010 the French Frolic becomes French Frolic extreme and moves to the end of June. The trip will take-in Mas du Clos, Charade, Pau and the new track at Haute Saintonge, yet again the target of £750 has been reached with four trackdays and seven nights accomodation included. The event is only open to experienced club members and is expected to be sold out well over six months in advance. There are over a dozen mini French Frolic trips run by LoT each year with one in months months during 2010 taking in 2 or 3 circuits on a weekend. We also have the very first UK frolic to look forward to at the end of October!

Claude Gonzales

Pictures courtesy of Jean-Philippe Moreau