More anger from Angoulême.

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by Eric Benson (F) e-mail :
"You may have heard recent rumblings from down here in the Charente. I will explain as I was asked to represent, not only 'Her Britannic Majesties' motoring subjects but also in fact anybody not French who loves the magic of the Circuit des Remparts. Last week the Prefect of the Department (the top man in the area- not elected but placed here by the present government), decided that he was not at all happy with the running of a race meeting in this old town. He was not prepared to have to accept the responsibility and repercussions should any accident occur during the weekend on the closed circuit. Without any fore warning or discussions with the organisers- ACOCRA- he announced to the press that in 2006 he would impose a 50 kph -(30 mph) speed limit on the circuit! Well. . .you can imagine the furore that his action has created. The organisers -ACOCRA- lead by the highly experienced Jean Michel Laujac and Jean Renee Tillard called a press conference where much righteous indignation was displayed. It does seem that the prefect has not consulted the facts and legal rights of the event to be staged, and as such, he may now be looking for a way out of such a foolish move. Nevertheless it has been decided to launch a petition for signatures in support, and I enclose a translation which I hope you will make available to all your many contacts. ( I may say that when I spoke the press I had to point out to them that although they consider this as a French event, in fact it could only happen by the dedicated support of 'foreigners', who see it as unique in the world, and as such has become as important event for many as Goodwood, Pau, Classic le Mans or Monaco Historique). By his action this Prefect could destroy forever this wonderful event in France, the cradle of motor racing. However the emotions displayed the other day could mean he will have a serious fight on his hands. PLEASE PLEASE tell everyone out there we need your help NOW. The web site is: Circuit des Remparts. The e-mail is: [email protected]. And their address is: ACOCRA , 2 Rue Fontgrave, 16000 Angouleme, France. (photo Robert Vierbergen; click for even more French atmosphere)

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