Dreams can come true. Sometimes it just takes 65 years. I stood staring at the entry gate to Circuit de le Sarthe for several minutes before I walked through Porte Est, the gate at the end of the tram line. The problem with dreams sometimes is that when they become real, they don’t live up to what you imagined. Le Mans, however, exceeded what I imagined.

Like Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I got the immediate sense that this is hallowed ground. The century of history grabbed me the moment I saw the Dunlop bridge and saw directional signs for the corners I have heard about all my life- Tetre Rouge, Arnage, Mulsanne- no longer just places in my imagination.

As I expected, an 8.467 mile track requires a huge footprint. Road America is probably the largest track footprint I have seen. Le Mans is twice the size of the Wisconsin venue. I thought I had covered a lot of it yesterday, but the track map contradicted my thoughts. I made it to just about a quarter mile past the Dunlop bridge

The fan village is massive. Full blown restaurants and bars, not just food stands and kiosks dot the area leading to paddock in all directions. One stand makes crepes to order. There is a stand to charge electronics at no cost.

Across the bridge in the infield is another large complex of food stands. I have never seen such a variety of food at a track, or so many vegetarian options.

I have never seen a cleaner race track. Given the size of the place, management does an impressive job of keeping trash picked up and the grounds clean. Le Mans has recycling containers in may places.

The track surface itself is in excellent shape. It appears to have been repaved recently. The front stretch has grid markings for motorcycles.

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Monday’s adventures include a trip to the track museum and a tour of the old city of Le Mans. Last night was the best night’s sleep I have had since I arrived, a restful night of fulfilled dreams. Don’t give up on your dreams.