Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/05/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]The Le Mans 24 Hours has used a rolling start since 1971 (I believe - no doubt someone will correct me if I'm wrong!). The grid does a lap behind the pace car - and it's a long lap at Le Mans, over 8 miles - before the pace car peals off into the pits and that huge grid floors it. It is the most exhilarating sound I've ever heard, especially in the days when there were five big V12 Jags in the field. I think the last 24hrs to have used a Le Mans start was 1969 - also the last year that a GT40 won. In fact Jackie Ickx, who drove the winning car, was one of those campaigning to ditch the old style start on grounds of safety. He made an incredibly brave protest - having qualified towards the front of the grid he didn't run but WALKED purposefully across the circuit, while all the other drivers sprinted and their cars burst into life and roared off (missing him, thankfully!) carefully strapped himself in and then took off after the pack. I think he came to rue those lost seconds a little under 24 hours later! It was one of the closest Le Mans finishes in history, with the calm Ickx narrowly beating the new Porsche 917s. What a guy! Has anyone seen the Steve McQueen film? Shot at the 1970 race when, in a one off event, they started lined up in the traditional Le Mans fashion but already strapped into their cars. A great film for racing fans, a great bore for anyone else! P. ******* Paul Hardy Carter www.paulhardycarter.com +44 (0)20 7871 7553 ******* On 2 May 2006, at 09:27, Frank Dernie wrote: > Hi Arche, > I am sure the Le Mans start included starting the engine, probably at > one time with a crank. With the exception of USA style oval racing > (and some oval based road races) and Karting, where there is no > clutch, a standing start is normal. AFAIK only at Le Mans is starting > the engine still included, but there may be other long distance races > like this too. > Most racing cars (again except oval racers) have to have on board > starters by regulation. F1 dropped on board starters a few years ago > and it is certainly much easier to package engine and transmission > without. There are plenty of people wanting to bring it back! > Standing starts are considerably more exciting than rolling starts and > very much part of the spectacle of road racing. > Frank