Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/05/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]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 On 1 May, 2006, at 18:59, Arche, Harvey wrote: > Philippe wrote, re: Lemans start - > > Loved this warp back in time, Arche. > > I've always wondered: what is the reason for/origin of this typical > > start procedure: running to the car, etc instead of a grid start? > > > > Some one else may know for certain, but I believe that, under the > rules > for these classes of automobiles at the time, cars had to be startable > without outside ignition help- ie: had to have battery, ignition > switch, > and starter motor built-in. Essentially they were jumped up road > cars. I > believe they were also required to have at least a nominal trunk and > carry a spare tire. The race began from an absolute dead stop. Also- > what a spectacle! > > Arche > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information