Jun 10 2008
Le Mans 24 Hour Race
This weekend (14/15 June) sees the 76th 24 Heures du Mans, with a race which is sure to get the locals rising from their seats in excitement. For this year sees the duel of the diesels with the Audis looking under threat from main rivals Peugeot. The first race was held at the Circuit de la Sarthe on the 26/27th May 1923 and has seen no end of triumphs and tragedies. It seems half of the fans who make the annual pilgrimage to the circuit are British, many getting there a few days before to get the party atmosphere started.
Interestingly the only person ever to win Le Mans in a car bearing his own name was Jean Rondeau, who lived in Le Mans and won there in 1980. Jean used to test drive his car around the streets late at night, the gendarmes often turning a blind eye to his activities.
If you’re going to Le Mans this weekend, lucky you and have a great time. Please let us know about the race, we’d love to hear your comments!
To remind you of the atmosphere of the occasion, I’ve found a clip on YouTube which you may find interesting from the 1999 Season. It’s about 7 minutes long.
