The Le Mans experience (Part 2)
The race had many rules and traditions. Due to the nature of the race (endurance), some of these rules and traditions were different from those of normal races. Some of these were to protect the racers and to keep them safe, while others were purely there to make the race more interesting. The cars were not allowed to refuel their fluids such as oil or coolant until the car had been running for at least an hour. This helped to increase the efficiency and reliability. Those cars that did not make the hour were disqualified. Another rule that is only used in the Le Mans races is the requirement for the car to be turned off, while its gas tanks are being filled in the pit lane. This is safer because it reduced the chance of a fire breaking out. Another part to this rule is that the mechanics are not allowed to work on the car while it is being refuelled. This forced the teams to figure out innovative methods to lower the time taken in the pits (although, the drivers are allowed to get in and out when the car is stopped).
Le Mans races have a lot of traditions that have been observed since the beginning of the races. One of the oldest traditions is the waving of the French flag when the race is about to start. Another tradition waving safety flags during the last lap. This is the track marshal’s way of congratulating the winners and the others for finishing the race. In the 24-hour Le Mans the tradition of the winner spraying champagne on the others instead of drinking it, was first observed. This was started by Dan Gurney, who won the 1967 race with co-driver A.J.Foyt. Gurney sprayed the champagne on the CEO of Ford and team owner Carroll Shelby for saying that the two would not complete the race.
The Le Mans 24 hours race, takes place on the “Circuit de la Sarthe” in France. It is about 14 kilometres in length, and consists of public roads that are closed down for the races, as well as some permanent parts. The permanent portions of the track have been continuously modified (mostly for safety purposes).
The Le Mans race has become popular not only in the motor racing world, but in the world of television entertainment as well. In 1969, the race was featured in the short film by the name of “La Ronde Infernale”. This movie is available on DVD. The race also played a major part in Steve McQueen’s movie “Le Mans”. The movie used modified race cars, with cameras mounted on them as well as a Porsche 917, Ferrari 512, and a Lola T70. The movie filmed during an actual Le Mans race. Other than television, there have been many video games that include the Le Mans race as part of the game play. The game “Race Driver: Grid” allows the player to take part in a Le Mans race after each season. This race lasts around 12 minutes but the player is given the option to actually play for the full 24 hours.
The Le Mans race is truly the greatest challenge that a car can go through. It has many benefits, as cars have to be strong, rugged, and reliable enough to last the full 24 hours. Other than that, the Le Mans race forced the mainstream car manufacturers to design more exotic vehicles which are more aerodynamic and fuel efficient at the same time. The technology used in a Le Mans car is now used in production cars. One can rest assured that some of the engine features in the car sitting in the driveway have been tried and tested in the most excruciating endurance tests known to man.
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