Memorable Le mans

Every year there are stories to tell about triumph over adversity at the Le Mans race. But some results are so bizarre that they are remembered for years after the winners cross the line. Here is a rundown of some of the most remarkable moments in the Le Mans history according to Skea Racing:

1969: Questions were asked when John Wyer brought back the Ford GT 40 back to compete in the 1969 race. Most considered the vehicle’s design out of date, except for the veteran team boss, who had faith in the car’s reliability and efficiency, in contrast to the new Porsche 917 which was the fashionable choice at the time. But the Porsche 917 was hit with difficulties during the race, and at the end it came down to a nail biting finish between the Ford and the Porsche 908, the former crossing over the line just 120 metres in front of its rival.

1979: It would have been a perfect ending in Hollywood, but sadly for Oscar winner Paul Newman, his dreams of crossing first in the 1979 race were brought down by a problem with his car’s axle. But perhaps the real winner of that year makes the best story after all; the Kremer team which entered a Porsche 935 K3, far from the favourite, but was pulling ahead of the other factory cars when it broke down midway through the Mulsanne Straight for nearly an hour due to a problem with the mechanical fuel tank. The put team had to carry out emergency repairs to get the car back to the pits, while other cars circled around the track, eating away at their lead. Despite the delay, the Kremer team still managed to hold on to the win, securing an ending that would be fit for any movie remake.

1985: In 1985 team owner Rienhold Joset wanted to retain the victory he had won the previous year but this time, triumph over the factory cars which had been absent in 1984. His technique was to use the aerodynamics of the 956B instead of the newer models available, which made them the fastest team on the straights and also incredibly fuel efficient. While Joset Racing were confident of their chances, none of the other teams realised that the unconventional team stood a real chance, and in the end they watched as the Joset team clock up three extra laps than their next closest rival.

1997: And another Joset victory is deemed worthy of a mention, with the 1997 victory with its Porsche WSC95. The team had won the previous year with the same car, but was under a lot of pressure from the factory to upgrade. Joset refused to bow to the pressure, and his WSC95 was consistently good throughout the race, only having to stop once for repairs to a broken bodywork retaining clip. But they weren’t really in winner contention until two hours before then end when the leader’s car had to pull out after bursting into flames. Excellent fuel efficiency and high quality driving which meant that the Goodyear tyres only needed to be changed every four stints. This ensured the Joset team clocked up its fourth victory on the Le Mans track.

Mad memories of Le Mans indeed.