Video: Watch a real Le Mans racing start
Unfortunately GoPros were some decades off by the time the Le Mans start was banned in top level motorsport in 1970, so here is a rare chance to see it in action with a suitable car.
The Le Mans start was banned in Britain in 1962 because it encouraged drivers to set off without fastening their safety harnesses properly. Then in 1969 Jacky Ickx protested the unsafe practice by walking to his GT40 at the start of the Le Mans 24 Hours and safely fastening his harness before setting off in dead last. Naturally he still won but the following year the practice was banned.
It is still fantastic to watch and certainly adds an element of drama although the Alfa Romeo 8C doesn’t lack any of that. With a crash gearbox, whining supercharger and lack of protection from the wind, just the six minutes of footage here looks exhausting let alone racing round-the-clock and through the night.
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Gamer vs. Sebastien Loeb
Video
Onboard
Elevenses
Alfa Romeo
8C
Le Mans
