Across this weekend PH is down at the Le Mans Classic. It's an event that seems to exist a little in the shadow of the 24 Hours, and with the 2014 race running on the same weekend as the British GP it has that to contend with also. But the opportunity to watch a weekend of classic motorsport was too good to miss. The rain has even held off for a while also...
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First things first, a huge well done to Harris and Gary Pearson for their victory in the second Grid 3 today. The conditions were abysmal enough on the road following a deluge of rain, so one can only imagine the state of the Le Mans track. They have both earned a little celebration this evening.
Wet, dark Le Mans in this. Scary
Leaving on Sunday rather than Monday as with the 24 did mean we saw less racing than perhaps we would have liked. But we did get to watch the Grid 5 and Grid 6 races in their entirety which were, in a word, magnificent.
Here's a cross section of the Grid 5 runners: Ferrari 312 P, Porsche 908/3, Lola T70, Matra 660-01, Chevron B16. The programme listed 76 entrants. The cacophony of sound at the start of this race was worth the journey alone (and I know that was nearly said about the static show, but this really was). To hear a 12 cylinder Matra, Corvette V8 and Porsche flat 12 all in the same race is a rare and exciting privilege. To just see that many classics run was an absolute treat, and helped stave off the feeling that the racing wasn't actually that good. Can't have it all.
Grid 6 was described as 'fast cars for faster times' (these were racers from 1972-1979). And yes, the speed here was phenomenal. Predictably the 935s were flying, although overall victory for the weekend went to the Gulf Mirage and a DFV-engined Lola T280 took second. And these competed in a race with a Dodge Charger, Ford Gran Torino and BMW CSL. What a brilliant spectacle.
Attending the Le Mans 24 Hours, Classic and then N24 in a very hectic month is something I'd like to chat about in more detail soon. Suffice to say there's probably an event for all motorsport fans between them. And if there's a possibility to take a Panamera to any, you won't regret it!
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