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2006 Le Mans Classic
By: Tim Scott
Photos by the author, www.FluidImages.co.uk
July 27, 2006

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Le Mans – a circuit steeped in motoring history, and synonymous with high octane action & high speed bravado, and a huge task to sufficiently do justice to, especially if all eras are to be represented in a celebration of its glorious past. However, justice was more than adequately done, and the scale was enormous (as befits a circuit 8.5 miles in length with an enormous paddock & infield): More than 50,000 visitors attended this year's races, and more than 1000 drivers, 20 nationalities and the 5 continents were represented. No less than six winners of Le Mans 24 Hours Jürgen Barth (D), Jean Guichet (F), Johnny Herbert (UK), Phil Hill (USA), Jean Pierre Jaussaud (F), Henri Pescarolo (F) and over 20 drivers who previously ran at Le Mans were on the track. More than 4000 cars and 100 clubs attended from all over Europe – more than 50 makes were displayed.

There are 6 grids of cars racing from 1923 up to 1979, each competing in 3 x 45 minute races, so with a few gaps to sweep up the unfortunate and a quick VIP sponsor lap, it really is 24 hours of action. And there was plenty of action throughout the grids which for the first time were running up to 72 cars, with results in each counting towards the overall winner on scratch and index of performance.

In Grid 1, the big battle was between the Talbots and the Aston Martins for pre-war honours – 3 of each finishing in the top 10 with Richard Pilkington victorious in the Talbot T26 SS. Astons also featured in Grid 2, the McGlone equipé DB3S fastest in 6th place but the Ferrari 750 Monza of Craig Davis and Rick Hall was the popular winner over the C Types of David Wenman/Julian Bronson and Nigel Webb.

Three Lotus 15s and two 11s dominated the top 10 in Grid 3 with Philip Walker claiming the top spot, with third placed Vincent Gaye and Tony Dron providing additional entertainment with ‘spirited’ driving in Ferrari 250 SWB and 246S Dino respectively. GT40s were the popular choice for Grid 4 with Ray Bellm powering to victory in his 3 races, beating all-comers in the end by 2 laps.

Nick Minassian, veteran of the modern 24 hour event, set a blistering pace along with Creation Racing boss Mike Jankowski in the Liger JS3 ahead of a Porsche 917, Lola T70 and a hoard of Chevrons. The final grid for racers ‘72 to ’79 predictably featured numerous Porsches with the 935 of Guittard and Ayari coming out in front of the Jean Ragnotti Alpine A443.

Gregor Fisken, London–based classic car dealer & racer (www.gregorfisken.com), summed it up best – “Having enjoyed racing on the circuit de la Sarthe for the Courage LMP1 factory team only a few weeks earlier, I was thrilled to return to drive a fascinating selection of older Le Mans veterans, ranging from the ex Trintignant 1951 Ferrari 340 MM to the ex N.A.R.T. Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Thundering from Mulsanne towards Arnage at 2 in the morning with the 340 flat out at 150 mph, Marchal headlamps flickering, was an experience never to be forgotten, and certainly equal in excitement to its modern successor.”

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Tim's portfolio can be viewed at www.fluidimages.co.uk