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Le Mans 24 Hours
Foreward by five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell. This book is a comprehensive history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world's most prestigious sports car race. You'll read virtual lap-by-lap accounts of each year's race, from the premiere in 1923 through 2001. Learn about the drivers and teams that battled through night and day, and see never-before-published photos of race action that capture the spirit of the event.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 17, 2020
I’m a life-long car nut and auto racing fan but was for many years ignorant to the history and grandeur behind the many European racing circuits. This book has great photography and narration which captures the ambiance of arguably one of the world’s greatest automotive endurance races.
The day I took this book the Limerock Park, in Northwest Connecticut, I had the page marked (186) so I could find it easily. That’s where it shows, and highlights, Paul Newman’s 2nd place finish at the 1979 Le Mans race. My goal was to get his autograph but unknown to me was his disdain for celebrity status when he was racing.
Despite this antipathy, there was always a crowd around his humble trailer, and for this day’s race at Limerock, it was no exception. At one point he was outside discussing track characteristics with his mechanic and I took the opportunity to wade through the crowd and get an autograph. As I approached him with my book in hand I was not so subtly blocked by a member of his team who educated me on his boss’ preferences. Well, I felt disappointed but wasn’t about to go against the wishes of an 80+ year old automobile racer. So I never got my autograph, but I did see him race. He was really good. Throwing a car around a road course like that is not easy for at any age, so I really can’t imagine the strength it must take as an octogenarian. That how much he loved it. Perhaps more than acting.
For a racing fan, especially of courses with right and left turns, this book is a must have.
The day I took this book the Limerock Park, in Northwest Connecticut, I had the page marked (186) so I could find it easily. That’s where it shows, and highlights, Paul Newman’s 2nd place finish at the 1979 Le Mans race. My goal was to get his autograph but unknown to me was his disdain for celebrity status when he was racing.
Despite this antipathy, there was always a crowd around his humble trailer, and for this day’s race at Limerock, it was no exception. At one point he was outside discussing track characteristics with his mechanic and I took the opportunity to wade through the crowd and get an autograph. As I approached him with my book in hand I was not so subtly blocked by a member of his team who educated me on his boss’ preferences. Well, I felt disappointed but wasn’t about to go against the wishes of an 80+ year old automobile racer. So I never got my autograph, but I did see him race. He was really good. Throwing a car around a road course like that is not easy for at any age, so I really can’t imagine the strength it must take as an octogenarian. That how much he loved it. Perhaps more than acting.
For a racing fan, especially of courses with right and left turns, this book is a must have.
February 26, 2008
I don't think this is THE book I am reading, but whenever I'm in B's bookstore, I keep picking up books about the Le Mans 1955 tragedy.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews