LIVE from 24H DU MANS - Celebrities & Teams Procession

USPA NEWS - The race traditionally began with what became known as the Le Mans start, in which cars were lined up along the length of the pits. Until 1962, cars were lined up in order of engine capacity, but beginning in 1963 qualifying times determined the lineup...

The race traditionally began with what became known as the Le Mans start, in which cars were lined up along the length of the pits. Until 1962, cars were lined up in order of engine capacity, but beginning in 1963 qualifying times determined the lineup. The starting drivers stood on the opposite side of the front stretch. The traditional Le Mans start was changed for 1970. Cars were still lined up along the pit wall, but the drivers were already inside and strapped in. Since 1971, when that method was done away with, a rolling start (sometimes known as an Indianapolis start) begins the race.

FILMS TALKING ABOUT 24H DU MANS

The 1964 event plays a critical part in the Academy Award““winning 'Un Homme et Une Femme', in which the wife of the driver hero commits suicide when she mistakenly thinks that he is killed in an accident. The 1969 event, known for its close finish, was portrayed in a short film called 'La Ronde Infernale'. This was given a limited cinema release

The race became the center of a major motion picture in 1971 when Steve McQueen released his simply titled 'Le Mans', starring McQueen as Michael Delaney, a driver in the 1970 event for the Gulf Porsche team. Likened to other motorsports films such as 'Grand Prix' for Formula One racing and 'Winning' for the Indianapolis 500, 'Le Mans' is the best known film to center on sports car racing.

'Michel Valliant' was a 2003 French movie about a French comic book motorsports hero that featured events from the 2002 race although it was not explicitly about Le Mans. Again using two camera cars to tape action during the race, the French film was not as widely accepted as 'Le Mans' had been.

A documentary film called 'Truth in 24' narrated by Jason Statham was about the Audi team's effort to win a fifth straight title in 2008 in which Le Mans was prominently featured.

The race has also been used for several video games over the years, some of which have allowed players to compete for the full 24 hours.

CELEBRITIES PARTICIPATING :

- Paul Newman : Hollywood Celebrity had a passion since the shooting of 'Virages', released in 1969. Raced in 1979 (driving Porsche 935)

- Jean-Louis Trintignat : French Actor, son of Formule 1 Pilote Maurice Trintignant (1950s). Participated in 1980 race (Porsche 935), but had to give up.

- Paul Belmondo : Actor and Son of famous actor Jean-Paul Belmondo. Participated 10 times between 1985 and 2005 (Porsche, Ferrari, Courage).

- David Hallyday : Son of famous Belgian Rock Singer Johnny Hallyday. Paricipated Five times (2003, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2014).

- Nick Mason : Famous drummer of Pink Floyd, participated Five times (1978, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984).

- Fabien Barthez : A retired French footballer who won honours as a goalkeeper with Marseille, Manchester United and the French national team, with whom he won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000 and reached the final of the 2006 World Cup. Participated Twice : 2014 (Ferrari 458) and 2016 (Ligier JS P2).

- Mark Thatcher : A British businessman and the son of Margaret, Lady Thatcher, former Conservative British Prime Minister. Participated Twice (1980, 1981) but never finished the race.

- Eddie Jordan : Also known as EJ, is an Irish former motorsport team boss, businessman, presenter, entrepreneur, musician and mentor. He won the Irish Kart Championship in 1971 and moved to Formula Ford in 1974 He was the founder and owner of Jordan Grand Prix, a Formula One constructor which operated from 1991 to 2005. Participated in 1981 (BMW M1) but didn't finish the race.

- Jean-Claude Killy : also known as 'Gilette' is a former French World Cup alpine ski racer. He dominated the sport in the late 1960s. He was a triple Olympic champion, winning the three alpine events at the 1968 Winter Olympics, He also won the first two World Cup titles, in 1967 and 1968. He won the Category GT at la Targa Florio (1967) & participating at 24H du Mans w/ Bob Wollek (Alpine A210) not finishing the race.

- Luc Alphand : is a former World Cup alpine ski racer from France. He specialized in the speed events and later became a race car driver. Participating Huit times (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008).

- Patrick Dempsey : Hollywood Celebrity participated 4 times (2009, 2013, 2014, 2015). The first time was to collect money for two associations (one French and one American for children).

THIS YEAR WE COULD SEE & MEET :

Brad Pitt, Patrick Dempsey, Jason Statham, Jacky Chan.

Ruby BIRD
http://www.portfolio.uspa24.com/
Yasmina BEDDOU
http://www.yasmina-beddou.uspa24.com/