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In a message dated 3/22/00 9:47:20 PM Eastern Standard Time, JWoesvra@aol.com
writes:
>>> The trick is for all of the cars in a group to avoid hitting anyone
else.<<<
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
It's not the cars in a group that need to understand the 'trick'....it's the
drivers!
As for Le Mans 1955...it was a wake up call for all motorsports.
While the speed differential was a factor contributing to the accident, the
closing speed of Levegh's Mercedes 300 on Macklin's Healey 100S would not
have been as critical .. .if the track in front of the pits had been wide
enough to allow for two contemporary cars to race abreast. Le Mans 1955 was
unsafe for drivers, crew and spectators! Mandatory changes were made
for1956....a widened track, redirected access to the pits... and spectators
were moved back from the circuit. Levegh's age, (50) driving ability and
physical stamina will always be questioned and argued as to whether they
contributed to the accident. Poor Pierre Levegh.
But the long history of Le Mans and Sebring are great examples of how the
'speed differential' can truly be compatible with all the participants...
big, medium and small. It's a matter of 'driving with a style'.
The 'trick" is for vintage drivers to focus on what a particular club/event ph
ilosophy is about....and even more importantly....who/what the drivers will
be actually racing against in their groups. I always felt that the host
organization/club needs to spend a few more minutes to make that loud and
clear at the initial mandatory driver's meeting.
For example: Those of us who race early original 1950s cars.. have skinny
4.5" wheels/Dunlop tires with drum brakes, and often compete against1960-70s
cars with wider racing wheels/tires, disc brakes and 100 more hp. All we
ask.. are for the competitors to be more aware when passing and braking hard
at the hairpins, or in the esses. These are some other differentials that
also count!
I might that hand communication and driving the rearview mirror aren't bad
accessories to use either.
Lee Raskin
Arnolt-Bristol and 356er
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From: JWoesvra@aol.com
Message-ID: <ad.1ab463a.260adb68@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2000 21:28:56 EST
Subject: Re: Speed Differentials
To: derek.lola@sympatico.ca
CC: vintage-race@autox.team.net
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Reply-To: JWoesvra@aol.com
In a message dated 3/22/00 8:00:07 PM Eastern Standard Time,
derek.lola@sympatico.ca writes:
<< JWoesvra@aol.com wrote:
> The trick is for all of the cars in a group to avoid hitting anyone else.
Geez - that's a good idea. Was it original?
Derek >>
I think so. The way so many racers throw red herrings about as to what is
wrong with vintage racing, and what causes people to to wreck each other, it
is amazing how the obvious is sometimes passed over.
jw
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