1965 Le Mans race car drivers sprint to cars to start race - photos

[Jon]

1965 Le Mans race car drivers sprint to their cars to start a race, demonstrating a standing start or Le Mans-style start. This type of start is too dangerous to be used very often in serious racing anymore.

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This starting method inspired Porsche to locate the ignition key switch to the left of the steering wheel. In a left-hand drive car, this allowed the driver to use his left hand to start the engine, and his right hand to put the transmission into gear, which in turn shaves off a few tenths of a second.

Another method for speeding up the start was developed by Stirling Moss. His car was waiting with first gear already engaged. When he jumped in, he switched the starter on without depressing the clutch. The car was immediately jerked forward by the starter motor, but the engine did not start due to low RPM. After a few seconds of motion, he then pushed the clutch down, allowing the engine to speed up and start while the car was moving.

More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standing_start

Previously:

Drag racer switches motorcycles mid-race
Motorcyclist airbag activates in MotoGP race - GIF and patent
Parachute fails on drag racing car - GIF