24h Le Mans
As we count down to the race next Saturday, we'll be taking a look back at what happened at the Le Mans 24 Hours in the past. Starting today with 1925. This was the third running of the race and the revenge match between the 1923 winners, Chenard and Walcker, and Bentley, victorious in 1924. In the end, neither of them would win the race
General information
Date: 20 and 21 June 1925
Weather: warm sunshine
Number of starters: 49
Number of abandons: 33
Key facts:
In 1925, 49 cars lined up on the starting grid, including Bentley (with 1924's winning pair, Duff and Clement), Chenard & Walcker (the 1923 victors), Lorraine, Austin, Sunbeam, Chrysler, Diatto and OM.
John Duff (Bentley) got off to a fine start. However, the British cars were soon hit by mechanical glitches (fuel line issues and an empty tank). The Chenard & Walcker took the lead but later encountered problems of its own. This is when the two Lorraine Dietrich launched their attack. They went out in front and managed to stay there until the end of the race.
Key figures:
The 1st Le Mans-style start, and a requirement for cars to start the race with the soft-top in place and keep it there the first 20 laps.
1st American team to take part, Chrysler
1st victory for a 6-cylinder engine
1st fatal accidents: André Guilbert in the practice sessions and Marius Mestivier during the race.
The race organisers and pits were set up on the Mulsanne Straight, following a disagreement with the owner of the land at the usual location of the pit straight.
The winners:
Overall: Lorraine Dietrich B3-6 driven by G. de Courcelles and A. Rossignol, 2,233.982 km covered at an average speed of 93.082 km/h.
Gap between 1st and 2nd place: 73.362 km
Best race lap time: 9:10 for A. Lagache in the Chenard & Walcker
"Index of Performance" prize: Chenard & Walcker Tank driven by Raymond Glaszmann and Manso de Zuniga.
Triennial Cup winner: Chenard & Walcker driven by R. Senéchal and A. Loqueneux
Biennial Cup winner: Chenard & Walcker Tank driven by R. Glaszmann and M. de Zuniga.
David Bristol/ACO Translated into English by Clair Pickworth
Based on some very valuable information provided by the association Infos-Course
Photo ACO (c)
Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS. The Lorraine Dietrich, winner of the 1925 24 Hours of Le Mans.
