Born on 15 September 1944 in Ferté-Saint-Samson (France), Roger Dorchy has died at the age of 78. He took the start in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 13 times between 1974 and 1988, and achieved fame by reaching 407 kph (subsequently reduced to 405 kph) in the Mulsanne Straight at the wheel of a WM P88 Peugeot.

A Record That Will Never Be Equalled

On Saturday 11 June 1988, as the #51 WM P88 Peugeot found itself in the back of the field due to engine heating troubles, Dorchy's team asked if he would agree to attempt clocking the fastest in-race speed. He put the pedal to the metal exiting Tertre Rouge, his tachometer needle climbing steadily. Feel no resistance from the car, he carried on, trees and houses a complete blur as he whizzed by. After a few more seconds, it was already the end of the six kilometre stretch and the car decelerated to take on the Mulsanne Corner. Dorchy returned to pit lane after that extremely brief stint, passing the wheel to a teammate. Still focused on the laps he'd just completed, he was stunned by the applause resonating in the garage as a mechanic told him he had just set a new speed record in the legendary Mulsanne Straight. Dorchy topped the headlines after the race. His courageous feat forever engraved his name in the 24 Hours of Le Mans hall of fame. With two chicanes installed at that section of the circuit in 1990, his record will never be beaten.

Dorchy also competed at the race in a Porsche Carrera between 1974 and 1976, then remained loyal to WM through his final 24 Hours in 1988. He experienced the joy of the podium by finishing third in the C2 class in 1986. But, he was definitely proudest of his speed record!

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest extends its sincerest condolences to Roger Dorchy's family and loved ones.

PHOTO (Copyright - Christian Vignon/ACO)