Video: McLaren at LeMans: The Pursuit of Perfection

Thanks for posting this!

In 1997, I saw the McLaren GTR cars racing at Laguna Seca, along with the Mercedes CLK GTR, Porsche GT1, etc in what was a very memorable racing event for me. My friend and I drove our rental car from L.A. to Monterey, starting at midnight, and getting there in pretty good time to catch some sleep in a parking lot near the track for an hour or two before the gates opened early in the morning. The race (and the entire day) was very surreal and special. We walked through the paddock, standing just a few feet away from these cars in awe and excitement. During the race, I remember two very distinct things about the McLaren and the Mercedes cars. The McLaren's had a very buzzy, higher pitch, engine note while the Mercedes were extremely refined, "synthetic" and nearly silent in comparison. In the end, it was the Merc that took the win with two Porsches taking second and third. Despite not taking a win, the McLaren's were just too drop dead gorgeous for us to care about a loss. In fact, each and every one of the GT cars was beautiful in their own design but the McLaren was the standout beauty. The Davidoff cars in Gulf livery and the Fina GTR were just top notch.

 

Here's an example of the loud and raucous sound that the McLaren surprised me with. You could hear the car from the far end of the track and you knew it was the McLaren. Very distinct.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1KmxJ6Daic

 

Too cool! How funny, I still have my orange passes as well and the autographed blue mercedes flag they were handing out that day. My thoughts exactly about why I was so excited to be there and the impression it left on me. Locally, that was the creme de la creme for us GT fans. Unfortunately I couldn't go in 98 too but I was more than happy to see that first event. Thanks for the photos too. It was sensory overload and I can still remember that feeling of excitement.

 

Wow what an incredible car, video's and stories, thanks.

tex

 

Thanks for pointing these videos out - were really great to see.

Always loved this shot...
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Very cool! Thanks for sharing!