Passion for motorsports is often contagious within a family. Here are some of the drivers participating in the 2017 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans whose track records, family histories and experiences at Le Mans are linked.

James Rossiter, driver of the #4 Enso-CLM, is the son of Jeremy Rossiter seen at qualifying in 1984 with a Tiga, but he was forced to withdraw from the race.

Sebastien Buemi, driver of the #7 Toyota, is the grandson of Georges Gachnang seen in 1960 with an AC Bristol, and the first cousin of Natacha Gachnang seen in 2010 with a Ford GT and in 2013 with a Morgan.

Kazuki Nakajima, driver of the #7 Toyota, is the son of Satoru seen in 1985 and 1986 with a Toyota.

Nelson Piquet, Jr., driver of the #13 Oreca, is the son of three-time F1 world champion Nelson Piquet seen at Le Mans in 1996 and 1997 with a McLaren.

Paul Lafargue is the son of Patrice seen in 2011 with an Oak Pescarolo. This year they are sharing the wheel of the #17 Ligier.

Guillermo "Memo" Rojas, driver of the #22 Oreca, is the son of Guillermo "Memo" Rojas, Sr. seen in 1974 with a Porsche Carrera RSR.

Roberto Gonzales, driver of the #25 Oreca, is the brother of Ricardo seen four times between 2012 and 2016 with a Zytek, Morgan and Ligier and LMP2 winner with a Morgan in 2013.

Alex Lynn, driver of the #26 Ligier, is the son of Shaun seen in 2011 with a Ferrari and several times at the Le Mans Classic.

Julien Canal, driver of the #31 Oreca, is the son of Francis Canal seen in 1974 with a Mazda RX3 (failed to qualify).

Pierre Nicolet is the son of Jacques Nicolet seen eight times between 2007 and 2015 with a Courage, Pescarolo, Morgan and Ligier. They will share the wheel of the #33 Ligier this year.

Ricky Taylor, driver of the #43 Riley, and Jordan Taylor, driver of the #63 Corvette, are the sons of Wayne Taylor seen 13 time at Le Mans between 1987 and 2002 with a Porsche, Spice, Nissan, Ferrari, BRM, Riley & Scott and Cadillac.

Matthew McMurry, driver of the #45 Ligier, is the son of Chris McMurry seen in 2003 with a Pilbeam and in 2008 with a Creation.

Christina Nielsen, driver of the #65 Ferrari, is the daughter of Lars-Erik Nielsen seen five times between 2004 and 2008 with a Porsche and Ferrari.

Dries Vanthoor, driver of the #84 Ferrari, is the younger brother of Laurens seen in 2015 and 2016 with a Ligier.

Nicki Thiim, driver of the #95 Aston Martin, is the son of Kurt Thiim seen in 1991 with a Sauber Mercedes.

 

PHOTO: Sebastien Buemi, driver of the #7 Toyota, is the grandson of Georges Gachnang (participation in 1960) and the first cousin of Natacha Gachnang (participation in 2010).