24h Le Mans
Photo : Michel LEAGEAY - ACO/Nikon
Recognized as one of the leading specialists of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, François Hurel is the author of numerous books related to the event (Ferrari at Le Mans, Porsche at Le Mans, Le Mans Matra, etc.) and Editor in Chief Le Mans Racing magazine. That did not stop him putting down his pen to put on racing gloves to drive in the 24 Hours of Le Mans Karting 24 times since the inception of the race in 1986.
What motivated you to participate in the inaugural 24 Hours of Le Mans Karting in 1986?
François Hurel: When I started racing in karts in 1979, the event did not exist. The only existing 24 hour race took place at Brignoles in the Var. As Normandy seemed far away, expensive and complicated. And for the young driver I was, speed was the priority. As I was already passionate about the Le Mans 24 Hours, I dreamed that there would be a karting version of this race. So when it finally appeared on the calendar in 1986, participation was ensured, especially at 25 years old. This race prolonged my career in karting. More recently, reaching the milestone of 24 entries has helped me stay motivated.
What were the differences compared with today?
The circuit has not changed. It's a beautiful track, fast, varied and demanding, more like a car race track than a normal karting circuit. Only the edges of the track have changed. A few years ago, sonic curbs appeared, which changed the steering to the disadvantage of the fastest drivers and... drive shafts. This year, we have higher curbs that can't be ridden, which is a good thing. But the main difference is the lighting. Today, powerful spotlights turn night into day, which was not the case at the beginning! The first years, the corners were lit, but the beginning of the braking zones remained in semi-darkness. As the inside edge of the track came into view, we knew it was time to turn! It was a real challenge and it gave the night a spirit of adventure: I loved it! But we must remember that it was a bit dangerous with broken down karts coming unexpectedly into view at the last second. Today, it's safer ... but less fun.
What is your best memory?
No single outstanding memory, but many of them. My victory in 1989 of course, but when you have the chance to be in a top team, we welcomed the victory as something 'normal'. Building this Swiss German team two ago remains the most powerful moment. With no drive, on the eve of the race I toured the pits with my helmet. Fortune favours the brave, because I found myself enrolled in the best team at that time. At first it was all about a few times for testing, then perhaps one or two stints. In fact, they put me in the kart in the second hour of the race and did stints like the others. They were fighting for victory, but various problems relegated them to fourth place. I was living a dream ... and the victory of 1989 was the realization of this dream. I also have a lot of fun memories of 2006, with the team Arnage. After a shower, the start was on a wet track. I insisted on rain tyres, because I knew it would take time to dry. I started at the bottom of the pack, but after half an hour, I was second behind the only other driver in the wet tyres. My only merit was to have made the right choice, but it had to be done... After the track dried, the tables were turned, but what fun!
And the worst?
It must be the accident of Patrick Bouazis in 1994, which led to the premature end of the race in three hours from the finish. It's the only time in my career where I was confronted with the death of a colleague, a guy that I liked and admired because it was an excellent driver.
As a journalist, you must have a particular focus on young hopefuls?
During the race, you forget that you are a journalist. Other drivers are opponents, you must try to beat them, young or old. I have seen many young drivers, many very good ones, but in this context of competition, I was not willing to be intimidated. Still, Sebastien Bourdais was very young when he won, which was a sign of maturity. I sincerely hope he wins the "big" 24 Hours after the "small" ... it would be an honour for all karters..
What are the qualities of a good endurance Karting driver?
In karting as in cars, they are the same: a good physical and a mental state, team spirit, learning to go fast without using up the brakes, the tyres, the transmission, avoiding the curbs as much as possible avoid collisions, even losing a little time behind a slower driver, when to allow a faster kart to pass, know the right decision when faced with an unexpected event, especially as radio links are prohibited. To be knowledgable and experiencd is very useful ... as long as one remains fast enough.
You earn 24 entries, but you are not on the list of entrants this year. What will you do during the race?
Since I am old enough to consider the switch, I will be team manager of the Saint-Lô team, #100, with my friend Jacky Foulatier who is one of the drivers. It's an odd situation because everyone knows that Jacky, with only two entries behind me, could steal my record. But it is a bit early to say, so we'll see ... In any case, it proves that the rivalry does not preclude friendship. And I am very pleased to have this opportunity. After reaching the milestone of 24 entries, I wanted to take a break, but I do not see myself staying at home or being a spectator, because this race is a great human adventure and is part of my life.
The karting 24 Hours of Le Mans 2011 will be on 3rd and 4th of September on the 'circuit Alain Prost'.
Julien Hergault
Photo: Le Mans (Sarthe), Alain Prost circuit, RACE DRIVER AND JOURNALIST, Saturday, April 24, 2011. At the Test Day of the Le Mans 24 Hours, François Hurel (right) and Franck Mailleux with karting trophies.
