24h Le Mans
Endurance racing is much more than the story on the race track. Behind the garages at Le Mans, and behind the pit wall in Sebring, there is a world of activity related to keeping these racing cars supplied with fuel and fresh tires. Just as the race tracks are different, the rules and procedures relating to fuel and tire replenishment offer an interesting contrast between Le Mans and Sebring.
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Photo : Michel JAMIN - Michel JAMIN / ACO
For the 24 Heures of Le Mans, the authorized fuel arrives well before the fans and teams arrive. The appropriate fuel for each entry is loaded into specialized tanks that are located under the ground. There is a small tank supported above the pit lane, and it is from this small tank that the fuel flows into the car during a stop.
In Sebring, a similar tank is installed above pit lane for refueling the car in the pit box. The big difference is the activity after the car leaves the pit box. In Le Mans, the fuel is pumped from the storage tank underground to re-fill the pit lane tank. In Florida, the teams bring a rolling cart to the back of the pit wall and pump fuel from a drum to re-fill the tank, by hand in some cases. When this fuel cart is running low, the team tows the tank to the fuel pumps located in the paddock area.
Throughout the entire event in Sebring, there are scores of team members and fuel carts running back and forth through the paddock, dedicated to keeping these thirsty racing engines running strong.
The preparation of tires also offers an interesting contrast. In both locations, the tires are replaced by the tire manufacturer in the paddock area. Team members transport multiple sets of wheels away from the pit lane area with used tires and return with sets of clean wheels and fresh tires.
The big difference is the presence of tire warming ovens just behind the garage “box” at Le Mans. With these tire warming ovens, the rubber of the tire are warmed to near their operating temperature and pressure. The result is that the driver can exit pit lane and immediately expect maximum grip from the tires.
At Sebring and in the TUSC, tire warmers are not allowed and the tire temperature matches the outside air temperature when installed. Drivers leaving pit lane in Florida must be extremely careful to avoid a mistake, and gradually add pace over 2 – 3 laps before the tires have reached their normal operating temperature.
If many cars can enter both 24 Hours of Le Mans and 12 Hours of Sebring, teams can't mix regulations up!
Marjory Berkache and Cécile Bonardel / ACO
PHOTO: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, TUESDAY JUNE 18 2013, AUTOGRAPH SESSION.
INFORMATION
24 HOURS OF LE MANS - June 14/15 2014
Tickets - Entry List - Program
