24h Le Mans
An interview series dedicated to Jacky Ickx would prove sorely lacking without a word from none other than Henri Pescarolo. They both debuted at Le Mans the same year (in 1966), and their respective journeys owe a great deal of course to the 24 Hours but also to a relationship built at times on rivalry and others complicity.
In addition to a reserved disposition in sharp contrast to their ferocity on the track, Henri Pescarolo and Jacky Ickx have a bit more in common. They come from the same generation of drivers birthed during World War II: Pescarolo was born in occupied Paris on September 25, 1942. Ickx was born in Brussels on January 1, 1945 just as a decisive conflict was playing out in the Belgian Ardennes. Henri is the son of a doctor and dreamed of becoming a racing car champion, whereas Jacky, the son of a journalist and respected driver, showed no interest in motorsports...at least not initially.
For one as for the other, things turned serious in 1965. Pescarolo ran first with Lotus before moving on to Matra where an entire generation of French drivers flourished. After starting out on two wheels, Ickx was noticed by the Brit Ken Tyrrell, one of the most famous talent scouts of the 1960s and '70s. It was around that time their paths crossed as they shared the wheel of Matra single-seaters in Formula 2. In 1966, they both debuted at Le Mans, and so began the crisscrossing of fates that would immensely enrich the history of the 24 Hours for nearly three decades.
"We share a mutual admiration given that we started out at the same time," explains Henri Pescarolo. "Jacky is a very nice person even if at first he's not exactly easy. In any case, all drivers are self-centered, they only think of their careers and winning. But that's true for every top notch athlete. We definitely fought like brawlers for the win in 1973 (Henri Pescarolo with Matra, Jacky Ickx with Ferrari, Ed.), but with a lot of respect and mutual fondness. We shared a very deep bond even though it was not outwardly obvious. Jacky has become much warmer since retiring as a driver. These days when we see each other, we embrace wholeheartedly, which never happened back when he was active."
On the top step on the podium - Jacky Ickx won the 24 Hours six times (1969-'75-'77-'77-'81-'82), Henri Pescarolo won four times (1972-'73-'74-'84). Ickx held the win record from 1981 to 2005, and Pescarolo is the winningest French driver in the history of Le Mans (a record shared with Yannick Dalmas since 1999).
Two legendary triple victories - From 1972 to 1977, Henri Pescarolo and Jacky Ickx fully dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans of the 1970s, with two triple wins. Between 1972 and 1974, Pescarolo became the first French driver to win three consecutive 24 Hours. Ickx also won three times in a row that decade, between 1975 and 1977. In 1977, he matched his fellow countryman Olivier Gendebien as win record-holder.
Rendez-vous with Reinhold Joest - The most successful team owner at Le Mans (15 victories), Reinhold Joest achieved his best result as a driver at the 24 Hours (second in 1980) along with Jacky Ickx. Henri Pescarolo gave Joest his first win as a team owner in 1984 at the wheel of a Porsche 956 shared with German driver Klaus Ludwig.
On top with Porsche - Their history at Le Mans also involves long-standing loyalty to Porsche. In 15 participations, Jacky Ickx took the start 10 times at the wheel of a Porsche, Henri Pescarolo did so seven times, with an additional seven participations in Courage prototypes powered by Porsche.
Jaunts with Ferrari - Jacky Ickx and Henri Pescarolo also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the wheel of a Ferrari: Ickx in 1970 and 1973, Pescarolo in 1971.
To learn more about the Pescarolo-Ickx duel at the 1973 24 Hours of Le Mans and their short adventure as teammates with Porsche in 1977, click below on the third and fourth installments in this interview series with Jacky Ickx.
Click below for the previous installments in this interview series:
Jacky Ickx interview series (1) - The road to the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans
Jacky Ickx interview series (2) - 1969 and the walk to victory
Jacky Ickx interview series (3) - The Ferrari years
Jacky Ickx interview series (4) - 1977 and the (nearly) impossible win
Jacky Ickx interview series (5) - Teammates and team work
Jacky Ickx interview series (6) - Monsieur Le Mans...and Monsieur Le Mans!
Jacky Ickx interview series (7) - From Le Mans to Africa
PHOTO (Archives/ACO): At the 1977 24 Hours of Le Mans, Jacky Ickx and Henri Pescarolo reunited at the wheel of the #3 Porsche 936. Pictured with Ickx, it was forced to retire due to an engine problem at the beginning of the race with Pescarolo at the wheel.
