Rituals of Racing: The Pit Stop
Rothman’s pit stop, Porsche 962, Le Mans 1985
Before the Race, Le Mans
Working on the Joest racing Porsche 956.
Rituals of Racing: Taking Tire Temperature
When the car pulls into the pits the technicians immediately take the temperature across the surface of each tire. What seems like a simple gesture generates an enormous amount of data that can be used to determine critical suspension settings and choice of tire compounds.
Niki Lauda in Helmet
Every driver I spoke with said concentration was the most important skill in racing. Each had developed techniques to shut out all distractions, often describing it as a switch that was flipped in the mind. Frequently putting on the fireproof balaclava and helmet was the act that changed them into the focussed, single purpose racer. Repeatedly I saw the transformation taking place and in no one more clearly than Niki Lauda.
The Engine Explodes
The engine in Manfred Winklehock’s ATS explodes at the Austrian Grand Prix, 1983.
The First Lap, Monaco
At the Loew’s Harpin, Senna leads the first lap, 1985.
At the finish, Le Mans
Finally, after 24 hours of racing, just finishing is a triumph. Elation, exhaustion and pandemonium.
Rothmans Porsche 962 #3
As the hours progress the once pristine racecars wear physical evidence of the struggle.
poeticsofspeed 
You must be logged in to post a comment.