The ” Le Mans Start” Since the first race in 1923, the standing start became a tradition in La Sarthe. Once the French flag dropped the drivers would have to sprint to their cars, strap themselves in or *not* and begin racing. To protest against safety concerns raised by organisers and drivers, Jacky Ickx walked to his car while other drivers sprinted across the start/finish straight. He took the time to do up his belts and manage to win the 1969 edition.
Ickx made his point.
