This here story is about that big car race, the NASCAR Le Mans, way back in the 70s. I heard tell of it, and it was somethin’ else. Them cars, they was fast, like a greased piglet at the county fair. And loud? Lord have mercy, they was louder than a bunch of roosters fightin’ in a tin bucket.
Back in them days, in 1970, it was the 38th one of them Grand Prix of Endurance races. Fancy name for a bunch of cars goin’ round and round, ain’t it? But folks sure did love it. They say only seven cars finished that year, out of 51 that started. Can you imagine that? It is like bakin’ 51 pies and only havin’ seven left that ain’t burnt to a crisp! That’s a lot of busted cars, I tell ya. And the race back then, I hear, it was a real test, like tryin’ to thread a needle with boxing gloves on.
Them drivers, they was brave as all get out. I heard there was this one fella, a real veteran, named Hans somethin’. He won that year with another fella, Dickie, I think they called him. That Hans fella, he’d been in that Le Mans race 13 times! And the year before, he almost won, lost by a hair, like a cat escapin’ a bath. So, winnin’ must have been sweeter than a peach pie on a summer day for him.
These cars, they ain’t like the ones you see putterin’ around here. These are special, built for speed. One of them, the 917/30, they say it was the most powerful thing on four wheels. It’s engine, why, it was bigger than a washtub, and it could roar like a bear with its tail caught in a trap. This car, it was the king of the hill in 1973, won everything, like a gambler on a hot streak.
- Them cars was fast.
- Them cars was loud.
- Only seven cars finished the race in 1970.
- The 917/30 was a powerful car.
- NASCAR was started by a fella named Bill France.
Now, this fella named Bill France, he’s the one who started this whole NASCAR thing, way back in 1948. That’s a long time ago, even for an old bird like me. He was an American, but his name was France, kinda funny, ain’t it? He always wanted to bring his NASCAR to that Le Mans place, and he finally did. It is a big thing. All them country roads near that Le Mans are like, well, a big raceway! They sure love their cars there, don’t they? And Bill, he must have been prouder than a peacock to see his dream come true.
They say winnin’ at Le Mans is like tastin’ victory. It’s a mix of hard work, like hoein’ a field all day, dreams, like wishin’ on a shooting star, and feelin’s, like a mama bird watchin’ her babies fly. I reckon it’s somethin’ special, somethin’ you don’t forget. It is a big event, that’s for sure. A bunch of drivers, 11 of ’em, they had won that Le Mans race 24 times between ’em. That’s a lot of winnin’, like findin’ a four-leaf clover every day of the week.
And they had this special place, called Garage 56, where they tried new things. It is like a kitchen where you experiment with new recipes, except with cars. And you know what? For lots of folks who love them races, this NASCAR Le Mans thing in the 70s, it was somethin’ special. Like a quilt made with love, each patch a memory. They was lookin’ for somethin’ special there, and I reckon they found it.
One year, in 1969, three drivers went there just to look around, to see what it was all about. It’s like goin’ to the fair before it opens, just to get a feel for it. They must have liked what they saw, ’cause they came back to race. It takes hard work, and dreams, and a whole lot of heart to win at Le Mans.
This NASCAR Le Mans thing in the 70s, it was a big deal. It was like a big family get-together, everyone excited and cheerin’. It was a time when them cars roared, and them drivers pushed themselves to the limit. It was a time of speed, and thrills, and a whole lot of memories. And for those who was there, or even those who just heard about it, like me, it’s a story that sticks with ya, like burrs on a wool sock. It’s a story about fast cars, brave drivers, and the thrill of the race. And that, my friends, is somethin’ worth rememberin’.
NASCAR, Le Mans, 70s, fast cars, race, drivers, victory, Bill France, that’s what it’s all about. Like a good stew, it’s got a little bit of everything, and it’s sure to fill ya up. Them old days, they was somethin’, weren’t they? Full of excitement, like a barn dance on a Saturday night. I hope you enjoyed this little story about the big race. It sure was somethin’ to hear about.
