It's almost an impossible question. It's something so hard to quantify. It's more than a race. It's more than an event in itself. Yes, there are the physical qualities, the noise, the spectacle, the cars, the friendships, but it runs much much deeper. And it's on so many levels too. How many times in moments of trouble or dissapointment have we thought 'oh well, there's always Le Mans'. It's a beacon that draws us near, gives comfort and as it draws nearer it gives your heart a little skip when you think about it.
I have never been religious or spiritualistic in any way. But now I can empathise with those who do follow a faith or belief. And see how it's with you in whatever you do. I found it hard to understand how someone could believe in some bloke with a beard on a cloud who made everything in a week, but to them no doubt they see our religion as just a motor race.
So what is it that makes it special? I don't know for sure. There is definitely something in the air down there. A life force that crackles the air, an undefinable magic, drug like in its intensity. You feel it more in the early hours in the older parts of the circuit. Is it the history? The sense of occasion, the triumphs, the tragedy, the joy of seeing another fellow man become immortal at 3pm on a Sunday? Could there be a certain leaching out of all the emotion of the millions of pilgrims that have followed the calling year after year? I'm sure we have all been to somewhere where something bad happened- a battle field for example. You feel a certain sadness as if those poor souls left something behind- you feel the sorrow. Le Mans is different, it's the polar opposite. So many people, so much passion, so much joy, over so many years. Surely the very fabric of the place has fed on such magic and absorbed it. Is this what we feel? Is it this force that we cannot see, hear, touch or smell that draws us in?
Maybe if we understand what it is that draws us back, some of that magic would be lost?
Looks like a few short words are impossible. I think the best way we can demonstrate why we go back, is to take someone who has never been and climb up that banking beside Maison Blanche on Wednesday evening during qualifying just as dusk starts to fall, take a look at their face and remember your first time. Only then will you know why.
But do warn them before you leave home. It's going to be a big commitment. After all you never go to Le Mans once.
Si
