Le Mans 1955: An Idea I've Had.

[Pilgrim]

I've been discussing the 1955 tragedy over on another forum and something that came up was the apparent lack of a memorial at the circuit that really reflects the enormity of what happened on that dreadful day. As some folk may be aware, all that seems to exist to commemorate those killed and injured that day is a (rather small, in my opinion) plaque, on the pit wall if I remember rightly, and we were discussing whether it would be possible to arrange the production of something more substantial, while remaining tasteful obviously, such as a plinth or cairn with a memorial plaque on it.

I've also posted this up over at Beermountain, emailing the organising bods over at Radio Le Mans and dropping a line to the ACO as well to see what the possibilities and possible problems with such a memorial would be.

Fellow CA members, your thoughts, ideas and opinions?

[Lawnmower Man]

Well before they redeveloped the pit straight there used to be a small plaque on the wall dividing the Public from the track.

Obviously the ACO are mindful of the tragic event hence the new plaque on the pit wall.  However,  I suspect that the ACO would be reluctant to have anything more conspicuous.

Over the years 21 drivers have been killed in the Race plus a number of fatal accidents during testing and qualifying. 

I'm quite sure of the right words to use but obviously the 55 accident was the worst,  but all of the accidents are IMVHO equally tragic.  I really don't think anyone would like to see plaques dotted around the Circuit.

I remember a narrator in a Documentary about Le Mans saying the Officials never talk of events and one commentator that broke that rule was not invited back.

So I suspect that no additional memorial would be possible.

t.