Derek Bell & The 917

[cegerer]

This month's EVO magazine includes a Letter-To-The-Editor from Derek Bell. He tells about his experience during the LeMans test weekend in 1971.

...... After a lengthy day, as I walked back to the racetruck with Norbert Singer, chief engineer on the 917, he asked me: 'How many RPM did you see on the Mulsanne?'

'8100', I replied.

'That's good because at 8200 the engine blows up!', he said.

As he walked away from me, he chuckled as he checked some figures on a slide rule.

'Why do you laugh?', I asked.

'I've just calculated your top speed', he said,

'What is that speed?'

'It is better you don't know.'

'If Jo Siffert and I have to do 24 hours in the car I think it only right that we know our speed.'

'OK, let me see .... allowing for tyre growth .... 396KMS --- that's 246 MPH!'

Needless to say we didn't last through the night.

[s2per]

Even more impressive when you consider that it was 32 years ago and there was no turrrbo on that car.

Considering aerodynamics and tire technology in those days, driving it must have been like juggling chainsaws and shotguns.

[APKhaos]

If we ever get around to having a Pelican Hall of Fame, you get my vote. The stuff you give us is spectacular - particularly the pics. Thanks!

BTW, did you see the TransAm race from Limerock on the weekend? Constant rain all weekend, rivers running across the track, and some nasty apex lakes to contend with. One Paul Newman wrestled his Corvette into a very impressive 5th place finish. His last professional race, at the equally impressive age of 78. Talented, and still carrying large stones.

[cegerer]

Yeah, I look forward to the Memorial Day Lime Rock races more than the Indy 500 these days! And here's Bell's 917 - the #17 in the background :

[RSupdate]

Memorable passage Curt.....Thanks!!!!!!


PS...put yr Rgrp # up....be proud!!!!

[Cornpanzer]

And THAT my friends is what made them the greatest racing car ever built!!!!!

[cegerer]

Here's the actual car Derek is talking about on test day (I think):



R Grp #225 (I think, gotta check that, John!)