A Very Merry Race

In 1953 two British drivers, Tony Rolt and Duncan Hamilton took part in the 24 Hours of Le Man's race which was an endurance event for sports cars. I don't know anything about motor racing, but I found this story amusing so I thought I'd write about it here.

The British pair were representing Jaguar but were disqualified after their practice runs because their car had the same number as another car on the circuit which was an infringement. The pair went to a bar to drown their sorrows, while their manager went to argue their case. He was successful and the race officials reinstated the team. However, by this point both of the drivers were completely pissed.

Rolt and Duncan got suited up and began to race. At each pit stop the crew plyed the pair with coffee, but at the eleventh Rolt complained that all the caffeine was making his hands shake; instead they started giving him brandy to stop the shaking.

Amazingly they manage to win the race. Rolt denies the whole story, but, well, he would.