lemans

Car Chat Podcast #67 - Sam Hancock | Racing Driver / Coach / Commentator

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Sam Hancock (@hancock_sam) is a Professional Racing driver, coach, consultant and commentator. Sam has just got back from commentating at Le Mans for Eurosport so we have a bit of a dig into what's been going on and a bit about Sam. This is a long one so might be worth getting a brew on.

https://www.samhancock.com/

Audio Podcast:

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Show Notes: 

0:00 = Intro and what do you do? 
2:30 = Commentating at Le Mans 24hrs
9:13 = Toyotas leaving under electric power 
12:23 = GT Car Sounds
15:00 = The new hyperpole format
18:15 = The end of the LMP1 era
19:40 = The problem with the 919 Tribute
26:59 = Track limits at Le Mans 2020
28:38 = Stand out moments of LM 24 '20
39:40 = Hypercars at Le Mans
50:14 = BOP
58:39 = Ferrari F8
1:04:54 = 250 SWB and old cars vs new
1:10:16 = Dallara Stradale
1:12:52 = What is your typical customer like? 
1:16:02 = Setting up a racecar
1:22:29 = Testing at Silverstone + Ollie Hancock
1:27:05 = Different coaching styles
1:40:46 = Rob Willson - gentle, firm
1:48:25 = How seriously are you taking your racing atm (me)
1:52:20 = Don't be afraid of faster racing cars 
1:58:27 = Road to Le Mans coaching programs
2:04:57 = The difference an amateur can make at Le Mans
2:06:36 = Fake silvers and the rating system
2:11:08 = 5 Questions

Le Mans With McLaren - The Race Action

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Awesomely we were allowed in the pit lane and on the grid before the race..apparently they let everyone else in as well..

This was my first visit to an endurance race and it was really nice once the race had started to know that you had a whole 24hours. This means that you don't have to rush anywhere or fret too much about missing anything. I didn't have track access so was a bit limited on where I could photograph from but as this was more of a social occasion I was pretty happy to sit down with many a glass of champagne and watch the action. I whole heartedly recommend Le Mans to any car fan, the variety of cars and engine sounds (proper engine sounds not the poncy F1 noises you get these days) really amplify the atmosphere. Here are some race photos:

During the race McLaren put on a bit of entertainment so along with interviews with some of the Le Mans winning drivers we had Gordon Murray and Jeff Hazell telling us about the car.

CEO Mike Flewitt

CEO Mike Flewitt

JJ Lehto and Masanori Sekiya telling amusing stories about winning Le Mans in the F1 GTR

JJ Lehto and Masanori Sekiya telling amusing stories about winning Le Mans in the F1 GTR

Chris Lawton interviewing Gordon Murray and Jeff Hazell about the McLaren F1

Chris Lawton interviewing Gordon Murray and Jeff Hazell about the McLaren F1

Oh yeah, and Porsche WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woop woop (Sorry McLaren but you need to enter a car to win so i'll back you guys next time)

Le Mans With McLaren - A Lap Of The Track

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In order to celebrate 20 years since winning Le Mans with the F1 GTR McLaren did a parade lap before the start of the race with a selection of F1 GTRs, P1s and 650s (including the new Le Mans edition..roof scoop yo) being followed finally by some 12Cs. I have to say this really was one of the best things I've ever done. Sitting in a P1 behind an F1 GTR Longtail (driven by JJ Lehto) about to do a slow cruise around the Le Mans track really got the blood pumping. In the prior briefing there were a few safety tips and guidelines to keep everyone safe and all the cars in one piece. Firstly, no overtaking. The impression I had been given was that we were going to go for a very sedate drive around the track in a line. Apparently race drivers have very selective hearing because after a few slow corners past the crowds the pace started to increase at an exponential rate until i found myself doing 180mph down the Mulsanne straight behind some screaming GTRs! This I will never forget.. Below i've linked my snapchat which has a bit of video of the lap.

Uploaded by sammooresphoto on 2015-10-30.