Start Time?

[rcutler]

OK, I don't know the answer to this but:-

What was the reason for the original 1600 start time?

This is inlight of the possible change to 1500 now.

[Rhino]

Probably started after the Fench had finished lunch

[Smoky]

Well - according to The Le Mans 24-Hour Race 1949-1973, publ. 1974, in October 1922, Charles Faroux and Emile Coquille met with Georges Durand "to discuss a new form of motoring event based on endurance rather than speed, which was to demonstrate the reliability of the cars, and bring about essential improvements.  Electrical systems then left much to be desired and tyres were still far from robust.  Faroux proposed a race for touring cars - as catalogued - lasting 8 hours, 4 in daylight, 4 in darkness, whereupon Durand cried "Why not 24 Hours?" ".
Although that doesn't really answer your question, I suspect a 4 pm start allows for marshalls etc to meet and get into position in good daylight, and allows time for people to get home afterwards.  It gives a fair time in daylight and night.  The race is not always held close to the longest day - so this would give even time to day and night driving regardless of when held.

[termietermite]

Probably started after the Fench had finished lunch

Certainly the 3 o'clock start meant we missed a lot of the build-up this year because we were still eating!

[championaudi]

and apart from the topless carwash nr the expo it caused us a few anxious moments whether we were gunna see the start!!

[Leftie]

and apart from the topless carwash nr the expo it caused us a few anxious moments whether we were gunna see the start!!

Is it the 'Murdock' sysndrome?.  Over the lat 10 years, start times have changed....... French tennis,.....Football World Cup etc, etc.  Hey, This started before they invented those things.  Why should we change!

Regsrding the carwash, as posted earlier for a few euros they go topless.  So if they are there next year, my car will be topless as well!  Or perhaps I'm just a dirty old man and pervert1111

Trouble is, whatever the brain thinks, it does not think of body capabilities!!!!!

Jerry