1955 Le Mans Disaster: How Racing's Greatest Tragedy Changed the World

On June 11, 1955, Pierre Levegh's Mercedes-Benz 300SLR launched off the back of Lance Macklin's Austin Healey and into a crowd of spectators gathered for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Over 80 people were killed, with an additional 120 injured. It was a tragedy, and it was one that instantly transformed the racing world.  Today on "Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys," we're delving into the complex aftermath of this horrific event in order to better understand how the global racing world changed. To find out more about Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys:  https://linktr.ee/deadlypassionsterriblejoys  Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deadlypassionsterriblejoys Please give DPTJ's new sponsor, Homefield Apparel, a warm welcome by subscribing for updates and checking out all FOUR new motorsport-themed clothing launches this year. Don't forget to use code DPTJ15 for 15% off your first order! https://www.homefieldapparel.com/ Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Instagram: @elizablackstock Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Twitter/X: @eliz_blackstock Follow DPTJ on Instagram: @deadlypassionsterriblejoys Follow DPTJ on Twitter/X: @terriblejoy_pod Order Racing with Rich Energy: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/racing-with-rich-energy/  Follow Grand Prix Gastronomy: https://grandprixgastronomy.substack.com/  Grab some merch on Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/eablackstock/shop?asc=u  Episode Bibliography: Cars at Speed by Robert Daley,  Le Mans 100: A Century at the World's Greatest Endurance Race by Glen Smale https://www.newspapers.com/image/1007192672/?match=1&terms=%22le%20mans%22 https://www.newspapers.com/image/844754210/?match=1&terms=%22le%20mans%22 https://www.newspapers.com/image/784186964/?match=1&terms=%22le%20mans%22 https://www.newspapers.com/image/784183293/?match=1&terms=%22le%20mans%22 https://www.newspapers.com/image/789197818/?match=1&terms=%22le%20mans%22 https://www.newspapers.com/image/987448431/?match=1&terms=%22le%20mans%22 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian/40254005/ https://www.dailysportscar.com/2013/04/27/le-mans-1955-a-lawyers-view.html https://www.racingcircuits.info/europe/france/le-mans.html