For most of us, motor racing is something we experience from the side of the track, looking on into the distance waiting for the cars to come by, then almost snapping your neck as you look the other way trying to keep them in view for as long as possible… Far fewer of us ever get the chance to race at the highest echelons, and those that do, are considered fortunate.
Sadly, it is a line of work with among the most dangerous in the world, and now it has taken its toll yet again, this time claiming the life 34 year-old Danish driver Allan Simonsen, who was involved in a crash close to the start of this year’s Le Mans 24H race (around 10 minutes in).
Having accumulated significant experience since his debut in 1999, including racing in Australia’s V8 Supecars series, he was now in his second year behind the wheel of an Aston Martin Vantage GTE.
The only footage we have of the crash itself is the dash-cam video from the car tailing Simonsen. It seems that his racer, bearing competition number 95, lost traction around Tetre Rouge, and veered to the left, going out of the frame. The next shots we have are of the immediate aftermath, just before track officials reached the car. Information says that he was still alive at the time, but once he was taken to the local medical center, doctors weren’t able to stabilize him.
Now, as a sign of respect, Aston Martin has blacked out its official site, greeting visitors with a white-on-black text reading:
“Le Mans, 22 June 2013: It is with great shock and sadness that the Aston Martin Racing Team confirms that an accident occurred shortly after the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans at around 15:09 hrs CET today (22 June) when the No 95 Vantage GTE driven by Allan Simonsen left the track at Tertre Rouge. Tragically, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services in attendance, Allan’s injuries proved fatal. Aston Martin Racing Managing Director, John Gaw, said: “On behalf of all of us at Aston Martin Racing, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the individuals, and families whose friends or loved ones were involved in today’s terrible tragedy.” Aston Martin Racing will not make any further comment until the precise circumstances of the accident have been determined. Next of kin have been informed. Following the ACO’s media statement concerning the tragic death of Aston Martin Racing driver Allan Simonsen, and at the specific request of his family, the team will continue to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in tribute to Allan.”
By Andrei Nedelea
VIDEO