The story revolves around the Mercedes CLR, a prototype racing car designed for the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car's design had a flaw that caused it to become airborne at high speeds, resulting in a series of crashes, including three major accidents during the 1999 Le Mans event. Despite efforts to modify the car and improve its stability, the Mercedes team was unable to resolve the issue, and the car's performance was marred by a series of failures.
The story begins with the description of a Porsche prototype car that experienced a similar issue during a racing event in 1998. The narrator then shifts focus to the Mercedes CLR, which was designed to compete in the 1999 Le Mans event. The car's design had a long front overhang, which caused it to become unstable at high speeds.
During the qualifying rounds, the Mercedes CLR experienced several issues, including a broken suspension arm and a lack of speed on the straights. Despite these problems, the team was determined to participate in the event.
However, during the actual race, the Mercedes CLR was involved in three major accidents, including two incidents where the car became airborne and crashed. The driver, Mark Webber, was fortunate to escape without serious injury, but the accidents were severe enough to raise concerns about the safety of the car.
Despite efforts to modify the car and improve its stability, the Mercedes team was unable to resolve the issue, and the car's performance was marred by a series of failures. The team ultimately withdrew from the event, and the Mercedes CLR was retired from competition.
The story concludes with a discussion of the changes that were made to the racing regulations and the track layout in response to the accidents involving the Mercedes CLR. The narrator also notes that the Mercedes team withdrew from endurance racing and has not returned to the sport since.
1. The text is about a Mercedes car that participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans marathon in 1999.
2. The car was designed with a long front overhang, which would later prove to be a fatal flaw.
3. The car's rear suspension was too soft, which caused it to sway like a lowrider on the track.
4. During night qualifying on Thursday, the Mercedes car took off from the ground and made three flips in the air.
5. The driver, Mark Webber, was not injured and was able to get out of the car.
6. Despite the accident, the team decided to continue racing with the car.
7. The car's downforce was increased by installing a pair of small wings in front, which were supposed to take the nose to the ground.
8. The team advised the driver not to approach other cars on the track to avoid getting into their slipstream.
9. During the race, another Mercedes car took off and crashed into a tree.
10. The driver, Peter Dumbreck, was not injured.
11. The team withdrew from the race, and Mercedes left endurance racing.
12. The accident led to changes in the technical requirements for prototypes and the route of the 24 Hours of Le Mans marathon.