How This Car Changed History, And Got BANNED

Summary

In June 1991, Mazda defied all odds at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, securing a historic victory with their 787B, the first Japanese team to do so. Despite facing skepticism and rule changes that threatened to disqualify their rotary engine, Mazda's underdog team, led by a former prisoner, a rookie, and a driver with a severe injury, persevered. Their revolutionary 787B, with its advanced four-rotor engine and carbon fiber monocoque, showcased remarkable reliability and efficiency. As the race unfolded, major competitors faltered, and Mazda, starting from a disadvantaged position, climbed to the lead, ultimately winning in a dramatic finish that captivated Japan and the racing world.

Takeaways

• 🏁 The script tells the story of Mazda's historic win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991 with the Mazda 787B.
• 🔧 Mazda's rotary engine, designed by Felix Wankel, was revolutionary but faced skepticism and lack of competitiveness in racing.
• 🚧 The 787B was a technological marvel with innovations like a full carbon fiber monocoque, aerodynamic design, and a continuously variable intake system.
• 💰 Mazda's underdog status was due to consistent failures and rule changes that favored other engines, but they persisted with the rotary engine.
• 🌐 The 1991 race was Mazda's last chance to prove the rotary engine's viability before it was to be outlawed by new racing regulations.
• 🏎️ The 787B's success was attributed to its efficiency and reliability, which were more critical in endurance racing than outright speed.
• 🤷‍♂️ The team behind the 787B included a diverse and unlikely group of drivers, including a former prisoner, a rookie, and a veteran with severe injuries.
• 📉 Despite starting in a disadvantaged position due to rule penalties, the Mazda 787B managed to climb through the ranks during the race.
• 🛑 Mercedes' mechanical issues and strategic errors allowed the Mazda 787B to take the lead and ultimately win the race.
• 🇯🇵 Mazda's victory was a significant moment for Japan, marking the first time a Japanese team won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
• 🎉 The story is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the underdog spirit that triumphed against the odds in one of the world's most grueling races.

Q & A

What significant event took place on June 24, 1991, involving Mazda?

On June 24, 1991, Mazda won the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race with their Mazda 787B, marking the first time a Japanese team won the prestigious event.

What was unique about the rotary engine designed by Felix Wankel?

The rotary engine, designed by Felix Wankel, was revolutionary due to its lightweight, simple, and compact design. It used a new way of exploding fuel, which was different from traditional reciprocating engines.

Why was Mazda's racing history prior to the 1991 Le Mans win considered unsuccessful?

Mazda's racing history was considered unsuccessful because they often did not finish races, struggled to be competitive, and faced mechanical failures. Their rotary engine, despite being innovative, did not bring them consistent success in racing.

What changes did Mazda make to their 787 model to create the 787B?

Mazda made several significant changes to the 787 model to create the 787B. They included a full carbon fiber monocoque, aerodynamically designed body, carbon brakes, and a revised four-rotor R26B engine with ceramic apex seals, three spark plugs per rotor, and a continuously variable intake system.

Why was the rotary engine facing potential obsolescence after the 1991 racing season?

The rotary engine was facing potential obsolescence due to upcoming rule changes by the FIA that favored standard 3.5-liter engines, similar to Formula One standards, which would effectively outlaw the unique and experimental rotary engine.

What was the strategy behind Mazda's approach to the 1991 Le Mans race?

Mazda's strategy focused on efficiency and reliability over pure speed for the 1991 Le Mans race. They detuned their engine to 700 horsepower to ensure reliability and trained their drivers to use the least amount of fuel while maintaining respectable lap times.

Who were the three drivers of the winning Mazda 787B team in the 1991 Le Mans race?

The three drivers of the winning Mazda 787B team were Bertrand Gachot from Belgium, Volker Strycek from Germany, and Johnny Herbert from the UK.

What challenges did Johnny Herbert face that made his participation in the race particularly remarkable?

Johnny Herbert had a horrific accident in 1988 that nearly severed one of his feet and severely damaged the other. Doctors told him his racing career was over, but he returned to racing in 1989 and was part of the winning team in the 1991 Le Mans race.

Why was the Mazda 787B initially given a lower starting position in the 1991 Le Mans race?

The Mazda 787B was given a lower starting position because it did not adhere to the new FIA rules that favored Formula One standards. As a result, it was placed behind the top 10 spots reserved for cars that followed the rules.

How did the underdog status of the Mazda team contribute to their victory in the 1991 Le Mans race?

The underdog status of the Mazda team allowed them to start with a lighter car due to less ballast, which was overlooked by the officials. This, combined with their focus on efficiency and reliability, enabled them to outlast and overtake the heavier, more powerful cars from Mercedes and Porsche.

What was the significance of Mazda's victory in the 1991 Le Mans race for Japan and the rotary engine?

Mazda's victory in the 1991 Le Mans race was significant as it was the first time a Japanese team won the event. It also served as a testament to the rotary engine's viability as a racing platform, despite being outlawed in the following years.