Deadliest Crash

Deadliest Crash is a three years in the making documentary looking at the tragic events of the 1955 Le Mans Disaster – the worst crash in motor racing history. The disaster is looked at using a variety of techniques including eye witness testimony and interview, images, cinefilm from the day and a computer generated re-enactment of the final moments leading up to – and just after – the fateful crash of Pierre Levegh.

The DVD begins by looking at how the 1955 Le Mans race was building up – the post war boom, the rise of Mercedes following the bombing of the factory and of course the ever present Jaguar with their D type racer. It also provides some in depth insight by some of the drivers involved, such as the former race car driver John Fitch (who has gone on to save many lives with his Fitch Barrier).

The film goes on to tell the tale of the competing drivers, Mike Hawthorn and Juan Manuel Fangio. Both excellent race car drivers in their time neither would willingly accept defeat to the other, despite Hawthorn the disadvantage of a less experienced co-driver (Le Mans back then was a 1 car, 2 driver setup for the full 24 hours of the race).

Perhaps the most striking part of the entire film is the eye witness accounts of what actually happened in, and during the moments of the crash. I will warn you that some of you may find it upsetting to hear of how the 80-120 people lost their lives (there isn’t an official death toll reported apparently) – Pierre Levegh’s car that was launched into the air landed directly into the crowd and grandstand. More than 200 more were injured.

The range of techniques used to tell the story of the 1955 Le Mans disaster in the film are all excellent – the home footage in particular and cinefilm really gave a flavour of the day. The excitement of the crowd prior to the incident is almost palpable and harks back to simpler days where 300,000 strong spectators would gather in the festival like atmosphere to enjoy themselves.

Ultimately, the story is revealed with great care in the film – it really demonstrates what happened on June 11th, 1955 at 6.26pm. The tale is a tragic one, but it changed motorsport forever, improving it by making it safer for both drivers and spectators alike. As noted in the film, there is no official memorial or remembrance for those lost in the disaster (though I personally feel strongly that there should be).

I’d more than recommend this DVD as it shows a piece of motorsport history from the perspective of those most deeply affected. Whilst some parts are difficult to watch, it is an extremely intelligent re-telling of a moment in history that forever changed the world of motorsport and had a massive impact on those who were there.

You can buy Deadliest Crash here.

Ford Fiesta

There’s a reason why Ford has sold more than 100,000 Fiestas in 2009. Simply put, the Ford Fiesta has been a staple on British roads for as long as I can remember (actually going back to 1976 would you believe) but the new sixth generation car is great. It has it all – a range of engines depending on what you’re after, excellent dynamics, class leading space… I could go on!

Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of the new Ford Fiesta is the wonderful exterior design – it is purposeful, approachable and brilliantly proportioned. It shows buyers that whether you’re a man or a woman, you can own this car secure in the knowledge that it’s a very sound investment indeed.

Would I have one? Oh of course, it would be quite nice to have a new Fiesta on my drive – it’s just a shame that there isn’t a hot version available yet. Still, there’s always the Mountune version…