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Friday was the official start of Le Mans week as Scrutineering began. The event is essentially technical inspection, but it is much more than that. Scrutineering is a two day celebration of the cars, drivers, and teams entered in the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is unlike any racing related event I have ever seen. I loved it.

In a nutshell, it works this way.

The team rolls the car down a barricaded lane to the first if two inspection tents. Each tent has a set of tasks to run through. The car is out on a lift in the first tent. While the car goes through its paces for the technical staff, the drivers appear on a stage for a panel interview. Multicar teams have both sets of drivers together on stage.

When the car is approved, it moves to a large open area for photos of the drivers and crew. Sometimes an entire team’s cars pose as a group. This can take some time. When the photm session concludes, the crew rolls the car arouns the other side of the complex set up on a town square, The Place de Republique. The drivers follow, stopping to sign autographs and take selfies with fans. This takes a while. I did not see one driver refuse any fan. Speaking of fans, there were a lot of them.

If someone had not found a place by the barricade very early, they were out of luck for a prime viewing spot. Is a fan was waiting for someone to leave for a snack or a break, they would be disappointed. Some people stood in the same spot all day.

The race organizers have set up some viewing stands for people to watch from, one by the stage, and the other by the after phot area.

I loved this because it gave each entire team recognition. At most races only the podium finishers and the pole sitter, if different, get any time. Here every car and team member was honored just for being a part of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

I wonder if IMS could something like this for the Indianapolis 500. It wouldn’t need to be on this scale. Scrutineering is such a huge PR boost for each team. They get video to take to sponsors, they get incredible live exposure, and the fan interaction is invaluable.

See more photos on The Pit Window Facebook.page.

Greetings from Le Mans. After a long day of riding the rails, I finally arrived in the city made famous by a race. Le Mans is a fascinating town, which was established by the Romans, although the civilization here predates them.

The plane ride from JFK was smooth. If you come here, paying a little more for Premium economy is well worth it for your comfort.

Charles de Gaulle airport is one of the most beautiful airports I have ever seen. Everything is pristine and locations are well marked. The rail system here is very efficient. The trains run on time, and it is easy to get wherever you need to go.

The train station at Montparnasse is also a work of art. It is an upscale four level shopping mall with trains. Like Charles de Gaulle, it was clean and well maintained

The high speed train to L.e Mans was amazing. It was clean and quiet. I got some glimpses of the French countryside along the hour long trip.

Le Mans embraces the 24 hour race as few cities embrace their races. It is apparent from the moment you step off the train. Even the McDonald’s is decked out in che3ckered flags. I went to the Place de Republique last evening to find the area where scrutineering begins today. It is in one of the older areas of town, full of bars and restaurants. I am going back this morning.

Getting used to the six hour time difference is difficult. I am writing this at what is 2:39 am Eastern time in the US. I will try to publish posts at around 6 am Eastern but search your overnight social media for any ramblings I must put out as I write. I may also post at what would be mid to late afternoon.

Juncos vs. McLaren

I can’t leave town for one second before more Indycar drama brews. The incident involving Agustin Canapino. Nuncios Hollinger, and Theo Pourchaire and McLaren is beyond mind boggling. Juncos has always had a problem dealing with the rabid Argentine fans.

Last year they posted very mild statements when these same fans threatened their own driver Callum Ilott after a couple of on track skirmishes with Canapino. But death threats and they don’t say much/ The team relied on a strong statement from McLaren.

For their driver, Canapino, to like posts containing death threats, then deny them is the pinnacle of unprofessionalism. I hope Indycar talks to Ricardo Juncos about this matter. It is unacceptable for a team to so casually brush this kind of fandom aside.

I understand that McLaren has severed their partnership with Juncos Hollinger Racing. Good for them. It is best that they distance themselves. Wouldn’t it be ironic if Mclaren ends up signing Callum Ilott for 2025 after all? I always thought that Ilott driving for McLaren was the point of the alliance.

A nearly four hour green flag running period ended when 2023 500 winner had a major crash in turn 4. Ericsson put his wheels below the pavement and began to spin in the middle of the turn. The left side hit the outside wall, then the car slid nose first into the inside wall in the pit entry lane.. The car slid an dhit the pit attenuator very hard.

There had been no issues since the cars returned to the track following the cleanup of Linus Lundqvist’s crash around 11:30 this morning.

Ericsson got out of the car on his own power and went to the medical center, Track activity stopped for nearly 37 minutes.

The track went green for just two minutes before a red flag waved for rain.

There has been no change in the top speeds since this morning.

The Andretti and Meyer Shank teams had a long run of drafting practice mid afternoon.

Ericsson’s car in the garage.

I’ll be back with a full day wrap up later. We may be done for the day.

Stay tuned for the greatest spectacle in raining.