Le Mans Le Sprint Sport Socks

The iconic "Le Mans" start, where drivers ran across the track to their cars, was a tradition from the first race in 1923 until 1969. Cars were lined diagonally across the track; at the signal, drivers ran to their cockpits, buckled up (often improperly), started the engine, and drove off. 

This start was abolished for safety reasons after the 1969 race, as drivers often sped away without securing their seatbelts, leading to fatalities.

Driver Jacky Ickx protested the danger in 1969 by walking to his car. Since 1971, the race has used the safer "Indianapolis start" (rolling start), though the traditional footrace is re-enacted at historic events like the Le Mans Classic.