A horrible crash primarily involving Scottish driver Allan McNish occurred in the opening hour of the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours. McNish tried to pass one of the slower cars, made contact and went hard into the barriers.
The video, with commentary in German, is dramatic. More surprising is that McNish emerged from his car unhurt.
Likewise, despite flying car parts, no one else on the track and just behind the barrier with a few feet of the wreck was hurt.
Here’s a recent biography McNish:
Born – Dumfries, Scotland, Dec. 29, 1969
Lives – Monte Carlo, Monaco
Status – Married to Kelly, one son Finlay and one daughter Charlotte
Height – 1.65m
Weight – 58kgs
McNish began racing since 11, started in karting. He progressed through junior formula, Formula 3, Formula 3000 en route to Sportscar racing, Le Mans 24 Hours and F1. He’s currently President of the Scottish Motor Racing Club.
Recent Career Highlights:
Twice Le Mans 24 Hours Winner; Three times Sebring 12 Hours Winner; Three times ALMS Champion; Four times Petit Le Mans Winner; 2011 — Podium Win (3rd) 1000Km of Spa; 2010 — Winner LMS 8 hours of Paul Ricard; Podium Win (3rd) 1000Km of Spa; Podium Win (3rd) Le Mans 24 Hours; Podium Win (3rd) Petit Le Mans; Podium Win (2nd) Zhuhai; Audi Driver Magazine Personality of the Year; Winner of the ACO Award presented by the BRDC
https://youtu.be/p2Nb0Ienv6k
Article Last Updated: June 12, 2011.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
