Jacky Ickx's 1969 Protest and Victory

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In 1969, Jacky Ickx made a bold statement at the Le Mans 24 Hours by protesting the traditional running start. Instead of sprinting to his car like the other drivers, Ickx walked calmly to his Ford GT40, emphasizing the safety risks associated with the procedure. This act was a response to past incidents, including the severe injury of his compatriot Willy Mairesse in 1968. Ickx's protest did not go unnoticed, and it led to changes in the starting procedure from 1970 onwards. Ickx's protest was followed by a remarkable victory in the race. Teamed with Jackie Oliver, he overcame a slow start to lead a thrilling battle against the Porsche 908 driven by Hans Herrmann and Gérard Larrousse. The race concluded with Ickx and Oliver winning by a narrow margin of just 120 meters. This victory marked Ford's fourth consecutive win at Le Mans and was a testament to Ickx's determination and skill as a driver. The event remains one of the most memorable in Le Mans history, both for Ickx's courageous protest and the nail-biting finish.