Ref. Editor

The greatest endurance race in the world is the ultimate mix of high-speed action, drama and skill and the 1982 running of the Le Mans 24 Hours Race was no exception.

More than 50 thoroughbred racecars, including more than 30 in the new Group C category, set off for almost 3,000 miles of fascinating competition at the Circuit de la Sarthe, with speeds along the infamous Mulsanne straight topping 230mph.

Le Mans legends Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell once again led the Porsche attack, with the Belgian legend chasing a sixth Le Mans. After seeing off the challenge from the Rondeau machines, the race for victory became a straight fight between the three works Porsche 956s.

Alongside Bell and Ickx, the Stuttgart marque's drivers - Jochen Mass, Vern Schuppan, Hurley Haywood, Al Holbert and Jurgen Barth - would fill the podium positions. For the challengers it was a race of attrition, with just 18 of the starters crossing the finish line - and contending with the thousands of passionate fans who flooded onto the track even before the chequered flag fell.

The efforts of the American Cooke Racing team are closely followed in this review, which features interviews with lead driver Brian Redman and other team members.

This review of the 1982 Le Mans 24 Hour Race brings you the full, action-packed story, plus the colour and atmosphere which surrounds this amazing event.