The Night Before Le Mans (in Box 56)
‘Twas the night before Le Mans, and all through the chateau
... Not an engine was roaring, I dreamt of a Rondeau.
The helmets were hung in the garage with care,
Crews hoping speed and reliability both would be there.
The drivers were restless for what lay ahead,
While visions of champagne danced in their heads.
My thoughts were of Pescarolo, Bell and Capello,
Porsche and Matra, red cars from Maranello.
Mulsanne and Arnage, Jaguar and Ford;
Bentley and Lola, a fast Lizard for Jorg.
Holbert and Herrmann… legends of the past;
Audi is favored, but the Toyotas are fast.
When out on the track there arose such a sound,
I sprang from the bed to see what was around.
What could be running, this time of night?
Or am I imagining tomorrow’s epic fight?
The glow of the Rolex clock on the tarmac below,
Reminded me of Sebring- just two months ago.
When what to my wondering eyes should arrive?!?!
But the Nissan DeltaWing out for a drive!!!
With the red hair and glasses, it was easy to see,
The DeltaWing driver was our own Dr. P.
Challenging the drivers who have earned Le Mans fame,
He whistled and shouted and called them by name:
“Now Dindo, now TK, now Marino and Brabs!
On Allan. On Loic. On Romain and Mags!
Come to the pits, and whatever you bring,
See if you can catch the DeltaWing!”
With radical design and Michelin tyres that stick,
Dr. P claimed there was magic in Box fifty-six.
So up to the track, the drivers arrived,
Even though it was only a quarter-to-five.
I ran to the press room, to alert journalist all,
But only John Dagys answered the call.
Just when I thought a match race I would see,
The Gendarmes arrived to arrest Dr. P.
Alas I awoke, it was only a dream,
There was no match race for the DeltaWing.
But in the distance, Dr. P. could be heard,
I am certain these were his very words:
“DeltaWing is fast, you soon will learn,
And yes this odd car REALLY does turn.
Happy Le Mans to all,
Now lets have a good fight.”