The Mercedes-Benz CLR is infamous for its mishaps. It notoriously went airborne, not once but three times at the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans, tumbling end over end and sailing over crash barriers like something from a glitchy video game. YouTuber Mike Fernie recently explored one of the surviving cars—now included in the Loh Collection in Germany—and details its entire story in an in-depth video.
The CLR emerged from an evolutionary path that began with the CLK GTR and CLK LM. Those vehicles were constructed to the GT1 specifications that characterized the top tier of endurance racing in the latter part of the 1990s and primarily created race cars disguised as street vehicles. The CLR was built to LMGTP regulations, which indicated a return to dedicated prototype race cars and allowed Mercedes to abandon the road-car facade.
Mercedes retained the CLK LM’s V8 but expanded its displacement from 5.0 liters to 5.7 and enveloped it in tighter bodywork. The recognizable four round headlights and grille from the then-recent C215 CL-Class coupe are positioned unreasonably low at the front, and the bodywork slopes down below the wheel arches. That bodywork, with extensive front and rear overhangs to accommodate large diffusers and running with minimal rake, would ultimately lead to the CLR’s downfall.
The V8 was loosely derived from the M119 road engine, which, in its turbocharged variant, had propelled the Sauber-Mercedes C9 to victory at Le Mans a decade prior. It generated around 600 horsepower in the CLR, providing enough power to transform this vehicle into a flying machine.
Despite Mercedes claiming to have completed over 20,000 miles of testing, the three cars they brought to Le Mans experienced difficulties on the high-speed straights of the Circuit de la Sarthe. Future F1 driver Mark Webber took off during qualifying and again during a pre-race warmup. In his autobiography Aussie Grit, Webber states that the team management did not take his accidents seriously (they went unrecorded on film), which explains why he was sent back out and why Mercedes didn’t withdraw.
The two intact cars commenced the race, although Mercedes made some adjustments (with advice from Adrian Newey) and cautioned its drivers against closely trailing other cars at high speeds. However, this did not suffice to prevent Peter Dumbreck’s crash during the race—one of the most replayed incidents in sports history.
I Found The Flying Car That Mercedes Has Kept Hidden Since 1999
This incident resulted from an imbalance in downforce between the front and back ends. The low-rake configuration reduced downforce at the front, but the fixed rear wing maintained downforce at the back. This caused the front end to rise on the uneven Circuit de la Sarthe, allowing more air to flow underneath and elevate the front, while the rear wing remained pressing down on the back of the vehicle. The turbulence created by a leading car exacerbated the situation.
Similar to how no battle strategy survives engagement with an opponent, even the most ingenious concepts from engineers may not perform as intended in reality. Aston Martin and Honda are currently experiencing a harsh reminder of this in F1, although at least the nerve-wracking AMR26 has not taken flight.
### An In-Depth Look at the Mercedes CLR That Took Flight at Le Mans
The Mercedes-Benz CLR, a prototype racing car created for the FIA GT Championship, is perhaps most recognized for its stunning and disastrous event during the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans. This occurrence not only represented a pivotal moment in motorsport history but also sparked significant discussions about safety in racing. This article explores the design, performance, and notorious crash of the CLR, as well as its consequences and implications for future motorsport safety.
#### Development and Design of the Mercedes CLR
The Mercedes CLR was created by German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz in partnership with its racing subsidiary, AMG. It was intended to compete in the GT1 category, which permitted a mix of production-based vehicles and prototype configurations. The CLR boasted a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis, a potent 6.0-liter V8 engine, and sophisticated aerodynamics designed to maximize downforce while minimizing drag.
The car’s design was significantly influenced by the quest for speed and performance, resulting in a low-profile body and a prominent rear wing. The CLR was capable of exceeding speeds of 200 mph, making it one of the quickest cars on the circuit. However, this performance-oriented focus posed challenges, especially concerning stability at elevated speeds.
#### The Incident at Le Mans in 1999
During the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans, the CLR was piloted by a team of adept drivers, including Mark Webber, who would go on to become a Formula 1 star. The race featured intense rivalry, but it was the CLR’s performance that would result in one of the most astonishing events in racing history.
On June 12, 1999, during the race, Webber was behind the wheel of the CLR when he suffered a catastrophic loss of downforce at high velocity. As he neared the Mulsanne Straight, the car became airborne, flipping and landing upside down. The incident was broadcast live, and the sight of the car soaring through the air stunned viewers and participants alike.
Fortunately, Webber emerged from the debris with only minor injuries, but the crash immediately raised alarms regarding the car’s design and safety mechanisms. Following investigations indicated that the CLR’s aerodynamics, particularly the rear wing, played a role in the loss of downforce, resulting in the car’s instability.
#### Consequences and Safety Improvements
The accident triggered a comprehensive evaluation of safety protocols in motorsport. Mercedes-Benz withdrew the CLR from the race after the crash, and the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) commenced an inquiry into the event. The findings underscored the necessity for enhanced safety measures in high-speed racing, specifically relating to vehicle design and aerodynamics.
In response to the accident, the FIA enacted several changes to racing regulations. These included more stringent criteria on vehicle design, particularly concerning aerodynamic elements that could lead to instability. Furthermore, the incident highlighted the crucial nature of driver safety equipment, resulting in advancements in helmet technology and cockpit safety features.
#### The Legacy of the Mercedes CLR
The Mercedes CLR ordeal remains a hallmark moment in racing history, serving as a reminder of the intrinsic risks of motorsport. The crash not only impacted the CLR’s legacy but also affected the design and safety criteria of racing vehicles in the subsequent years.
Although the CLR did not attain the success Mercedes-Benz anticipated in the GT1 class, it opened doors for future advancements in automotive safety and performance. The insights gained from the 1999 Le Mans incident continue to resonate within the racing community, emphasizing the vital balance between speed and safety.
#### Final Thoughts
The Mercedes CLR that went airborne at Le Mans is a poignant illustration of the hazards tied to high-speed motorsport. Its design, performance, and the resulting crash accentuate the ongoing progress in safety within racing. As technological advancements continue, the lessons drawn from the CLR incident remain essential in ensuring the protection of drivers and preserving the sport’s integrity.
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