Hershel McGriff back at Le Mans
Today was sure a day to remember for Team Oly Express as Hershel McGriff came back to the Le Mans track. After racing the Charger here in 1976 and one of Billy Hagan's Camaro's in 1982, Hershel, alongside with wife Sherrie, daughter Marilyn and son-in-law Tex Powell (yes, THE Tex Powell), came to France, 25 years after his last 24 hours drive.
It was my pleasure to welcome him there. Hershel drove our back up Oly Express racecar around the small permanent Le Mans track. Alongside talking about his memories during the ride, he also explained the advantages of left foot braking in racing. You can bet that I listened with great attention!
A photo under Le Mans famous Dunlop bridge was of course mandatory!
We did also want to be in the picture. Thanks to my good friend Jeff Chiron, a group photo was done.
Tex Powell and Hershel McGriff at the entry of the Tertre Rouge esses. Tex appreciated the slippery tour of the track that we did afterwards. You're not supposed to drive Stock Cars in the rain, are you?
Then it was on to a typical french lunch at the "Auberge des Hunaudières". Le Mans native Jeff Chiron picked the spot and our american friends got to enjoy french cuisine and dry Janières vine. Cheers!
WOW, what a pleasure to see Hershel back at the famous track. Way to go Christophe, you must have made his day and that of Tex, Marilyn and Sherrie. I regret not being there for the reunion, it must have been very memorable for Hershel and Tex. And, I bet you had a some fun too with Hershel behind the wheel of the good old scenic Charger ! Hats off to you Christophe for making all of that come together for everybody.
Posted by: Dick Pierson | May 13, 2007 at 11:29 PM
..Yes ..sure..what a surprise to see Hershel at Le mans..!!???...But when is he coming in France ???..recently ??....Christophe , i hope he tell you a lot of " souvenirs" of the 1976 le mans race !!!???...may be you show him the last picture I founded about OLY !!???...Is Hershel tell you he will be at the 2008 Le mans classic ????...thank you Christophe for these pictures !!!!..see you ...Francois..
Posted by: pantera gr4 | May 14, 2007 at 06:02 PM
Can Tex stay awake for a complete lap at Le Mans?
Posted by: Eddie Cagle | May 25, 2007 at 08:42 PM
Eddie,
I did not know that Tex had a reputation of falling asleep easily. Do you know him from way back ?
Posted by: Christophe | May 27, 2007 at 09:23 PM
Christopher,
Tex and I go way, way back. During long night runs at Le Mans (and I'm talking about after midnight) he would be nudged to wake up and post lap times. Talk about a trooper, they don't make'em like that any more.
Little known fact. Aside from being a near genius with a race car he was also one of the greatest tire changers ever.
Posted by: Eddie Cagle | May 29, 2007 at 05:20 PM
Hello Eddie,
I'm glad that you also visit the Olympia Charger blog from time to time. Are you the guy that Tex told me about? On a very hot sunday at Le Mans, both of you drank all there was in the only ice cold Coke machine at Le Mans.
BTW, Billy Hagan will be at Le Mans this year to celebrate the silver anniversary of his 1982 drive.
Posted by: Christophe | May 30, 2007 at 04:39 PM
Christopher,
I agree with Mr.Cagle about Tex Powell being a near genius with a race car,he made Hershel's job much easier. Not only was he a mechanical ace on race cars but he once saved a old boat from scrap and made a fine vessel out of it. He also had a Mercury truck specially designed with a tow hook to retrieve it from the lake.
Posted by: Kev Stewart | May 30, 2007 at 11:37 PM
Kev, Eddie,
knowing Tex a little bit now, I do fully agree. Rarely have I had the chance to meet a guy with such talent and dedication to mechanical and racing items. I feel very privileged to be on a first name relation with Tex.
Posted by: Christophe | May 31, 2007 at 12:04 PM