Falling night
20. Mar 2025
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The Matra MS 670 of François Cevert and Howden Ganley speeds into the falling night during the 1972 Le Mans 24 Hours. It was the 40th running of the great race and the pair finished in second position.
Having already won the World Championship for Makes, Ferrari chose not to contest the race, so Matra-Simca were strong favourites for the outright win. Once the challenge from Alfa Romeo and Lola dissipated overnight, Matra were able to secure a popular 1-2.
Henri Pescarolo and Graham Hill were the winners, with a comfortable 11-lap margin over teammates François Cevert and Howden Ganley. However, the race was marred by the death of Jo Bonnier, who died when his Lola-Ford collided with a Ferrari GT and flew over the barriers.
Categories:
Endurance World Championship, Le Mans, 24 Hours Le Mans, François Cevert, Howden Ganley, Graham Hill, Henri Pescarolo, Jo Bonnier, Équipe Matra-Simca, Matra, France, New Zealand, 1972
Source: Georgy Janssen
