Roger who?

simon c · 26 May 2004, 20:16 (Ref:984341)

for le mans veterans, its 20 years on since Roger Dorchy and "La Gloire de la France". I remember those opening laps vividly!

Can anybody remember giant-killing like this? I can't...

**PascaLM** · 26 May 2004, 20:47 (Ref:984383)

Yes, I remember. But it ended against a wall near Mulsanne...
BTW, It was my first 24 Heures du Mans.

Bob Riebe · 26 May 2004, 20:50 (Ref:984388)

What is the story?

simon c · 26 May 2004, 21:08 (Ref:984408)

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob Riebe
What is the story?

Roger Dorchy and his WM-Peugoet, run by a team of enthusiasts, leading the opening laps of the 84 race.

the car looked as though it was made of cardboard, but it was mighty quick down the chute. To the amazement of the spectators and the joy of the french Roger Dorchy kept Wollek, Barilla, Johannson, Schuppan, Palmer et al in his in his rear view mirrors until he lost it under braking at Mulsanne.

In the 80s the team was hellbent on being quickest down the mulsanne, usually were (record speed in 1988), but to lead the race...

Very difficult to give a modern day comparison. All part of the history of the place.

**skycafe** · 27 May 2004, 00:45 (Ref:984572)

I thought he lost it on first lap braking for Mulsanne? Clouted the barrier and kept going, to pits for a nose replacement.

I have asked Fab about this: I had understood that their main reason for being was to go 250mph down Mulsanne; that is what I understood from commentary at the time.

More power to them! A small team of enthusiasts, pulling together with all resources limited except hard work and imagination!

It is the idea of working towards, as hard as you can, dreams and goals! A concept that seems sadly lost these days.

The spirit of Dorchy's team, and some of the personel, live on in WR's entry. They probably couldn't afford to buy a spec car and compete in one of 'those' series, but they have a fan in the US, who admires their zeal, determination and their dreams.

SHOOT! I was trying to save up for my own project, and now I just have to send off money to the Welters! In my mind, money well spent, even if they complete only one lap!

iucrmh · 27 May 2004, 07:54 (Ref:984771)

Don't forget the two WR-Peugeots on the front row in 1995. They and the Courage-Porsche ran away from the McLarens up until the first round of stops.

cybersdorf · 27 May 2004, 08:36 (Ref:984811)

Roger Dorchy - isn't he with The Who?

kdr · 27 May 2004, 12:16 (Ref:985022)

Roger Dorchy - isn't he a double act with nookie bear?

tonyroberts · 27 May 2004, 14:11 (Ref:985138)

I believe it was the third lap he crashed not the first

Steve Tarrant · 27 May 2004, 15:12 (Ref:985212)

Quite right - got the video out yesterday specially to watch it!

And then later, just to prove it wasn't a fluke he does it again (hit the barrier - turns left when the track turns right!!!!!!)

**skycafe** · 27 May 2004, 15:17 (Ref:985220)

"nookie bear???????"

Hey, anybody have their address? I sent WR an email, but if someone may point me to their address it would be a help.

**ghinzani** · 27 May 2004, 17:00 (Ref:985291)

Quote:

Originally posted by simon c
the car looked as though it was made of cardboard,

A fact they found out I beleive when he piled into the wall and ended up seriously hurt one year. Been a few big smacks in WR's/WM's, including sadly Sebastian Enroljas, poor guy.

cybersdorf · 27 May 2004, 17:55 (Ref:985321)

Quote:

Originally posted by ghinzani
including sadly Sebastian Enroljas, poor guy.

Indeed, a very tragic loss.

429CJ · 27 May 2004, 17:56 (Ref:985323)

Enjolras, to be correct.

**ghinzani** · 27 May 2004, 18:32 (Ref:985345)

Sorry I always get that spelling wrong.

**PascaLM** · 27 May 2004, 18:49 (Ref:985355)

Quote:

Originally posted by tonyroberts
I believe it was the third lap he crashed not the first

Yes, it was. Welcome to the forum, tonyroberts !

tonyroberts · 27 May 2004, 20:02 (Ref:985417)

'84' was classic race and the video is the best Le Mans video I have ever seen. The first lap shot of the cars thundering down the mulsanne straight is awesome simply awesome! I hate those damn chicanes.

tonyroberts · 27 May 2004, 20:03 (Ref:985418)

Quote:

Originally posted by tonyroberts
the good old days

Graham Goodwin · 27 May 2004, 22:28 (Ref:985545)

Quote:

Originally posted by skycafe
"nookie bear???????"

Hey, anybody have their address? I sent WR an email, but if someone may point me to their address it would be a help.

try their website

http://www.welterracing.fr

**skycafe** · 27 May 2004, 22:56 (Ref:985566)

I did, either I am not looking in the right places....
given that I keep getting the Dorcy crash lap wrong, I am felling inept anyway.

I sent them an email, we'll see from there.

simon c · 28 May 2004, 21:03 (Ref:986687)

Quote:

Originally posted by PascaLM
Yes, it was. Welcome to the forum, tonyroberts !

it was lap 4 actually!!!

had to check the video and yearbook to confirm

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Roger Penske Question	TedN	ChampCar World Series	17	30 Nov 2003 04:17
Roger Moen Interview	Invincible	Touring Car Racing	2	21 Aug 2001 20:37
Roger Penske	bobdrummond	ChampCar World Series	7	7 Feb 2001 17:48