Tom ‘Mr. Le Mans’ Kristensen reflected on the 1997 running, which marked the first of nine historic 24 Hours of Le Mans victories.
The Danish driver has the most victories in the world’s oldest endurance motor racing event.
His first victory came in 14-15 June 1997 with Joest Racing, though now approaching 25 years since the first of six consecutive wins with Audi Team Joest.
As a Rolex Testimonee, he said: “It had always been my dream to be a racing driver, and I had an inner determination to prove that I could achieve this goal.”
“The greatest memory is my first 24 Hours of Le Mans win in 1997.
“I had only signed for Joest Racing four days before the race began, and I managed to set the lap record and win the race.
“In only a few days, I had achieved my ultimate goal.
“At the time, I didn’t really have a moment to reflect or enjoy it, so when I won with Audi in 2000, I wanted to cherish that second victory as much as possible.
“Therefore, I decided to buy myself a Rolex Daytona and had it specially engraved to mark that moment.
“To this day, that watch is hugely important to me, and reminds me of the determination in my early years in the sport.”
Kristensen had a 50% win-rate from his 18 starts, thus earning his place in history as Mr. Le Mans with fair respect to the predecessor of that nickname, Jacky Ickx – ‘Monsieur Le Mans’ – who won six times, four consecutively.
Kristensen on the Endurance Triple Crown
Rolex supports all three of the ‘endurance triple crown’ races – Le Mans, Daytona 24 Hours, and 12 Hours of Sebring – the latter of which Kristensen has a record six wins to his name, having never competed at Daytona.
“They are not only the best races in motorsport, but also represent the mythical nature of endurance racing,” he continued.
“To claim the Triple Crown of Endurance Racing is an extraordinary achievement.
“Success requires not only exceptional talent but teamwork, reliability and precision.
“It’s these values that not only define endurance racing but also underpin Rolex’s relationship with the sport.”
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