Evening With A Legend: Margie Smith-Haas

Tonight, we have an opportunity to bring a piece of Le Mans to you, sharing in the Legend of Le Mans with guests from different eras of over 100 years of racing. 

Margie Smith-Haas is a trailblazer in motorsports, renowned for her remarkable contributions to endurance racing, particularly at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. As the first American Woman to compete in this grueling event in 1984 (and 1985), she broke barriers while demonstrating exceptional skill, determination, and composure behind the wheel. Margie’s Le Mans career showcases her ability to tackle the demanding Circuit de la Sarthe, navigating its high-speed straights and challenging turns with precision. Her racing performances outside of Le Mans have earned her widespread respect within the racing community, highlighting her as a role model for aspiring drivers. Balancing technical expertise with endurance, Margie Smith-Haas’s legacy at Le Mans is one of perseverance, professionalism, and passion for the sport.

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00:00 Meet Margie Smith-Haas: A Trailblazer in Motorsports

01:49 Margie's Early Racing Days

02:42 Racing with Wayne Baker and Meeting Paul

04:23 Paul's Influence and Margie's Path to Le Mans

06:41 Challenges and Triumphs at Monza and Brands Hatch

15:19 Preparing for Le Mans: Lessons from Daytona

20:21 First Impressions of Le Mans 1984

23:21 Qualifying Struggles and Overheating Issues

25:29 A Night of Challenges and Tragedy

26:52 Reflecting on the 1984 Le Mans Experience

29:29 The 1985 Le Mans Attempt

32:44 Transition to ACRL and Championship

38:43 Legacy and Impact on Women in Racing

42:45 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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To learn more about or to become a member of the ACO USA, look no further than www.lemans.org, Click on English in the upper right corner and then click on the ACO members tab for Club Offers. Once you become a Member you can follow all the action on the Facebook group ACOUSAMembersClub; and become part of the Legend with future Evening With A Legend meet ups.