The sudden death of the long-running pirate of Le Mans was announced by Alain de Cadanet. What are his best results in a 24 hour endurance race?
Even in the 1970s, the idea of a private driver in motorsport seemed like something in the history books.
In Formula 1, Ken Terrell of Terrell and Colin Chapman of Lotus slowly lost the position they held at the start of the decade – with the last championship either in 1978 Lotus – only a few years later.
In sports cars, big beasts like the Porsche came to the fore, which meant that the little guys were sidelined.
Alain de Cadanet was one of those pirates who bucked this trend.
De Cadenet’s death was announced long ago in Le Mans and the broadcaster of the last day, after a long illness – three children survived two marriages.
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The death of Alain de Cadanet
Born to a French Air Force pilot in London, de Cadane found a niche driving cars that he designed and built for himself.
He was a regular face on the net at Le Mans, lining up to fall the flag 14 times from 1971 to his final appearance at La Sarthe in 1986.
1980 seemed to be de Cadanet’s best shot at an overall win, again using one of his own cars, as he and teammate Desiree Wilson scored victories at Monza and Silverstone before heading to France.
However, in preparation for the 24 Hours, Wilson crashed, allowing de Cadanet to start.
He did, as did he and fellow driver Francois Miguel for seventh overall after mechanical issues.
Best score by De Kadani at Le Mans
De Cadanet’s best result came at Le Mans 24 Hours in 1976 – along with Chris Kraft, again in a car that bears his name.
The duo completed 338 laps on their way to third overall – 11 laps behind winners Jacky Ickx and Gijs van Lennep in a Porsche 936.
De Cadanet and Craft were powered by a Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0L V8 that became F1-related – finishing just one lap behind Jean-Louis Lafosse and Migault in the Mirage M8.
That would be as good as de Cadeant in 24 Hours, although he scored third in the class again in 1977 with Kraft and in 80 with Miguelte.
On those occasions, he’s placed fifth and seventh overall on the road.
After his racing career ended, De Cadanet became a regular presenter for channels like Speed and ESPN, as well as hosting coverage of the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
He was also active in the historical racing scene, usually found in Ferrari or Alfa Romeo.
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- HITC would like to send its condolences to the friends and family of Alain de Cadenet at this sad time.
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