Start of the 24 Heures du Mans (24 Hours of Le Mans) Race, June 1967

The "Le Mans start" was one of the French endurance race's more unusual customs. Drivers started on their feet, across the track from their respective cars. When the flag dropped, they ran to their vehicles, scrambled inside, and started the cars -- often not bothering to strap in until they were underway. Safety concerns ended the Le Mans start after 1969.