Yahoo Autos Go for a Deep Dive Inside a McLaren F1 GTR
Chassis number 17R was built for the Bigazzi Team SRL for the 1996 season. Being one of the FINA GTRs, it finished 8th at 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans. Today, it's the crown jewel of BMW North America's car collection, and Justin Bell got to drive it during a private track day in Ohio.
The '96-spec F1 GTRs weren't that much different than the iconic 1995 Harrods car the younger Bell drove to third place with Andy Wallace. They still had the short body, the six-speed manual and the seat belt that went straight up in your butt once you managed to slide into that central seat. On your right, the race electronics, on your left, space for groceries, and in front of you, all the visibility that you won't get in a current Le Mans car.
Justin likes modern technology just like the next guy, but there's something to be said about an equally fast race car with zero driver aids. Hop in, and let him explain which buttons are important on the dash, and what do you need to do when your F1 GTR starts coughing:
Oh, that blue valve cover!
