André Lagache

André Lagache
NationalityFrance French
Born(1885-01-21)21 January 1885
Pantin, Île-de-France
Died2 October 1938(1938-10-02) (aged 53)
Satory, Île-de-France
24 Hours of Le Mans career
Years19231925
TeamsChenard et Walcker
Best finish1st (1923)
Class wins1 (1923)

André Ernest Paul Lagache (21 January 1885 – 2 October 1938)[1] was a French racing driver who, along with René Léonard, won the inaugural 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1923.[2]

Career

Lagache and Léonard were engineers at automobile manufacturer Chenard et Walcker, and were chosen to drive their "Sport" model in the inaugural 24 Hours of Le Mans. The duo drove a distance of 2,209 km (1,373 mi) over 24 hours and beat another Chenard-Walcker by a four lap margin. Lagache continued to run Le Mans for Chenard et Walcker for the next two years, but was unable to finish the event again.

Lagache also raced a Chenard-Walcker in the inaugural Spa 24 Hours in 1924, finishing second alongside André Pisart. He returned with Léonard to win the event in 1925, and finished third with Léonard in 1926.

Lagache won the Coupe Georges Boillot [fr] in 1925 and 1926.

He was one of the founders of the tractor manufacturer FAR, and supplied the A to the company name. He was killed in an accident while demonstrating a vehicle in front of army officials in 1938.

Racing record

Complete 24 Hours of Le Mans results

Year Team Co-Drivers Car Class Laps Pos. Class
Pos.
1923 France Chenard-Walcker SA France René Léonard Chenard-Walcker
Type U3 15CV Sport
3.0 128 1st 1st
1924 France Chenard-Walcker SA France René Léonard Chenard-Walcker
Type U 22CV Sport
5.0 26 DNF
(Fire)
1925 France Chenard-Walcker SA France René Léonard Chenard-Walcker
Type U 22CV Sport
5.0 90 DNF
(Engine)

References

  1. ^ "Motorsport Memorial - André Lagache". Motorsport Memorial. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  2. ^ "André Lagache". motorsportmagazine.com. Motor Sport Magazine. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
Sporting positions
Preceded by
None
Winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
1923 with:
René Léonard
Succeeded by