Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Driver dies in 24 Hours of Le Mans race

Le Mans

Associated Press

The Aston Martin Vantage GTE driven by Allan Simonsen of Denmark is seen in action during the 90th 24-hour Le Mans endurance race, in Le Mans, western France, Saturday, June 22, 2013. Simonson crashed heavily at the Tertre Rouge on his fourth lap and died of his injuries while receiving treatment at the circuit medical center.

LE MANS, France — Danish driver Allan Simonsen died Saturday following a crash at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, race organizers said.

The 34-year-old Simonsen was taken to the hospital Saturday after his Aston Martin No. 95 crashed about 10 minutes into the race.

Simonsen spun at high speed and his car skidded into the barrier at the Tertre Rouge corner.

He died at the hospital soon after arrival "due to his injuries," organizers said.

Simonsen was participating for the seventh time at the endurance race.

The safety car came out after the accident and the race was held up for nearly an hour to repair the guard rail.

Simonsen finished second in the GT2 class at Le Mans three years ago. He had the fastest time in qualifying Thursday in the GTE Am class.

Simonsen and Danish co-drivers Kristian Poulsen and Christoffer Nygaard were leading the GTE Am class in the world endurance championship after topping their category at Silverstone in April and finishing second in Spa-Francorchamps last month.

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