It’s one of the most prestigious races in the world. One of the last remaining events from the “golden age” of motorsports were machines were vicious, and the men who tamed them heroes. I’m talking about the famous 24 hour race at Le Mans in France.

Audi has dominated the event. When they introduced their R10 TDI diesel-powered race car some in the paddock laughed. Well, no one is laughing now. In fact a few teams have made the switch to diesel power as it is a great advantage in an endurance race that can be lost or won in the pit stop.

Audi’s R10 TDI scored its third straight victory in the classic event Sunday, with a pair of Peugeot 908 HDIs (also diesel) completing the podium. The winning Audi Sport North American entry was co-driven by Tom Kristensen, who garnered his eighth overall victory at Le Mans, along with Rinaldo Capello and Allan McNish. Their win was the fifth in a row for Audi and the eighth in the past nine years, the earlier wins having been with the R8, which was the gasoline-fueled predecessor of the R10 TDI.

Much of the 76th running of the twice-round-the-clock event was rain dampened, and Audi parlayed the weather and its race strategy into victory. The winners covered 381 laps and won by 4 minutes, 31.094 seconds.

Congratulations to Audi on a magnificent race in appalling conditions. It is a true testament to Audi’s awesome advancements in diesel technology and shows that with enough effort and determination, anything is possible. Bravo!