What is the real story on Porsche's left hand key start position? I heard it allowed the Le Mans driver to jump into the car, turn the key with the left hand while the right hand shifts to 1st gear.

I tried it. Ran to the car. Clicked the key's remote to unlock the door. Opened the door. Jumped in with key in the left hand. Inserted key with left hand while shifting to 1st gear. And was off to a fast start.

Wouldnt it be faster if the door automatically unlocked when the key was nearby and there was a push button start button.

 

You should have tried it on a convertible so you could just do a "cool guy movie jump" into the car. Oh, and video tape it so we can attempt to imitate it.

 

Applying a little bit of logic to the problem of running starts, why not just leave the car parked in first gear? Jump into it and land with your left foot on the clutch. There weren't that many rocket scientists back then, but you don't have to be one to figure this out.

 

I think it was against the rules. The car must be in neutral.

 

+1

 

The rule and half-hand ignition were implemented long before cars had fancy remote controls.