The Spray that Sparked a Tradition: How Dan Gurney's 1967 Le Mans Triumph Changed Celebrations Forever
Dan Gurney's victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1967 is widely credited with starting the tradition of spraying champagne on the podium to celebrate a victory. The story goes that after Gurney and his co-driver, A.J. Foyt, won the Ford GT40 Mk IV race, they stood on the podium, receiving their trophies and accolades. Being an animated and charismatic character, Gurney decided to do something different to mark the historic moment.
1967 Le Mans Winners --Dan Gurney & AJ Foyt Podium
As Gurney stood on the podium, he noticed a bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne next to him, a gift to the race winners. Instead of following the convention of simply sipping the champagne, Gurney shook the bottle vigorously and sprayed the bubbly contents over the crowd and his fellow drivers. This spontaneous celebration was met with surprise and delight, and it quickly became an iconic moment in motorsport history.
Gurney's gesture resonated with people, and the image of him spraying champagne symbolized victory and celebration in motorsport. Other winning drivers soon imitated the act, becoming a tradition in various racing series worldwide. Today, it is common to see victorious drivers spraying champagne on the podium after a significant race win.
The tradition of spraying champagne has since evolved into a highly anticipated and choreographed celebration. Champagne companies often sponsor racing events, providing bottles of champagne specifically designed for the occasion. The winning drivers shake the bottles to build up pressure, and when they pop the cork, the champagne sprays in a dramatic arc, creating a visually striking moment of triumph.
Lewis Hamilton & Michael Jordan Champagne Celebrations
Dan Gurney's spontaneous act of spraying champagne at Le Mans in 1967 captured the imagination of fans and drivers alike. It has become an enduring tradition that adds a touch of excitement and spectacle to motorsport victories, creating a lasting connection between the thrill of racing and the elegance of champagne.
