The global motorsport community lost one of its most versatile performers yesterday, with Danish driver Allan Simonsen succumbing to injuries suffered in an early crash during the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hour.
Simonsen was born in Odense, Denmark, on the 5th of July 1978. His racing career began in 1999, where he competed in the Danish Formula Ford Championship and Formula Ford 1800 Netherlands. It immediately became clear that Simonsen was an exceptional talent, as he won the Danish Formula Ford Championship in his very first year of competition. In 2002, Simonsen switched to tin-top GT and touring cars after funding for his promising open wheel endeavors dried up.
Throughout his 14 year career, the Dane set foot in almost every variety of racing car imaginable, and was rarely off the pace in anything he drove. If it had four tyres and a steering wheel, he would be competitive.
In the early years of his professional racing career, Simonsen could be found at the front of the field in the Australian Nations Cup Championship. He also made regular appearances as a co-driver in the Bathurst 1000 over the past decade, and had signed to drive alongside David Wall in the V8 Supercar endurance events later this year. The Dane’s strongest result down under came at the 2011 Bathurst 1000, where he bagged a podium finish alongside V8 Supercar veteran Greg Murphy. Simonsen also claimed the 2007 Australian GT Championship, driving a selection of Mark Coffey Racing Ferrari’s throughout the season.
Simonsen competed in seven editions of the Le Mans 24 hour, and the fact that he was able to land consecutive drives since 2007 was a credit to his immense talent. In his first assault on the Circuit de la Sarthe, Simonsen finished 3rd in the GT2 class behind the wheel of a Porsche 997-GT3. His best result at Le Mans was achieved in the 2010 edition of the race, where he placed 2nd in the GT2 class for Hankook Team Farnbacher. Earlier this week, Simonsen qualified his Aston Martin Racing entry on pole position in the GT Amateur class, lapping the 13.7 kilometre circuit over a second faster than his closest rival.
If we can find any consolation in this absolutely tragic event, the Dane was fittingly leading the GT Amateur class when he lost control of his Aston Martin Vantage on the exit of the Tetre Rouge right-hander. Medical teams were on hand immediately to treat the 34 year-old, however he died in the medical centre shortly after.
The RaceDepartment community would like to extend our deepest condolences to Allan’s family and friends. Our thoughts are also with Aston Martin Racing in what must be an extremely difficult time for his colleagues.
Rest in peace, Allan Simonsen. You won’t be forgotten.
