Jens Winther, the first Danish driver to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, has died at the age of 85 after a prolonged illness. The Danish Automobile Sports Union (Dasu) announced his passing on its website.

Winther’s participation in the 1983 Le Mans race marked a milestone for Danish motorsport. He concluded his career with another appearance at Le Mans in 1986, securing an 11th-place finish.

Dasu characterized Winther as a versatile driver, more interested in the act of driving than the specific car or class. He participated in the Monte Carlo Rally 13 times, and throughout the 1980s, his family team was a consistent presence in the World Championship series for sports cars.

Initially, Winther raced with the team’s BMW M1, achieving 11 class victories in the Group B class, which is comparable to today’s GT3 class. Winther’s accomplishments led to his induction into Dasu’s Hall of Fame in 2021; he had previously been crowned Danish champion in a midget racer in 1962.