[Frantzie]

As far as I know he drove all of his scenes in LeMans driving the 917-10’s Porsches around LeMans aka the LaSarthe circuit. One of the most successful race cars in history but not particularly safe.

James Garner did all of his driving in Gran Prix and was a very good driver like Steve.

As far as Sand Pebbles - probably his best film. The Great Escape and Magnificent 7 was also pretty good too. :-)

[bricklayer]

“As far as Sand Pebbles - probably his best film”

A great flick!

[19th LA Inf]

According to the "McQueen's Machines" book, Steve had fully intended to enter the actual LeMans race himself, but the studio bosses would not give him permission; probably his contract had prohibitive clauses. He did drive many laps around the circuit. The spectacular 917 crash was staged with a mockup 917 body on a different chassis (no one on board, of course).

Some of the best book trivia is about the fence jump in "The Great Escape". He wanted to do that one too, and probably could have. His riding buddy and favorite wrench, Bud Ekins was brought over from California to do it.