Jean Chassagne

Jean Chassagne
Chassagne in 1914
Born	Julien Jean Chassagne (1881-07-26)26 July 1881 La Croisille-sur-Briance, Haute-Vienne, France
Died	13 April 1947(1947-04-13) (aged 65) La Croisille-sur-Briance, Haute-Vienne, France
Champ Car career
3 races run over 3 years
Best finish	15th (1920)
First race	1914 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis)
Last race	1921 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis)
Wins Podiums Poles 0 0 0
24 Hours of Le Mans career
Years	1925–1930
Teams	Sunbeam, Ariès, Bentley, Paget
Best finish	2nd (1925)
Class wins	1 (1925)

Julien Jean Chassagne (26 July 1881 – 13 April 1947) was a pioneer submariner, aviator, and French racing driver active 1906–1930. Chassagne finished third in the 1913 French Grand Prix; won the 1922 Tourist Trophy and finished second in the 1925 Le Mans Grand Prix d'Endurance - all in Sunbeam motorcars. He was second in the 1921 Italian Grand Prix with a Ballot, and set speed records and won races at Brooklands and hill climbs internationally.

Chassagne was also associated with the Bentley Boys, who are described as having captured the spirit of the times, partying as hard as they worked. Larger than life, their restless and often reckless love of speed and adventure complemented the big green Bentleys from Cricklewood perfectly.^[1] As a result of his association with Bentley Motors, Chassagne Square in Crewe was named in his honour.

Chassagne applied to serve as a pilot during the Great War but under the request of the British Admiralty he joined Sunbeam to advise, develop and test aero engines for the war effort.^[2]