simplex, I now question your ability to think.
the first flight (dec 17, 1903) was NOT using a catapult. wilbur and another man ran along the side as the plane gained speed, helping to stabilize the machine. I don't know how you are confusing the first flights with the later ones. MOVIES WERE NOT MADE OF THE FIRST FLIGHT, JUST A STILL PICTURE
catapults were used to shorten the takeoff run, so the length of track could be much shorter. There was also density altitude to consider in the dayton area compared to sea level in NC.
the flights at le mans were so impressively better than any other flying machine it could only be logically assumed that they had been doing it longer and with more understanding than the others.