LE MANS CLASSIC: 10TH RUNNING, 20 YEARS ALREADY! A FORETASTE OF THE FESTIVITIES
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Published: 27/02/2020
LE MANS CLASSIC: 10TH RUNNING, 20 YEARS ALREADY! A FORETASTE OF THE FESTIVITIES
During the traditional press briefing at the Rétromobile Exhibition, a veritable celebration of collector cars, Patrick Peter and Pierre Fillon revealed some of the festivities foreseen for the 10th running of the famous retrospective of the 24 Hours of Le Mans – Le Mans Classic. For the first time the event will be held from Thursday 2nd July at 14:00 to Sunday 5th July 2020 on the big Le Mans Circuit.
THE ACTION BEHIND-THE-SCENES, A REAL SPECTACLE IN ITSELF!
What goes on behind the scenes at Le Mans Classic takes place in its own very special atmosphere. First of all, it’s a plunge back to the past in a true retro ambience thanks to the exhibitors and all the cars circulating inside the circuit (no modern cars allowed). It also provides visitors with the opportunity to see the mechanics at work as they can access the paddocks and they can also chance upon a make thanks to carefully chosen exhibitions. It’s a fantastic spectacle, and this year for the very first time it’s open to spectators from 14:00 onwards on Thursday afternoon. So what are the highlights of the 10th event?
Exhibitions:
- 25th Anniversary of McLaren’s victory.
- Panhard in the spotlight with 24 Panhard-engined cars sporting special bodywork almost half of which shone in the great Sarthe race or in major events like the Tour de France Automobile.
- Retrospective of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with an exhibition of 30 to 40 cars victorious in either the overall classification or in their respective classes.
Dress code:
As is the case at each Le Mans Classic the organisation attaches great importance to the dress code as it too is an essential ingredient in the plunge back to the past. It enables all the visitors to become actors and play a part in the wonderful spectacle that is Le Mans Classic. For the 10th running, special attention will be reserved for the most beautiful vintage and casual chic looks at the circuit. Watch this space!
AND OF COURSE THE ON-TRACK ACTION!
Le Mans Classic pays homage to one of the most iconic races in the world – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Thanks to grids ranging from the 1920s to the 1980s locked in battle, Le Mans Classic spectators can discover or relive during a weekend the history of the motor car and motor sport. Here’s a foretaste of what expect on the track:
- 6 grids in the race. The 700 cars are divided up into six grids, each one corresponding to a period to give spectators and competitors a level playing field in terms of performance and historic pertinence. The models chosen are those that took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1923 and 1981. A typical Le Mans herringbone start - as was the case from 1925 to 1969 - is given for grids 1, 2, 3 and 4. The others comprising much quicker cars will be unleashed by a flying start.
- Supporting races:
- Two single-make events with the Porsche Classic Race Le Mans and a race for Jaguars.
- Two supporting events with the Group C field in partnership with the manufacturer Mazda taking advantage of this to celebrate its centenary in the Sarthe. For this occasion an iconic car, the 787B, will travel to the Sarthe to attend the marvellous Le Mans Classic event. And don’t forget the Endurance Legends field as for the first time it will not be putting on a demonstration but will be racing with more than 75 cars expected to line up on the grid!
- The on-track spectacle will be assured by famous aces like Jacques Laffite, Ralf Kelleners, Jürgen Barth, René Arnoux, Paul Belmondo, Eric Hélary, Gérard Larrousse, and of course the drivers who are ambassadors for watchmaker and partner Richard Mille: Simon Pagenaud, Scott Dixon and Fernando Alonso.
