Festivities surrounding the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans are already gearing up for 2022. The legendary race is expected to serve as the "guest of honor" at many events and expositions across the globe. The 2022 Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille held on the Le Nôtre lawns of the Château de Chantilly on 24-25 September will provide an idyllic setting in tribute to 100 years of auto racing history. A committee of experts has defined the list of 17 classes for the State Competition, two of which will be associated with the centenary activities:

• Cars that have contributed to the legend of the Mulsanne Straight

The iconic Mulsanne Straight has long proved an obsession for aerodynamics engineers. In 1925, the Tank of Chenard & Walker laid the foundations for the aerodynamics that led to the birth of legendary vehicles such as the Cadillac "Monster" in 1950 and the long-tail Porsche 917 in 1970.

• Cars that contributed to the performance index (and the energy index)

This ranking was the result of a calculation combining distance traveled and engine capacity. It favored cars with streamlined bodies that were lightened by the use of materials such as aluminum or polyester. It was an ecological approach, ahead of its time, that underscored the know-how of less funded teams. Panhard, Porsche, Lotus and Alpine cut their teeth thanks to this class.

To learn more, go to 2022 Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille.