24h Le Mans
Several towns in close proximity to the circuit will hold events to celebrate race week ahead of the 90th 24 Hours of Le Mans on 11-12 June. Here is a look at the various attractions organised in surrounding areas in conjunction with the race.
After two cancellations in a row, the twinning committee and the municipality of Ruaudin have kept the themes chosen for 2020: Porsche's first win and the filming of Steve McQueen's movie "Le Mans." The evening to be held at the Ruaudin sporting complex will include four sets of cars: Porsches, exceptional GTs, 1970s autos, all marques of sports and collection cars. One exposition will be dedicated to the iconic Porsche 917 and another to the film "Le Mans." The presentation of the fifth marshals' trophy by a former driver will also take place as well as extraction demonstrations performed by marshals.
Tuesday 7 June from 16:00 to 23:00, complexe sportif de Ruaudin (Ruaudin sporting complex), free admission.
Merchants, artisans, various companies and the town of Neuville-sur-Sarthe located approximately 20 km from the circuit are offering an opportunity to relive last year's running of the 24 Hours with a showing of the official 2021 film on a giant screen. An exposition organised by auto clubs Club Auto Passion 72, Ford Racing Team Le Mans and Club des Harleys is also on the programme.
Tuesday 7 June starting at 18:00, plage du Vieux Moulin à Neuville-sur-Sarthe (Vieux Moulin beach in Neuville-sur-Sarthe), catering on-site, free admission.
The 8th edition of this event will pay tribute to those who work behind the scenes in the racing world: mechanics, engineers, drivers, etc. An exhibition will include around 80 racing and collection cars, and this year a set of motos will be on display along with an appearance by Yoshimura SERT Motul, the team that won the last two 24H Motos. Note that a 1961 DB Panhard and a 1923 Fiat are must-sees among the collection cars. Former Courage Compétition team drivers will be on hand and the traditional car parade will take place on National Avenue as well as an indoor version as well.
Thursday 9 June from 09:00 to 17:00, place François Mitterrand (François Mitterrand square), free admission.
A very special event is to be organised on the track at the famous Mulsanne corner. Peugeot will serve as the guest of honour through vehicles from yesteryear. 1993 24 Hours winner Éric Hélary with Peugeot and teammate Jean-Bernard Bouvet (10 participations) will host the 2022 edition of this event. An exhibition and a vintage vehicle parade will be held in front of the Mulsanne town hall from 20:00 to 23:30.
Friday 10 June from 14:30 to 19:30, 2 avenue François Mitterrand, free admission.
This friendly gathering welcomes visitors on the Friday before the 24 Hours, with more than a thousand cars from all over the world meeting in Saint-Saturnin, north of Le Mans. This 20th edition is an occasion to thank all the constructors and clubs who have put their confidence in the organisers since the creation of the event. The great hall of Val de Vray will house an unprecedented exhibition hosted by Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich with a model from each manufacturer. With 19 editions on the books, 13 marques have been honoured: Jaguar, Porsche, Lotus, Aston Martin, Austin Healey, Ferrari, Morgan, Corvette, Triumph, MG, Alpine, Marcos and BMW.
Friday 10 June from 09:00 to 17:00, centre culturel du Val de Vray à Saint-Saturnin (Val de Vray cultural centre in Saint-Saturnin), free admission.
