Smith’s first experience of Le Mans was fifteen years ago when he raced with 1997 winner Stefan Johansson. The following year, in 2001, he was one of six drivers selected by Bentley for their Le Mans comeback. Unfortunately, his car was forced to retire, but he returned in 2003, again with Bentley. This time, Smith, Tom Kristensen and Dindo Capello formed the winning line-up. They also set a new record for the longest interval between two wins for a constructor: the last time a Bentley had taken the Le Mans title was in 1930, 73 years before.

Smith was back on the podium again in 2004, sharing second place with fellow Britons Johnny Herbert (winner in 1991) and Jamie Davies. After two races in LM P2 with Quifel ASM Team, Smith returned to LM P1 in 2010 and 2011 at the wheel of Rebellion Racing’s Lola AER. The Briton has also been active across the pond as driver for Dyson Racing from 2005 to 2013 in the American Le Mans Series, claiming the title in 2011.

In the past year, Smith has become a Bentley boy again, developing and racing the Continental GT. So, who knows? Maybe Smith hasn’t had his final say on Le Mans. He may well be back, at the wheel of a British GT. A Bentley in LM GTE would be a joy to behold! Incidentally, Smith’s Continental GT is #7, the same number as his EXP Speed 8 that won the 24 Hours in 2003.

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO — Translated from French by Emma Paulay

Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, LE MANS 24 HOURS, SATURDAY 14 & SUNDAY 15 JUNE 2015. Guy Smith finished, and won, Le Mans at his third attempt at the wheel of the Bentley EXP Speed 8.