24h Le Mans
The celebrated 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit is hosting the 11th Le Mans Classic from today until Sunday. Consult our comprehensive schedule of races, parades and events.
The paddocks and village are open to the public from 14:00 to 18:00. This is a great opportunity to admire the cars entered in the races and enjoy a range of events related to classic motors.
Competitors forming the six grids at this year’s event will take part in the daytime practice session from 12.55 and 19:00, followed by night-time practice from 22:20 to 03:00.
Qualifying sessions for competitors in Group C Racing, Benjafield’s Racing Club, Porsche Classic Race Le Mans and Endurance Racing Legends will run from 09:30 to 12:45 and from 19:45 to 22:10
The track action kicks off with the support races scheduled from 09:30 to 15:15. For the six Le Mans Classic grids, races start at 16:00 and continue into the night, just like at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
There are no fewer than 13 races scheduled for the final day. Race 2 for each of the six Le Mans Classic grids will run from 00:15 to 06:50 and Race 3 from 07:50 to 15:05. The final Endurance Racing Legends race will wrap up the weekend in style from 15:20 to 16:00.
Riders perform at breakneck speed in a wooden barrel standing five metres high and measuring eight metres in diameter. Centrifugal force sends the bikes spinning at a height of nearly four metres, while a rock band belts out tunes live on stage. Here, you’ll find all the excitement, noise and thrills of the Walls of Death first seen on Coney Island in the 1930s. A rare 30-minute show:
The Dust Trial Motor Show is a motorcycle freestyle trial show, fronted by four-time French trial champion Christophe Bruand. It is sure to appeal to purists and the wider public alike with its promise of vintage bikes, authentic action and all-new tricks.
Spectators are urged to come to Le Mans Classic dressed in appropriate attire as a tribute to everyone involved in putting on this spectacular event, many of whom come from afar. They love to greet visitors who have taken the same care over their outfits as they have. The “sports-chic” dress code leaves plenty of scope for choice.
On Friday 30 June and Saturday 1 July, spectators can head along to the V0 venue to take part in the Dress Code contest with a chance to win admission to the Pre-Grid VIP area.
The centenary celebrations include an outstanding exhibition of cars that have marked 24 Hours history. For security reasons, these racing superstars are housed in the 24 Hours Museum at the entrance to the circuit. However, they will emerge for a parade around the circuit where they once reigned.
Ninety cars that claimed victory at the 24 Hours have been brought together at the museum, alongside other models that have added to the race’s history, such as the Howmet TX and the Rover BRM. Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Ford, Cunningham, Jaguar, Matra, McLaren, Mazda, Peugeot, Porsche, Toyota and WM are among the illustrious attractions in the exhibition, which includes cars from private collections and museums around the world.
Le Mans Classic, one of the most prestigious vintage motor racing events in the world, provides the ideal opportunity for an auction, the highlight of any major classic car meeting. These sales are a popular attraction, drawing collectors from all corners of the world, hoping to get their hands on the car of their dreams. They are joined by curious onlookers who come simply to marvel at the machines but – who knows – might seize an unexpected opportunity if the auction works its magic...
As a loyal partner of Le Mans Classic, Artcurial will be put a fine selection of cars under the hammer, some of which will have a wonderful Le Mans story of their own to tell.
The Drive-In has become a real highlight at Le Mans Classic. The Plein Jour screen will feature an array of films where the car is the star. Slip on your headphones and settle back comfortably in your deckchair!
>> See the full programme for the 11th Le Mans Classic <<
For further information, head to the Le Mans Classic website.
