Nicolas Berthy – Media Trajectory
Over 159,000 spectators came to discover this new format of one of the world's most beautiful events. Indeed, Le Mans Classic Legend This year marks the launch of the first phase of this international automotive event, now an annual affair, which alternates between different eras. The spotlight is on racing cars from the 1970s to 2010 for this Le Mans Classic Legend edition, which has lived up to all expectations. Next year, Le Mans Classic Heritage will honor the cars that made history at Le Mans from 1923 to 70.
NASCAR for the first time at Le Mans!
A rich program offers passionate spectators unique experiences. NASCAR arrives from the United States with an eclectic lineup celebrating the 50th anniversary of NASCAR's first appearance at Le Mans in 1976. In partnership with the HSR NASCAR Classic, the grid of 36 race cars illustrates seven decades of the US NASCAR championship. A unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a world so popular in the United States.
The courses very lively and unprecedented on the great circuit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans unfolding its 13,629 km lights up the eyes of the regulars of the Sarthe circuit, but always during the day, the NASCARs are not equipped with headlights!
Celebrating the golden age of Prototypes, LMP1, LMP2 and GT.
The heart of the matter remains the tribute to the prototypes and GTs of recent decades. From the Porsche 935 K3 to the BMW 3.0 CSL, including numerous barchettas and other legendary GTs, the sound and light show delights all the senses, with each engine offering its own melody on downshifting while others spit long flames on lifting off the throttle.
The Group C grid offers a chance to relive the golden age of the 90s with innovative models in terms of aerodynamics and engine management. Porsche 962 Cs, Nissan R90CKs, and other prototypes engage in fierce competition. But it's the most famous of them all that steals the show: the Mazda 787B, brought in specially from Japan to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the first victory for a Japanese car at Le Mans in 1991. This Mazda 787B, with its fabulous rotary engine, provides spectators with a unique and unforgettable auditory experience.
Grid 8 (1994-1999) retraces a transitional period where GT cars reigned supreme, as in 1995 when the McLaren F1 GTR won the race in torrential rain against the prototypes. This was also the era of the Porsche GT1, the Mercedes CLK-LM, and the sublime Toyota GT-One. The years 2000 to 2010 were rich in prototypes that would become LMP1 and LMP2 cars in 2005. Audis, Pescarolo C60s, and the DOME S101 with its sonorous Judd V10 engine reclaimed the famous Mulsanne Straight. It's also an opportunity to see the return of the diesel-powered Audis and Peugeots that shared the victories during this period. As for GT cars, these grids illustrate a prolific era, driven by the biggest manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, Corvette, Lotus, and many others.
The spectacle is therefore constant, the races extremely lively, and the glowing sunset paints sublime orange scenes. Later, the red-hot brake discs and long flames escaping from the exhausts illuminate the dark night. Magical!
Gordon Murray, the engineer without limits.
In addition to these sporting retrospectives, a tribute to the visionary engineer and iconic figure of the automotive world, Gordon Murray, retraces his unique career by showcasing the emblematic models he created throughout his long career. The creator of the iconic McLaren F1 now brings his range of supercars, GTs, and Hypercars to life in limited editions, contemporary incarnations of his automotive vision.
An exclusive parade of Gordon Murray Automotive T33, T50, T50S Niki Lauda and Le Mans GTR cars showcases the roar of their fabulous Cosworth V12 engines revving to over 12,000 rpm! Incredible!
Children, already driving like the grown-ups!
Le Mans Classic is also a wonderful opportunity for families to connect. Numerous shops, a village, and various activities delight both young and old each year. Young drivers also have their moment during Little Big Mans, a magnificent parade of children's cars that comes to life after a "Le Mans-style" start, during which the children run across the track to jump behind the wheel of their magnificent vehicles.
The little ones will grow up and will undoubtedly continue this commitment to keep the passion of the 24 Hours of Le Mans alive for eternity.
See you next year from the 1ster by July 4, 2027 Le Mans Classic Heritage !
Photo credits: ©Nicolas Berthy
