Le
Mans 24 Hours 2008 - June 11th - 15th
Le
Mans Classic 2008 - July 11th - 13th
The 24 Hours of Le Mans began in 1923
when the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) created a new
circuit to replace the Le Mans - Saint Calais - La Ferte
Bernard loop that had previously been used for the French
Grand Prix. From the very first running of the race, there
has been a strong British presence, in fact the famous Bentley
boys took the chequered flag no less than 5 times during
the first 8 years. This laid the foundations for a healthy
British racing pedigree at Le Mans and a fanatical following
that haven't faltered to this day. In 2007 there was huge
joy for the British fans at the Le Mans 24 hours as the
Prodrive outfit with their two Aston Martin DBR9s finally
beat the Corvettes to take the GT1 crown. In LPM1 automotive
giants Audi and Peugeot went head to head for the overall
victory in diesel powered cars with Audi coming out on top.
However, with a years development under their belt Peugeot
are sure to come back fighting in 2008.
Peugeot
and Audi will go head to head again in '08
2008 is also an ‘on
year’ for the biannual Le Mans Classic. Much more
laid back than the modern 24 hours, it is an enthusiast’s
dream with staggering grids of ex Le Mans racers from between
1923 and 1979. Think pre war Bentleys, Lagondas and Buggattis,
think Jaguar C Type and D Type, Aston Martin DBR1, Austin
Healey 3000, Ferrari 250 GT, AC Cobra, Ford GT40, Lola T70,
Porsche 917, Shelby 350GT, BMW CSL, BMW M1 and many, many
more. The cars are divided into 6 ‘grids’ based
on their age with each grid racing 3 times during a 24 hour
period to ensure continuous action right through the night
in the true spirit of Le Mans.
Cobras
and GT40s in abundance at the Le Mans Classic
If you are thinking about buying
into the Le Mans experience or would simply like to enjoy
our free guide to either event then use the menu on the
left to find more information on prices, accommodation,
the circuit and more. Click the tickets
button at the top of the page at any time for the booking
procedure.
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