Last weekend, the bi-annual Le Mans Classic was as epic as it was grueling. Not even 100ºF/38ºC heat stopped 100,000 fans and 470 historic cars from centering in on Le Mans for three days of nostalgia.
This year six classes of 65 entrants raced all night and day in 40 minute heats. Some of the highlights included seven pre-war Talbots in factory racing colors and the return of cars like E2A and Ferrari 330 TRI/LM. Many of the heavy hitters were also present like the Porsche 917, Ford GT40 and Ferrari 330 P3.
The event’s success is largely tied to organization. Each grid has their own paddock/tent area which eliminates the RV/tent chaos of other races. To garner even more support, all the local clubs are encouraged to park at the far end of the Bugatti circuit and create ‘shows within a show’ that span over 7000 cars. Other areas this year were reserved for a Le Mans Concours, Porsche Le Mans display, Ferrari Classiche and an inaugural Artcurial auction which we will feature later this week.
At 800 images, our gallery for the event is quite large, but unlike elsewhere it is fully labeled and organized by grid. Dirk de Jager did a tremendous job of capturing the cars day and night.
