Le Mans Classic: Swiss among the favorites

Every two years, the famous Circuit de la Sarthe is prepared for a second major racing event a few weeks after the 24-hour race: the Le Mans Classic. Launched in 2002, the classic version is in no way inferior to the modern endurance race in terms of appeal. Over the 24 hours, each race field is on the grid three times for around 45 minutes plus the pre-start. The overall winners are determined after the three races have been added together. There is a chance that, three weeks after Neel Jani, a Swiss driver will once again stand at the top of the coveted podium. Christian Traber from Bern is one of the favorites with his 1939 Talbot Lago in the pre-war race cars. Bernard Thuner from Geneva has also won here in previous editions with an original Ford GT40.

BMW and Ford are the focus this year
A total of 490 racing cars from 1923 to 1981 are registered. Many of the drivers are former successful participants in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, such as three-time overall winner Marco Werner, a German who has lived in Thurgau since 2001: "For me, it's not about winning, but about the fun of driving. When you know what precious vehicles you have in your hands, it's a privilege."

A European meeting will bring together around 8,500 vehicles from 180 clubs with around 60 different brands on several squares within the circuit. Two jubilant brands will be providing special action on and off the race track: BMW, as official partner of the event, will be celebrating its 100th anniversary with many vehicles on and off the track, while Ford will be commemorating its first Le Mans triumph in 1966 with 50 (!) GT40s and 30 modern GTs. No wonder that over 120,000 spectators are expected, given the predicted fine summer weather. AutoSprintCH will also be there and will be reporting on the event.

www.lemansclassic.com
Photos: Archive Le Mans Classic