Le Mans Classic postponed to 2022 and 2023

The outcome was feared in the hearts of those passionate aboutEndurance, it was finally confirmed after many weeks of artistic vagueness by the organizers Peter Auto and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) this Wednesday March 24. Le Mans Classic will not take place in 2021.

The event celebrating the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans had already been canceled in 2020. The 10th edition will take place in July 2022, on the first or second weekend of the summer month. The reason for this new postponement is the extension of the constraints relating to large gatherings in the context of the coronavirus.

Patrick Peter, President of Peter Auto, confirms this: “The maximum number of people imposed by the government does not allow us to maintain this event on the initial dates (July 1 to 4, 2021). Furthermore, even if it was considered, a closed session would not do justice to this event and would considerably reduce the beautiful tribute to the great history of endurance. Le Mans Classic without an audience, without exhibitors and without clubs is not Le Mans Classic.

We will nevertheless meet again in August during the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the presence of the Endurance Racing Legends cars. (protos and GTs from the 1990s-2000s. Editor’s note) in support racing. Enthusiasts will thus have two successive years of Le Mans Classic since we will repeat an edition in 2023 which will be an opportunity to reinforce the tribute to the centenary of the creation of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. »

“Organizing Le Mans Classic behind closed doors would not make sense, continues Pierre Fillon, President of the ACO. This event is made for the public, and the lack of visibility on the current situation leads to this logical decision. This event loved by all enthusiasts will be held in 2022, before returning in 2023 for a centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans which promises to be exceptional. The Endurance Racing Legends, support race for the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year, will allow us to celebrate the automobile as it should be. »

The organizers will shortly communicate the terms concerning the cancellations of tickets already purchased for 2020 then 2021.

Finally, competitors already registered for the 2021 Le Mans Classic will have the opportunity to meet on the Bugatti circuit on July 3 and 4, during a unique meeting, “Historic Racing by Peter Auto. » All Peter Auto grids will be there, namely Classic Endurance Racing I & II, Fifties' Endurance, Sixties' Endurance, Heritage Touring Cup, 2.0L Cup, The Greatest's Trophy, Endurance Racing Legends and Group C