Legacy of Le Mans on show at Race Retro

The legacy of Le Mans will be celebrated at this year's Race Retro. Visitors to the show will be able to enjoy a display of iconic vehicles that have competed at what is arguably the most famous motor race in on the planet.

Organised by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and first run in 1923, the race might have seen its fair share of tragedy over the years - its darkest moment came in 1955 when more than 80 people lost their lives following an accident - but it should be remembered for its triumphs and for the supremely competitive spirit of the teams and drivers that compete every year.

The past 95 years have created some amazing moments for fans of endurance racing. Who can forget the legendary exploits of the ‘Bentley Boys’, and then there was Porsche’s dominance of the challenging circuit that saw them become the most successful winners in the event’s history. Four straight wins by the awesome Ford GT40 is special, too, while the likes of Jaguar, Mercedes, and Ferrari and many more have all tasted victory at La Sarthe.

And it’s not just car makers as the race acts as a veritable who’s-who of the world’s most famous drivers with the likes of Jochen Rindt, Mike Hawthorn, Bruce McLaren, and Derek Bell all tasting victory. And then there’s Belgian ace, Jacky Ickx, who currently stands second in the list of all-time winners with six victories to his name, including the GT40 win some 50 years ago in 1969.

Visitors to the Motor Sport Hall of Fame Live will have the opportunity to admire an exciting line-up of Le Mans racers with some very special displays planned, and one must-see car is the Audi R8C. Audi made its debut at the 24-hour race in 1999 with R8s finishing in third and fourth places, and it would go on to take overall victory on 13 occasions.

Audi is also famous for entering the R10 TDI, the first diesel-powered racer to win Le Mans. With such an impressive contribution to the history of the tough event, the R8C is just one of the thrilling machines that enthusiasts of endurance racing won’t want to miss at this year’s Race Retro.

'The Le Mans 24 Hours is a motor race like no other' says acting show director Lee Masters. 'With a history stretching back almost 100 years it sits at the very pinnacle of motorsport, which is why we are very proud to be celebrating its legacy at this year’s show.'

The Motor Sport Hall of Fame Live will also include other racing and rally cars, with a number of key milestones celebrated, along with special guests, many of whom will be interviewed on the Motor Sport Live Stage.

Tickets are now on sale for Race Retro, powered by Motor Sport, held from February 22-24 2019 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, with free parking for all visitors. For the latest updates and ticket information, visit www.raceretro.com.