Tag Archives: MANS

Motorsport

Why the Second-Gen Ford GT was Created Instead of the Mustang for Le Mans

The existence of the latest Ford GT was not a guarantee. Originally, Ford had planned to return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2016 with a Mustang.

Ford’s decision to re-enter this iconic race came after the launch of the sixth-generation Mustang in 2015. This Mustang was designed to be a global vehicle, available in both left- and right-hand drive configurations. As a result, Ford began considering the possibility of using the Mustang to compete and win at Le Mans in 2016, as revealed by Ford CEO Jim Farley in a recent interview with Top Gear magazine during the debut of the Mustang GTD.


Motorsport

Century Of Le Mans Winning Cars Set to Gather at Concours Of Elegance in UK

The 24 Hours of Le Mans race has a rich history filled with bravery, innovation, and camaraderie. Starting in 1923, this race was designed to test the limits of automotive endurance. Despite initial doubts, it quickly gained traction, attracting adventurous drivers and pioneering manufacturers to its legendary track. Over the years, the event has become a significant milestone in motorsport history, where remarkable engineering achievements and human determination has forged a legacy of both triumphs and heartbreaks. Today, it stands as one of the most important annual motoring events in the world.

This September, the Concours of Elegance, presented by A. Lange & Söhne, will proudly showcase a stunning collection of 10 victorious cars from the iconic endurance race at the prestigious Hampton Court Palace in the UK. The exhibition, titled the “Le Mans 24 Hours Centenary Celebration,” will be a grand tribute to the most prestigious motor race in the world, commemorating its century-long history.


Motorsport

2005 Ford GT Parked Outside For Five Years Is A Mouse-Infested Supercar

In 2005, Ford released a new GT supercar to celebrate its 24 Hours of Le Mans victories in the 1960s and the company’s centennial anniversary. These cars were produced in limited quantities, making them rare and valuable. That’s why it’s particularly satisfying to see this Ford GT receiving the care it deserves in a video on Ammo NYC’s YouTube channel.

This 2005 Ford GT, which is white with blue stripes, was left outside after its owner unexpectedly passed away. Despite only having 2,500 miles on the odometer, exposure to the elements has caused the paint to weather and leaves to accumulate in every nook and cranny. To add to the problem, there are signs of a mouse infestation.

Most Ford GTs lead pampered lives, stored in garages and showcased at car events. According to Hagerty, these cars are worth between $380,000 to $430,000 in good to excellent condition, with exceptionally pristine examples fetching up to $500,000. The son of the deceased GT owner plans to have it cleaned and serviced before listing it for sale on Cars & Bids.

The restoration process begins with vacuuming the front trunk (frunk), followed by power washing the frunk, engine bay, and exterior of the Ford GT. It’s astonishing to see the amount of dirt and debris that has accumulated in this car. While the surface may have appeared cleaner than the 1980s Chevrolet Camaro mentioned in the video, the frunk, engine compartment, and undercarriage are in much worse condition. Without going into too much detail, they resemble a forest floor rather than the underside of a car.

After countless hours of cleaning, scrubbing, and detailing, the Ford GT has been restored to an almost-new condition. Before listing it for sale on Cars & Bids, Doug DeMuro, who owns a Ford GT himself, visits the Ammo NYC shop and takes the car for a test drive.

DeMuro, who drives his own Ford GT on a daily basis, has accumulated 41,000 miles without encountering any issues. Despite being tall, he finds the car comfortable to drive. However, he dislikes the doors, which he claims can be hazardous, and the seats, which could be more comfortable.

Featured

Bugatti Brings The Track-Only Bolide To Goodwood

After making its global debut at Le Mans, Bugatti has now showcased its Bolide at another renowned motorsport event: Goodwood. The Goodwood Festival of Speed, known for celebrating automobiles, provided the perfect platform to highlight the Bolide’s engineering excellence. As the Bolide’s powerful 16-cylinder, 8.0-liter engine roared up the hillclimb course, it not only demonstrated Bugatti’s exceptional engineering but also paid homage to the brand’s distinguished motorsport legacy.

Renowned motorsport driver and Bugatti Pilote Officiel, Andy Wallace, who had the opportunity to experience the Bolide firsthand, commented, “The Bolide lets the driver feel things that other hypercars simply can’t generate.” The Bolide’s hillclimb performance was not only mesmerizing for onlookers but also showcased the superior downforce and g-forces that propel Bugatti’s performance to another level.

The Goodwood Festival, which attracts approximately 180,000 visitors annually, was the perfect stage for the Bolide. Following its global debut at the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France, the Bolide made its first public appearance in the UK at this prestigious festival. This further emphasizes Bugatti’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the realm of hyper sports cars.

At the core of the Bolide is Bugatti’s iconic quad turbo 8.0-liter W16 engine, delivering an astonishing 1,578 horsepower. Combined with its aerodynamically optimized lightweight carbon body, the Bolide offers an unparalleled weight-to-power ratio. This perfect balance of design and power ensures a unique driving experience as the Bolide effortlessly conquers the demanding Goodwood hillclimb.

The unforgettable sound of the Bolide’s engine, coupled with its impeccable handling and rapid acceleration, truly embodies Bugatti’s unwavering dedication to motorsport. As the Bolide races along the renowned Goodwood route, it provides spectators with an unforgettable visceral experience. The Goodwood Festival of Speed is the ultimate event for experiencing the world’s most extraordinary cars in action, and in 2023, the Bugatti Bolide undoubtedly tops the list. The Bolide not only showcases Bugatti’s irresistible appeal and daring innovation, but it defines it.

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Featured

McLaren Celebrates 100-Year Anniversary of Le Mans with the 1995 F1 GTR

McLaren Automotive recently commemorated the 100-year milestone of the iconic Le Mans race with a dazzling display and active participation at the 2023 Le Mans Classic. This event paid tribute to the illustrious history of one of the world’s most renowned endurance races and highlighted McLaren’s remarkable debut victory in 1995. In their first attempt, McLaren secured the Le Mans 24 Hours race with the legendary F1 GTR, a race-prepared version of their road-going F1. Drivers Yannick Dalmas, Masanori Sekiya, and JJ Letho skillfully completed 298 laps under challenging conditions to claim the victory, with McLaren cars occupying four out of the top five positions in the official classification. This win marked a significant achievement for McLaren as it completed the unofficial ‘Triple Crown,’ signifying victories in three of the most demanding motor races in the world – Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, and the Monaco Grand Prix.

This display serves as an important part of McLaren’s ongoing celebration of 60 years since its establishment in 1963 by Bruce McLaren. The original race-winning F1 GTR from 1995, with chassis number #01R, has been showcased at The Grand Centenary Exhibition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans throughout the month of June. The Le Mans Museum hosted this exhibition, which features 86 iconic Le Mans cars, including over 60 past winners. The Le Mans Classic also witnessed thrilling high-speed demonstrations of McLaren’s latest supercars, the Artura (McLaren’s first series-production V6 hybrid supercar) and the V8-powered 720S. McLaren enthusiasts and customers were captivated by these exhibitions.

The McLaren paddock stand at the Le Mans Classic welcomed visitors to admire an impressive array of McLarens. The McLaren Senna and the 765LT Coupe were prominently showcased, representing the Ultimate Series. In addition, two more F1 GTRs, each with their own Le Mans history, were on display, further highlighting McLaren’s presence at the event. As the automaker embarks on the next 60 years, it continues to celebrate its racing heritage while pushing the boundaries of automotive technology with its current and future supercar lineup.

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News

From the motorsport archive: on this day in 1937

In 1937, the Bugatti Type 57, driven by Jean-Pierre Wimille and Robert Benoist, ended Italy’s dry spell in the Le Mans 24 Hours race. This victory marked the first time in 11 years that a non-French car emerged as the winner of the endurance race.

Wimille and Benoist, who were not the favorites to win, piloted the Type 57 grand tourer, which was nicknamed ‘The Tank’ due to its new streamlined body design. The Alfa Romeo 8C, driven by Raymond Sommer and Giovanni Battista Guidotti, was initially expected to secure victory.

Throughout the race, the Bugatti, Alfa Romeo, and other competitors like Talbot and Delahaye engaged in an intense battle for the lead position. However, a tragic incident occurred when the 8C was involved in a fatal six-car pile-up, forcing it out of the race. Undeterred by the chaos, newcomer Wimille continued to perform exceptionally well and took the lead.

Despite facing challenges such as passing slower cars, a thunderstorm, and navigating through heavy mist during the night, Wimille maintained his position at the front while his competitors gradually dropped out of the race. Eventually, by 3 pm, Wimille and Benoist broke the distance record with an hour left to go. Only 17 out of the 49 participating cars finished the race, making it one of the most dramatic and challenging Le Mans races in history. The #2 Bugatti crossed the finish line seven laps ahead of its closest competitor.

BMW

BMW M Team WRT begins preparation for WEC with BMW M Hybrid V8

Munich. BMW M Motorsport is gearing up for its return to the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Last week, BMW M Team WRT successfully conducted the first test drives with the BMW M Hybrid V8. The rollout of the test car took place on May 27th at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing.

 

The initial test drives were led by BMW M works driver Nick Yelloly, who brought his experience from the BMW M Hybrid V8’s participation in the North American IMSA series. Yelloly, along with his teammate Connor De Phillippi and BMW M Team RLL, secured the first IMSA win for the BMW M Hybrid V8 at Watkins Glen and achieved two podium finishes in previous races.

The first test days took place at Aragón, Spain, with the BMW M Hybrid V8 running smoothly for three days. BMW M works drivers Jesse Krohn, Maxime Martin, Sheldon van der Linde, and Dries Vanthoor all took turns behind the wheel. Additionally, the members of the BMW Junior Team and BMW M works drivers Dan Harper and Max Hesse conducted a functional test over the weekend.

In the coming weeks and months, BMW M Team WRT will continue with numerous tests to prepare for the start of the FIA WEC season in March 2024. The aim is to have as many BMW M works drivers as possible providing feedback to the engineers.

 

Reactions to the test kickoff:

 

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “The first test drives were a very good start to our WEC preparation. The BMW M Hybrid V8 performed well and provided valuable insights to our engineers and the team. Thank you to everyone involved for making this successful start possible. The experiences gained from the IMSA series races with BMW M Team RLL have been instrumental in our preparation. While the start has been successful, there is still a lot of work to be done. We are highly motivated for the upcoming challenges.”

 

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “This is a big step and a milestone for the team. Representing BMW at Le Mans in the top category is a dream come true. We have the best manufacturer and the best team behind us. The rollout and testing went smoothly, and it was an important first step in our preparation for the 2024 season. I want to thank everyone involved.”

 

Jesse Krohn (BMW M works driver): “The test was an incredible experience for me. It was my first time driving a prototype and working with the WRT team. They met all my expectations, and it was one of the smoothest tests of my career. I thoroughly enjoyed driving this great car and contributing to the program. It’s all about gathering important data in these initial tests.”

 

BMW

BMW M Team WRT begins preparing for WEC with rollout and initial test drives of the BMW M Hybrid V8

The countdown has begun for the return of BMW M Motorsport to the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Last week, BMW M Team WRT successfully completed the first test drives with the BMW M Hybrid V8. The rollout of the test car for the 2024 WEC season took place at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing, Germany.

The initial test drives were led by BMW M works driver Nick Yelloly, who has extensive experience with the BMW M Hybrid V8. Yelloly previously raced with the BMW M Hybrid V8 in the North American IMSA series, where the vehicle has already achieved success this season. The BMW M Team RLL, including Yelloly and teammate Connor De Phillippi, celebrated their first IMSA win with the BMW M Hybrid V8 at Watkins Glen, USA.

Following the functional test, the BMW M Hybrid V8 underwent three days of test drives at Aragón, Spain. The car performed without any problems, allowing the team to gather valuable data. BMW works drivers Jesse Krohn, Maxime Martin, Sheldon van der Linde, and Dries Vanthoor took turns behind the wheel. Additional functional tests were conducted by the members of the BMW Junior Team and BMW works drivers Dan Harper and Max Hesse.

In the upcoming weeks and months, BMW M Team WRT will continue to carry out numerous tests to prepare for the start of the FIA WEC season in 2024. The goal is to have as many BMW works drivers as possible providing feedback to the engineers.

Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, expressed his satisfaction with the test kickoff, stating that it was a successful start to their WEC preparation. He thanked everyone involved in making it possible and emphasized the motivation to continue working hard throughout the rest of the year.

Vincent Vosse, Team Principal of BMW M Team WRT, described the test as a big step and a dream come true for the team. He expressed confidence in their partnership with BMW and praised the team’s hard work in preparing the car. Vosse thanked everyone involved and looked forward to the preparation for the 2024 season.

Jesse Krohn, a BMW M works driver, shared his excitement about the test and his first outing in a prototype. He praised the WRT team’s working methods and teamwork, describing it as one of the smoothest tests of his career. Krohn expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the program and gather important data.

Motorsport

Porsche CEO Camped In $7,000 Roof Tent On Top Of 911 Turbo S At Le Mans

Porsche CEO Oliver Blume decided to experience this year’s Le Mans race firsthand, but he didn’t opt for luxury accommodations. Instead, he parked his black 911 Turbo S at the Porsche Employee Camp and stayed in a rooftop tent with his wife for two nights.

The rooftop tent, introduced by Porsche less than a year ago, is an all-season accessory that can comfortably accommodate two adults. It features an integrated polyfoam mattress, two side windows with insect screens, and a skylight for ventilation and views. The tent also proudly displays Porsche branding and a mountain silhouette motif inside. It was designed, developed, and produced by Porsche’s original accessories and upgrades division, Porsche Tequipment.


BMW

The Le Mans Classic 2023: BMW Group Classic Enters a BMW M1 Group 4 in Legendary “Wirtshaus” Livery

Munich/Le Mans.

BMW Group Classic is returning to the Le Mans Classic for the first time since 2014 – and will line up at the Circuit de La Sarthe with the legendary BMW M1 Group 4 in “Münchener Wirtshaus” livery. Piloting the car will be the original driver trio from the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1981: HRH Prince Leopold of Bavaria (DE), Christian Danner (DE), and Peter Oberndorfer (DE).

On 15 June 2023, the team met up at the Spatenhaus an der Oper restaurant in Munich to set the scene for the action to come.

The drivers got together with fans and media representatives to recreate the pre-race public photo call from 1981. The event on 3 June that year was intended to shine the spotlight on the company’s involvement in the upcoming 24-hour race.

So history was repeating itself this year – with the same venue, the same car, and the same drivers.

“I’m really looking forward to driving the BMW M1 Group 4 in “Münchener Wirtshaus” livery at Le Mans again after 42 years,” said HRH Prince Leopold of Bavaria.

“It makes me particularly proud that my friends Christian Danner and Peter Oberndorfer are here with me, so that we can take a trip back in time in a very special way.”

2023 is a year of celebrations.

BMW Group Classic decided to enter the Le Mans Classic, in cooperation with BMW Motorsport and BMW France, to mark the centenary of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Plus, the BMW sales company in France is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. And on 21 June, His Royal Highness Prince Leopold of Bavaria will turn 80.

As well as entering the BMW M1 Group 4 in the Plateau 6 category, BMW Group Classic will be hosting an exhibition of Le Mans racing icons at the Musée des 24 Heures du Mans:

The overall winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1999 – the BMW V12 LMR – will take its place alongside the first-ever BMW Art Car, the BMW 3.0 CSL from 1975 created by Alexander Calder. Visitors will also be able to admire the BMW M3 GT2 Art Car from 2010 – the work of Jeff Koons.

Just under 20 privately entered historic BMW racers will also be taking part in the Le Mans Classic.

More photographs will be available here.

Alcohol-free beer has been served.