Denton County Living Well Magazine September/October 2016 | Page 27

Above and left: Classic
sports and race cars from
the 1920s and 1930s begin
the racing weekend with a
nostalgic parade lap.
Right: A British owner shines
polishes his classic AC
sports car in preparation for
the club show and gathering.

American cars were not out of place,
including this 1966 Ford Mustang
fastback on the historic track.

It’s not all cars either. Displays and 200 vendors hawk all
kinds of merchandise and souvenirs throughout the midway. This year, American singer, song writer, composer
and producer of many successful hits, Pharrell Williams,
took the stage before the 24 hour race began, dropping
the French flag to begin the 24 hour race.
Unlike the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans, where cars are
on the course and public roads continuously, the biennial
event consists of seven grids, each on the track for about
45 minutes each. When the last grid finishes their heat,
each group starts over again and continues the process
throughout the day and night, until 24 hours passes.

Campers showed up on
the historic infield in style.
A 1960s Volkswagen
recreational vehicle towing
a matching camper.

The event and show is jointly organized by Peter Auto and
the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.
Exceptional weather, 550 cars on the track, 1,000 drivers,
ten former winners of the 24 Hours race, 8,500 cars representing 180 clubs from 60 brands, and the 50th anniversary
the first victory for Ford GT40 in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, was
nearly sensory overload for the 123,000 spectators this year.
The next Classic Le Mans will take place in early July 2018
on the famed French racing circuit. The 9th edition of Classic Le Mans will be held in early July 2018. More information is available online at www.lemansclassic.com.

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DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

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