Le Mans Classic to be an annual event from 2026

What had previously run every two years, by coincidence – and convenience for many evented-out spectators… – alternating with the Monaco Historics, will now be held annually. The changes to the Le Mans Classic come into effect next year. 

The organisers Peter Auto have also split the Classic into two separate grids: ‘Le Mans Classic Heritage’ (1923-1975) and ‘Le Mans Classic Legend’ (1976-2015). We understand each will alternate, although there is no news, yet, of which will kick the new format off in 2026.

So, for those tired of watching the pre-War race three times by accident, there’s the opportunity now of giving the older cars a complete miss. Justified and understandable changes to the circuit made in the name of safety for the modern race have led to anything before Cobras and GT40s looking painfully slow, so far away from the side of the track binoculars are essential. 

The grid has changed since the early years of genuine ex-Le Mans cars, including winners such as the 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM and 1959 Aston Martin DBR1, taking to the famous French track. Now, even Vintage Bentleys are covered in stickers and have sophisticated telemetry and timing screens on the pit wall. It’s a far cry from the first Le Mans Classic in 2002, let alone the days of the Bentley Boys in the ’20s. Goodwood has received occasional gentle criticism for professionalism, matters of  originality and “same drivers and cars”, but the racing is always edge-of-the-seat exciting and the garden party, ‘film set’ atmosphere unbeatable.

Less so, perhaps, the Le Mans Classic, but the French race is a winning, money-making formula. The 3-6 July 2025  entry list is packed with often very valuable cars, though replicas are now marked with a ‘C’ for ‘Continuation’. In 2023, over 200,000 spectators attended the event. This July, a 4-day ticket is €158.00. Full hospitality – now almost essential – can cost as much as €1,290.00 for two days. Most of the car parks and grandstands are sold out. 

Overall, it’s a good move and will shake up a formula that, despite the crowds, had gone a little stale. In particular it will appeal to younger enthusiasts, which is always a good thing. And it will raise the values of more recent, faster machinery raced before a new cut-off of 2015. Cars such as the Aston Martin DBR9, Ferrari F40 LM and Prodrive Ferrari 550 Maranello will receive a boost – and look fabulous taking to the track again. 

Photo by K500