Le Mans Classic 2012, a great vintage

Le Mans Classic was an outstanding success: 109,000 spectators attended the three days of historic racing jointly organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and Peter Auto. Evidence that the attraction of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is still growing.

Passing the 100,000 mark, the sixth edition of the Le Mans Classic set a new attendance record. Two years ago, at the fifth, 96,250 spectators attended; this year they were 12,750 more.

With 450 cars entered in competition, some 8,000 vehicles on display Representatives 160 clubs and 80 different marques, it confirms the growth of this important Le Mans event dedicated to historic motor racing. A spectacle totally dedicated to the heritage 24 Hours of Le Mans and the spirit of the endurance racing.

Grids of historic machines from 1923 to 1979 could be seen on the unique layout of the Le Mans 24 Hours circuit, in the hands of top drivers. There were high quality events in the village, and the public had close-up access to cars and drivers in the paddock area: Le Mans Classic 2012 is an event where the exceptional is within reach of everyone.

Three weeks after the 24 Hours of Le Mans where 240,000 spectators attended the 80th edition of the most famous endurance race in the world, Le Mans Classic has become the second largest event organized on this site managed by the ACO.

No fewer than 349 000 race fans attended in less than one month at the Le Mans circuit, making the 2012 season already a record year since 2010, with the aggregation of those two events, with 334,400 passing through the gates.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Classic are now over, but in two weeks the Le Mans Bugatti Circuit will host the Coupe de France Moto Promosport, and an endurance event on two wheels: the 35th edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours Moto which takes place on the 8th and 9th of September.

In June 2013, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest will commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Le Mans 24 Hours before the seventh edition of the Le Mans Classic to be held in 2014.