The popular culture magazine, founded in 1967, shares its name with a certain British band and a song by Bob Dylan, but was inspired by the 1950 song Rollin’ Stone by singer and guitarist Muddy Waters. Rolling Stone’s influence goes beyond music. It has greatly influenced American journalism and literature, having brought to the fore personalities such as writer Tom Wolfe or filmmaker Cameron Crowe, who at seventeen was the magazine’s youngest contributor, something he refers to in the film Almost Famous.

At the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year, ESM’s two Ligier JS P2s will be rocking the circuit in a special Rolling Stone livery. The American team comprises two previous Le Mans winners, Scotsman Ryan Dalziel who won LM P2 in 2012 and David Heinemeier-Hansson of Denmark, who finished first in LM GTE Am last year.

Ed Brown, driver and co-owner of the team says: Rolling Stone has been a very good partner for many years and they wanted to do this for Le Mans this year. All of us in the United States read Rolling Stone, they still are relevant through the years, contrary to some other media. I think that such an iconic brand from the United States coming with the only American team competing in the WEC will be perfect. Rolling Stone will do a documentary on the team and give us the front cover page of the magazine after Le Mans. I would love to have Jay-Z as a VIP at Le Mans. I also thought of Beyoncé, but she will perhaps be too expensive! [laughs]

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO        Translated from French by Emma Paulay

Photo : LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015, TEST DAY. The #31 Ligier JS P2 is driven by Ed Brown-Johannes van Overbeek-Jon Fogarty. Scott Sharp-Ryan Dalziel-David Heinemeier Hansson share the driving duties at the wheel of car #30.