Gijs Van Lennep is back at Le Mans. The 24 Hours of Le Mans winner in 1971 (with Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing adviser, in a Porsche 917K) and 1976 (Porsche 936 with Jacky Ickx) was due to drive two Porsches, one in Grid 5 and the other in Grid 6. Unfortunately, we shall not see the Dutch driver on the track this weekend.

Van Lennep has appeared at Le Mans Classic several times. And the two-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner clearly enjoys the event. “Le Mans Classic is a fantastic event. There are over 450 beautiful cars for everyone to look around. It’s just unbelievable.”

Although he was due to take part in a Porsche 908 LH in Grid 5 (1966–1971) and a Porsche 935 in Grid 6 (1972–1981), Van Lennep has decided not to take the wheel. He told us why. “I’ve decided not to drive this time. I’m getting quite old. I can still drive reasonably if I put my mind to it, but I must be comfortable and happy in the car. But in the Porsche 908 LH, I am not happy. The seating position is not right, it is not right on the straight, the braking isn’t that good and everything moves in the car. My arm is not too good and it is difficult to change gear. The Porsche 908 LH (“long tail” or Lang Heck in German) has a reputation for being difficult to drive. All the boys who have driven it at some time say so. I don’t think it’s the type of car for me any more. I think that a car like the Porsche 911 Turbo RSR is easier for me.”

Instead, the former Porsche driver is making the most of the opportunity to do some PR work for the German marque. “I have decided not to drive at all this time. I am here for Porsche, I signed 250 autographs at a session and we did some pictures. And I’m enjoying the occasion very much”. And, at the age of 74, he has certainly earned the right.

Photo: Gijs Van Lennep (in the white polo) with Jean-Philippe Grand posing next to the Porsche 908 LH that he was due to drive at Le Mans Classic this weekend.