24h Le Mans
Toyota, Peugeot, Ferrari, Porsche, Cadillac, and Glickenhaus are all in the running to lift the 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary trophy in June. But what’s the story behind the glittering prize?
The trophy that will be presented to the winners of the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans is a one-off design in honour of the race’s 100th anniversary. The victors on Sunday 11 June 2023 will keep the trophy for life. Designed by Joaquin Jimenez, engraver and artistic director at the Paris Mint, the grail of motorsport was financed by race sponsor Rolex. A motorsport fan, Jimenez jumped at the chance to design the coveted award.
On a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum to discuss a commemorative coin, Jimenez met with ACO management who were looking for an artist to design the anniversary trophy. ACO president Pierre Fillon gave the engraver the brief, which included specifications such as a round base, name of winning team engraved on the trophy, able to be lifted by four people, and the representation of the Centenary celebration’s messages. "There’s so much to be inspired by, starting with the contrast between day and night. I depicted the track as a ribbon weaving its way to the finish line. There is also a nod to the Olympic flame and the idea of incandescence,” explained Jimenez.
Drawing on a range of metalwork skills, the team at the Mint designed and made the trophy out of bronze. “Three people were involved in the creation: Claire Narboni on 3D, Sébastien Poteloin on the cast, and myself,” says Jimenez. In line with the values dear to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Centenary trophy is the result of a collaborative effort.
Since the trophy was unveiled last August, it has been presented at the Pebble Beach concours d’élégance, Goodwood Revival, Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille, the 8 Hours of Bahrain, and the premiere of the 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans official film.
