Today in History - Mexican driver Pedro Rodriguez wins Le Mans in 1968
On November 6, 1813, by way of the Solemn Act of the Declaration of Independence of Northern America, which would not be ratified until 1821, Mexico declared its independence from Spain. On September 29, 1968, Pedro Rodriguez became the first, and only to-date, Mexican driver to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Lucien Bianchi in the John Wyer team's Ford GT40.
The two winners would meet a tragic end, as did Ricardo, the young brother of Pedro, who passed away during the free practice at the Grand Prix of Mexico in 1962. Pedro Rodiguez (seated on the car) died during a race in Norisring, Germany, and Lucien Bianchi was killed during the preliminary free practice at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1969. The first was 31, the second 34…
The no18 IDEC Sport Oreca won a dramatic Goodyear 4 Hours of Silverstone, Jamie Chadwick, Mathys Jaubert and Daniel Juncadella recording their third win of the season to put them back in contention for the 2025 ELMS title at the season finale in Portimão next month.
Young Frenchman Théo Pourchaire will make his maiden appearance at the wheel of the Peugeot 9X8 at the 2025 8 Hours of Bahrain before officially joining Team Peugeot TotalEnergies for the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship.
The entry list for the upcoming Asian Le Mans Series that begins in Sepang this December will feature a mammoth 48 full season entries across the three classes, the largest ever for the ALMS, with all three championship winning teams returning to defend their titles.