The 2023 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be truly special. First of all, for the debut at La Sarthe of the new era of resistance, with the long-awaited and expected convergence between LMDh and LMH prototypes. Second, for be the centenary of the French resistance classicalthough it should not be confused with its centenary edition, since the French event could not be played in 1936 due to strikes in the automobile industry and between 1940 and 1948 due to the effects of the Second World War.
In the purely sporting field, the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year can not have more incentives. Toyota, Peugeot, Ferrari and Glickenhaus – in theory also ByKolles – will fight with their LMH prototypes against Porsche and Cadillac’s LMDh, giving rise to a dream grid in the premier class. A grill that will not only stand out for its volume, but for the effort of Ferrari, Porsche and Cadillac in the debut of their projects. A premiere that will mark the passing of firms such as Alpine or Lamborghini, which are also on their way.
Leaving aside this fact, which is already saying a lot, the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans also has an important emotional and historical charge for being the centenary of the event. FIA and ACO know this and that is why they wanted design a special trophy for the winnersan award that was presented this past August 20 on the occasion of the famous and exclusive Pebble Beach Contest of Elegance. A unique piece produced by the Monnaie de Parisone of the oldest artistic institutions in France.
The trophy has been made in bronze and has a height of more than a meter and a half. Along its design you can see the names of the winners of the previous 90 editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A unique trophy that will be invaluable and will be the target of riders, teams and brands during the 91st edition of the French endurance classica test that will take place on the weekend of June 10 and 11 at the iconic La Sarthe circuit.
As this trophy has a unique character, ACO has decided that, in the purest style of the Olympic flame, the award will travel the world and be present at some of the key and most outstanding events in the motor world. Following its presentation at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours prize will also be present at the Good Revival (September), the Chantilly Arts & Elegance event (September), the 8 Hours of Bahrain (November), at the Retrombile (February 2023) and at The Ice St. Moritz event (February 2023).
Photos: ACO