One of the most iconic moments of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, together with the French anthem and the passing of the planes with the tricolor flag, is the starting signal that begins the race. And for a special date such as the centenary of the most legendary resistance race, the organization has chosen an icon of world sport for the photo of the moment: LeBron James. Since 1949, that role has recurred to a personality from the world of politics, sports, cinema or industry. Past official headlines include Brad Pitt (2016), Alain Delon (1996), French President Georges Pompidou (1972) or Steve McQueen (1971), for example.
The last athlete to have that honor was Rafael Nadal Parera (2018) in an edition in which there was another icon of Spanish and world sport on the track: Fernando Alonso with Toyota. But going back to the present, ‘the race of the century’, as this edition of Le Mans has been baptized, will feature one of the greatest in world basketball. “There is nothing like seeing and living the sport at the highest level. It is an honor for me to be a part of this historic moment in motorsports and to help celebrate the Centenary of one of the most important sporting events in the world. I am looking forward to starting this iconic race and seeing its world-class drivers compete on the global stage at Le Mans,” he says. lebron to the organizers.
Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, for his part, completes: “LeBron James is a true sports legend whose list of achievements and records commands respect and admiration. We look forward to introducing you to the unique atmosphere of Le Mans and the excitement generated by the Centenary of the world’s greatest endurance race.”