For its centenary, the mythical 24 Hours of Le Mans race will have a “starter” worthy of its legend. The organizers have indeed announced that it is LeBron James who will give the start of the race on Saturday June 10 at 4 p.m.
“For this global event, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) has the privilege of welcoming one of the greatest sportsmen in history. LeBron James, legendary American basketball player and philanthropist, will start the 62 competitors in the 24 Hours of Le Mans »announces the press release.
In fact, every year since 1949, for the most famous round of the World Endurance Championship rounds, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest entrusts a prominent personality with the task of lowering the tricolor flag at the start of the race. . This is how Rafael Nadal, for example, had this honor in 2018. But actors like Brad Pitt in 2016 or Alain Delon in 1996 also experienced this privilege. Or Steve McQueen in 1971 who shot the film Le Mans during the previous edition.
For this particular edition of the centenary of the race, we needed a star of the size of the event. “There is nothing like seeing and experiencing sport at its highest level”explained the leading scorer in NBA history. “It is an honor for me to take part in this historic moment in motorsport and to contribute to the celebration of the centenary of one of the greatest sporting events in the world. I can’t wait to get this iconic race started and see the world-cl drivers go head-to-head on the iconic Le Mans track. »