Le Mans Classic 2022: Italians involved and tips to enjoy it

For its 10th edition, Le Mans Classic will be held this June 30 until July 3, 2022 on the mythical circuit of the 24 Hours. I will be there again, as at the 2018 edition, after 2 years of postponement because of the COVID.

In 2018, precisely, the edition had attracted 195,00 spectators. Car enthusiasts, respectful, sometimes from all over the world.

The Italian women involved

For this 2022 edition, out of almost 500 cars entered, the Italians are well represented. Even if it lacks a bit of Maserati for my taste! And it is there that we notice also and still the place of Alfa Romeo in competition. The models selected are those which took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1923 and 1981.

For information, a herringbone start as it was given from 1925 to 1969, will be organized for the stages 1-2-3-4. The other stages, which are much faster, will start according to the rolling start procedure.

Tray 1

• Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 LM 1931
• Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Zagato Le Mans 1934
• Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 MM Spider Zagato 1932
• Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 1932
• Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza 1932
• Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 LM 1931
• Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza 1934

Tray 2

• Fiat 8V 1953
• Maserati A6GCS Spider 1953
• Alfa Romeo Giulietta SVZ 1957
• Lancia Aurelia B20 1953
• Lancia Aurelia B20 1956
• Ferrari 250 MM 1953
• Maserati 300 S 1955
• 1958 Osca Maserati 750 Sport

Tray 3

• Ferrari 250 GT SWB 1960
• 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB
• 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan
• Abarth Simca 1300 1960
• Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ 1962
• Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta 1960
• Ferrari 250 GT SWB 1962
• Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ 1962

Tray 4

• Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ 1965
• Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ 1964
• Ferrai 250 GT 1964
• Ferrari 250 LM 1965
• Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ 1964
• Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ 1963

Tray 5

• Ferrari 365 GTB 1975
• Ferrari 365 GTB 1970
• De Tomaso Pantera 1972
• Ferrari 512 M 1971
• Ferrari 275 GTB 1966
• Alfa Romeo T33 1971
• Ferrari 365 GTB
• Ferrari 312 P 1969
• Ferrari 512 S 1970

Tray 6

• Ferrari 512 BBLM
• Lancia Beta Montecarlo Turbo 1981
• Ferrari 512 BBLM 1980
• Ferrari 512 BBLM Bellancauto 1981
• De Tomaso Pantera 1975
• Ferrari 512 BBLM 1979
• Ferrari 512 BBLM 1979
• De Tomaso Pantera 1979

In addition to the stage, you can walk around to visit the manufacturers' stands, see the club cars, etc. You will walk a few miles to see everything, believe me.

My advice for Le Mans Classic

From my experience at the 2018 Le Mans Classic, here are the tips I can give. They are personal, they will not suit the 200 000 spectators!

• Tickets The access to the paddocks if you can take it is very nice because you can observe closely the static cars.
• Parking: There is a bit of traffic jam on Saturday morning but it is very well organized and on the parking lot there are "normal" cars and sports cars, of all nationalities;
• Dress code: Le Mans Classic requires a dress code of the time. A light shirt, a polo shirt, shorts and jeans will do. Take good walking shoes because in Le Mans, people walk a lot. If the sun is shining, think of a hat or a cap.
• Drink: On site it is possible to quench your thirst: water, soda, beer ... In 2018, it had been very hot and beer was from memory at 8 €. So think to take one or more bottles of water.
• Meals : As for the drinks, it is possible to eat on the go (sandwiches) or at the table. Please plan a budget for this or bring your own sandwiches.
• Night : it's up to each one, camping nearby, hotel, airbnb. It depends on the level of comfort and the experience you are looking for. In 2018, I was able to sleep in a house at a friend's a few km from the circuit and in the middle of the night, you can hear the cars!
• Noise Remember to bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones. The vintage cars, even if that's why we go there, are very noisy. The start is impressive for that. But remember to protect your ears if you are sensitive to noise.

If you are interested it is still possible to buy a ticket. If you can't make it, follow the account Instagram italpassion or I'll share some stories about Le Mans Classic 2022.