Wednesday 20th December 2023

24h Le Mans: 1923-2023 - 100 Years of Legends – The official celebration of the Le Mans 24 Hours  Book review by Peter Baker

When this book arrived, I naturally thought: ‘Oh no, not another one! Is there really enough room on the bookshelf for yet another glossy Le Mans ramble?’ But I was wrong. This book is different.

Billed as ‘The Official Celebration of the Le Mans 24 Hours’ it not only takes the reader deep into its history, but co-authors Denis Bernard, Basile Davoine, Julien Holtz and Gerard Holtz take us behind the scenes, subdividing a modern event and illustrating each responsibility in some depth. They even devote a few pages to us media people, admitting (unlike others) they need us to ‘spread the word.’

Personally, I found the chapter on communication most instructive. Did you know for example about ‘slow zones’? When live, the circuit can be split into 35 sections, thus isolating an incident, and reducing overall impact. And, did you know British cars have won Le Mans 17 times, just two behind leaders to date, Porsche. And again, did you know Vanina Ickx, daughter of Jacky, has raced at Le Mans six times, finishing seventh overall in 2011.

So, what we have is a fantastic combination well worthy of its title, and price, just £65.00. I guarantee, if it arrives on Christmas morning, you’ll still be reading it well into 2024.
Five stars.

24h Le Mans: 1923-2023 - 100 Years of Legends – the official celebration of the le mans 24 Hours
Written by Denis Bernard, Basile Davoine, Julien Holtz and Gerard Holtz
ISBN 978-1-910505-88-5
Published by Evro Publishing
Price £60.00