The centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is already an event that goes beyond motorsport. It is even more so since Monday and the announcement that has just been made by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the historic organizer of the event. This Saturday, at 16 p.m., LeBron James will be the starter of the race. It is he who will have the privilege of lowering the French flag signifying the start, in front of packed stands.
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A legend of basketball and world sports, the Los Angeles Lakers player will give the start to the 62 competing crews. "There's nothing like seeing and experiencing the sport at its highest level," the four-time NBA champion said in the COA's statement. It is an honour for me to participate 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 kick off this iconic race and see the world-class drivers compete on the iconic Le Mans track. »
An iconic starter for the race of the Century: #basketball LeBron James @KingJames will be on flag duty at the @24hoursoflemans this Saturday !@NBAFRANCE #LeMansCentenary
📸Presse sport pic.twitter.com/U9SOmH6QkU
— 24 Hours of Le Mans (@24hoursoflemans) June 5, 2023
Since 1949, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest has entrusted a personality each year with the task of lowering the tricolour flag at the start. We can mention pell-mell Brad Pitt (2016), Rafael Nadal (2018), Alain Delon (1996), but also Georges Pompidou (1972) or Steve McQueen (1971), main actor of the eponymous film shot the previous year.
It has a collection of beautiful cars
"I am delighted to welcome LeBron James on the occasion of this centennial, and thank him most sincerely for accepting the role of starter," said Pierre Fillon, President of the COA. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is known all over the world and has, in its history, always welcomed big names from all walks of life. LeBron James is a true sports legend and has a record and a list of records that command admiration. We can't wait to show him the unique atmosphere on the circuit and the excitement generated by the centenary. »
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Eliminated from the title race by Denver, the leading scorer in NBA history is also a big fan of automobiles. Even if he does not own a team like Michael Jordan in NASCAR, he shares with the mythical No. 23 Bulls a collection of beautiful cars (Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce) valued at several million euros.
