NBA superstar LeBron James has been named the official race starter for the centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The 100th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will get underway in France this Saturday, and none other than NBA superstar LeBron James will wave the French flag to signal the start of the race.
James will wave the French flag at 16:00 on Saturday, June 12 to herald the start of the 24 hour race. LeBron has won four NBA championships with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers. He also holds the NBA scoring record.
The Automobile Club of the West’s president, Pierre Fillon, expressed his happiness that James accepted the invitation to participate in the event.
“I am thrilled to welcome LeBron James to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary and thank him most sincerely for accepting our invitation,” said ACO President Pierre Fillon. “The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a world-renowned event that, in the past, has welcomed some great names from various fields.
“LeBron James is a true sporting legend whose list of achievements and records commands respect and admiration.
“We are looking forward to introducing him to the unique Le Mans atmosphere and the excitement generated by the Centenary of the world’s greatest endurance race.”
James, a performance car collector, said he was pleased to be a part of a “historic moment” in the history of the French endurance classic.
“There’s nothing like seeing and experiencing sports at their highest level,” LeBron said. “It’s an honor for me to be part of this historic moment in motorsport and help celebrate the Centenary of one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
“I look forward to kicking off this iconic race and watching its world class drivers compete on Le Mans’ global stage.”
James is not the only American sports legend who will attend the event; Tom Brady, a seven-time NFL Super Bowl champion, is also anticipated to attend to cheer on the HERTZ Team JOTA Porsche attempt in the Hypercar class.
In recent years, a number of celebrities have also served as race starters, including actor Brad Pitt and tennis player Rafael Nadal.
Also present will be other American outfits and drivers participating in the event. Porsche Penske Motorsports will run three Porsche 963s with one American driver, Dane Cameron; Glickenhaus Racing will run two Glickenhaus 007s; United Autosports will run two Oreca 07-Gibsons; and Corvette Racing has entered a Corvette C8.R with American Ben Keating.
Additionally, Cadillac Racing will field two Cadillac V-Series Rs; Action Express Racing has entered another Cadillac V-Series R; and Porsche Penske Motorsports will run three Porsche
