24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the most well-known endurance racing sports in the world, and it also happens to be the oldest. Since its founding in 1923, it has been known as the de facto standard for racing events, testing the endurance of both car and driver to their limits.
What some may not be aware of, however, is that Rolex has a unique connection to the storied motor sporting event. Below, we will learn more about the history of the event itself, Rolex’s connection to the event, and several famous celebrities who have raced in the event over the years.
What is the History of 24 Hours of Le Mans?
The first 24 Hours of Le Mans ran on May 26-27th, 1923. It was named after the town of Le Mans, France, which is where the race begins annually. At the time, most competitive auto racing was simply focused on speed and whichever car could finish the race first.
Le Mans suggested a new kind of auto racing in the form of endurance sports. Essentially, the goal would not outright be speed, but to see how much the car and driver could endure over 24 hours. While the event was supposed to only take place every three years initially, it proved to be so popular that it would eventually become an annual tradition.
How is Rolex Connected to 24 Hours of Le Mans?
Rolex has long had a connection to various sporting events, including motorsports. They were one of the first brands to sponsor athletic events and create what we today would know as spokespeople or, in the company’s preferred parlance, “brand ambassadors.”
In 1991, Rolex began formally acting as one of the sponsors of the event. Since then, at the conclusion of each race, the winner is given a customized Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. However, as we will see in the next section of this article, Rolex actually had been involved with the race, albeit indirectly, for decades before their formal sponsorship deal with the event began.
Which Celebrities Have Raced in 24 Hours of Le Mans?
In the late 1970s, a curious phenomenon began to overtake Hollywood. Several prominent movie stars, for whatever reason, began to develop an interest in motorsports and car racing. These included prominent actors of the time, such as Steve McQueen, James Garner, and James Coburn.
And while all of these men were talented drivers, the most successful of this group of actors turned racers was none other than the legendary Paul Newman. The late, great actor was a passionate racecar driver, and in 1979, he decided to try his hand at racing Le Mans.
Newman would go on to win first in his class and second overall in a Porsche 935 with Hawaiian Tropic décor. Newman would later be gifted a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona from his wife, Joanne, which would only further cement the public’s association between the brand and racecar driving. It is likely why that same model of watch is given to the winners at the end of each year’s Le Mans currently.
Some other notable celebrities who have raced in the event include:
- Fabien Barthez, Manchester United goalkeeper
- Nick Mason, drummer of Pink Floyd
- Mark Thatcher, son of Margaret Thatcher
- Patrick Dempsey, actor and co-star of Grey’s Anatomy
Famous Racer includes:
- Tom Kristensen – 9 Wins
- Jacky Ickx – 6 Wins
- Derek Bell – 5 Wins
- Frank Biela with – 5 Wins
- Emanuele Pirro – 5 Wins
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