Earlier in 2025, it was announced that Le Mans Classic would move from a biannual to an annual event, giving fans a celebration of historic racing every year from 2026 onwards. The new Legend format will feature Grids 6-10, highlighting the evolution of endurance racing from 1972 through 2015, while the Heritage event in 2027 will showcase Grids 1-5, covering the earliest chapters of Le Mans history.
Each grid represents a distinct chapter of motorsport history, from the raw turbocharged machines of the 1970s to the high-tech prototypes and GT cars of the 2010s. The Legend 2026 grids bring together some of the most iconic cars, teams, and technologies ever to race at the Circuit de la Sarthe. In this guide, we explore what defines each grid, the stories behind them, and what spectators can expect to see on track in 2026.
What are the Le Mans Classic Legend 2026 Grids?
Grid 6: 1972–1984 Prototypes & GTs
Grid 6 showcases prototypes from 1972-1984 alongside GT cars from 1975-1984, a thrilling period when endurance racing began experimenting with turbocharged engines, aerodynamics, and new chassis designs. This era bridges the raw mechanics of earlier decades with the technological innovations that would define the Group C era.
Iconic machines include the Porsche 936 and 908/3 prototypes, as well as GT legends like the Porsche 935 and Ferrari 512 BB LM. Memorable moments from this era include Jean Rondeau’s historic 1980 Le Mans win in his own car – a true testament to the era’s pioneering spirit. The roar of turbo engines, glowing exhaust flames, and the bold shapes of these cars will make this grid a fan favourite at the Le Mans Classic Legend.
Key information – Grid 6
- 🏎️ Cars to watch: Porsche 936 & 908/3, Porsche 935, Ferrari 512 BB LM
- ⏰ Best time to catch it: Late afternoon or early evening, when the light drops and turbo flames are more visible
- 🔉 What you’ll hear: Turbocharged engine roars, mechanical exhaust pops
- 👀 Where to watch: Corners where prototypes and GTs share track space for maximum contrast
- 📸 Photo tip: Capture the glowing turbo flames and low-slung prototypes for iconic shots
- 🌟 Why it’s special: Transitional era bridging raw mechanics and the innovations that led to Group C dominance
Grid 7: 1982–1993 – Group C Prototypes
Grid 7 showcases 1982-1993 Group C prototypes, an era defined by engineering brilliance and strategic endurance racing. Memorable Le Mans moments from this era of racing include include Jaguar’s dramatic 1988 victory with the XJR-9, ending Porsche’s seven-year winning streak from 1981-1987, Mazda’s historic 1991 triumph, the only Le Mans win ever achieved with a rotary engine, and Peugeot’s rise in the early ’90s. This period combined aerodynamic innovation, fuel-strategy battles, and intense wheel-to-wheel racing, making it one of the most visually and technically striking eras in Le Mans history.
On track, fans will see legendary cars like the Porsche 962, Jaguar XJR-9, and Peugeot 905, all of which helped define Group C’s reputation for speed and ingenuity. The roar of high-rev engines, the swooping lines of prototypes, and the nostalgia of the tactical drama of multi-class endurance racing means there is plenty to look forward to when it comes to Group C in 2026.
Key information – Grid 7
- 🏎️ Cars to watch: Porsche 962, Jaguar XJR-9, Peugeot 905
- ⏰ Best time to catch it: Bright daytime sessions, so you can fully appreciate Group C’s aerodynamic shapes at high speed
- 🔉What you’ll hear: High-rev prototypes with distinctive whines and exhaust pops
- 👀 Where to watch: Fast corners and long straights to appreciate aerodynamic designs
- 📸 Photo tip: Capture iconic battles and the sleek lines of the cars
- 🌟 Why it’s special: Experience Group C’s legendary speed, strategy, and reminisce on the historic moments
Grid 8: 1994–1999 – Prototypes & GTs
Grid 8 covers 1994-1999, a transformative era when high-tech prototypes raced alongside the rise of GT1 supercars. Iconic moments include the McLaren F1 GTR’s unexpected 1995 Le Mans victory, showcasing the power of road-going supercars converted for racing, Porsche’s dominant 1996-1998 campaigns with the 911 GT1, and Toyota’s bold GT-One entries, which pushed prototype-GT boundaries and electrified fans with their speed and innovation. This period blended cutting-edge technology with strategic endurance racing, creating some of the most memorable battles in modern Le Mans history.
Cars to watch include the McLaren F1 GTR, Porsche 911 GT1, and Toyota GT-One. Spectators will enjoy the mix of raw GT power and nimble prototypes, the roar of high-rev engines, and the fierce wheel-to-wheel action that made the era associated with this grid a standout on the track.
Key information – Grid 8
- 🏎️ Cars to watch: McLaren F1 GTR, Porsche 911 GT1, Toyota GT-One
- ⏰ Best time to catch it: Morning sessions, where softer light highlights the contrast between GT1 supercars and prototypes
- 🔉 What you’ll hear: High-rev GT engines and prototype roars
- 👀 Where to watch: Corners where GTs and prototypes share the track for maximum contrast
- 📸 Photo tip: Capture the dramatic battles between nimble prototypes and muscular GTs
- 🌟 Why it’s special: Highlights the rise of GT1 supercars and intense endurance racing strategy
Grid 9: 2000–2005 Prototypes & 2000-2010 GTs
Grid 9 brings together prototypes from between 2000-2005 and GT cars from 2000-2010, offering a fascinating view of how endurance racing matured at the turn of the millennium. This era was marked by Audi’s dominance with the R8, the emergence of challengers like Bentley and Pescarolo, and the rise of professional privateer teams. On the GT side, expect to see fierce battles between cars such as the Ferrari 550 Maranello, Porsche 996 GT3 RSR, Saleen S7-R, Aston Martin DBR9, and Corvette C6.R
With this grid, fans will experience the raw sound of V8 and V10 engines, the precision of modern prototype aerodynamics, and the elegance of GT supercars tuned for endurance. The racing throughout the naughties was more professional than ever before, with refined pit strategies, increased manufacturer investment, and a growing balance between speed and reliability.
Key information – Grid 9
- 🏎️ Cars to watch: Audi R8, Bentley Speed 8, Pescarolo prototypes; Ferrari 550, 996 GT3 RSR, DBR9, Corvette C6.R GTs
- ⏰ Best time to catch it: Midday sessions, when the modern aero details and liveries are most visible
- 🔉 What you’ll hear: High-rev V8s/V10s and modern endurance engine notes
- 👀 Where to watch: Fast sections and pit exit – great place to see the contrast between slick prototypes and heavy GTs
- 📸 Photo tip: Use bright daylight to capture sharp aero shapes and bold GT liveries
- 🌟 Why it’s special: A decade defined by Audi dominance, rising privateer teams, and the resurgence of GT endurance racing
Grid 10: LMP1 (2006-2012), LMP2 (2006-2015) & GTE (2011-2015)
Grid 10 brings together the most advanced and high-performance machines from 2006 up to 2015, blending three distinct categories: LMP1 (2006–2012), LMP2 (2006–2015), and GTE (2011–2015). This era was defined by fierce manufacturer competition, especially the Audi vs. Peugeot diesel battles in LMP1, and high-powered yet efficient prototypes pushing the boundaries of both speed and endurance. In LMP2, privateer teams with Oreca, Lola, and HPD chassis emerged as critical players, showcasing both innovation and persistence.
On the GT front, Grid 10 features some powerhouses of the early 2010s in the form of Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, and Corvette. These were deeply professional racing machines, producing some of the most memorable and close-fought battles at Le Mans in recent history.
Key information – Grid 10
- 🏎️ Cars to watch: Audi R10/R15/R18, Peugeot 908 HDi FAP, Oreca/HPD LMP2s; Ferrari 458 GTE, Porsche 911 RSR, Corvette C6.R
- ⏰ Best time to catch it: Twilight into night – headlights, cooler air and glowing brake discs create incredible visuals
- 🔉 What you’ll hear: Deep, muscular diesel notes from LMP1 and high-rev V8/V10 sounds from the GTEs
- 👀 Where to watch: Fast sections and pit exit to see prototypes slicing past heavier GTEs
- 📸 Photo tip: Twilight shooting delivers dramatic silhouettes and light trails
- 🌟 Why it’s special: A transformative era featuring diesel-powered LMP1 icons, the emergence of early hybrid technology, and fierce GTE rivalries.
Where to stay for Le Mans Classic Legend 2026
As Le Mans Classic moves into its new annual rhythm, interest in the inaugural Legend edition is already building and staying close to the circuit can make a huge difference to the overall experience. At Motorsport Travel Destinations, we offer a selection of accommodation options for classic racing fans, ranging from authentic camping to more premium setups, all designed to make your weekend smooth and enjoyable.
Among these, two of our most popular choices for Le Mans Classic Legend are the Bronze Camping and Silver Glamping areas, both situated at Porsche Curves.
Bronze captures the true Le Mans spirit, offering easy access to the circuit, a welcoming atmosphere, and exclusive use of a private viewing bank reserved for our guests. For those seeking a touch more comfort while staying close to the action, the Silver Glamping site features spacious pre-pitched tents, real beds, and enhanced facilities – the perfect way to enjoy the event in style without leaving the heart of the circuit. Plus, Silver Glamping guests also receive access to the private viewing bank at the neighbouring Bronze site, so everyone can enjoy the best views of the action.
Each of our packages includes accommodation, full weekend race tickets, and return channel crossing. You are free to choose the crossing most suited for you (be that Ferry or Eurotunnel) from Dover, Folkestone, Portsmouth, Poole or Hull.