Le Mans Classic moves to an annual event from 2026

In June 2025, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) announced that Le Mans Classic would shift from its traditional biannual format to a yearly event starting from 2026.

The surprise change was driven by growing public enthusiasm for the event, a desire to give drivers and collectors more opportunities to race, and a commitment to allowing more people – across all generations – to experience the magic of classic endurance racing more frequently, more intensely, and on a broader scale.

Pre-book your 2026 Le Mans Classic package now!

In this article, we’ll break down what this change means for the event and our accommodation offerings for the new look Le Mans Classic next year.

What is the new Le Mans Classic format?

The announcement that the Le Mans Classic will be moving to an annual event means that it will now be held in two different formats and alternate on a yearly basis. Namely, these will be referred to as Le Mans Classic Heritage and Le Mans Classic Legend, with each event focusing on a different era of racing.

This new schedule gives fans the chance to relive the magic of retro endurance racing every year, creating more track opportunities for both collectors and drivers.

Le Mans Classic Heritage

Le Mans Classic Heritage can be classified as a tribute to the history of the Le Mans 24h from 1923 to 1975 – the golden age of endurance racing.

Attendees will be able to witness a truly vintage racing atmosphere, with some of the best cars from years gone by on show. There will be five grids on display, each providing a reflection of some of the glorious periods of endurance racing witnessed at the Le Mans 24h between 1923 and 1975.

Grid 1 – Origins (1923-1939)

This grid at Le Mans Classic celebrates the race’s early years, featuring pre-war cars that, despite basic technology like rear-only brakes and unsynchronised gearboxes, still reach impressive speeds. They embody the daring spirit of Le Mans’ amateur pioneers.

Grid 2 – Le Mans Reborn (1949 -1956)

This post-war grid pays tribute to Le Mans’ revival after WWII, featuring iconic 1950s cars that defined endurance racing’s golden age. Models like the Jaguar C-Type and Austin Healey blend elegant design with bold engineering.

Grid 3 – Sixties 1 (1957-1961)

A grid in between the fifties and sixties, this one highlights the early part of the decade, when endurance racing began to enter its modern era. It features pioneering GTs and prototypes, such as the Ferrari 250 GT SWB, Porsche 718 RSK, and Maserati Tipo 61 “Birdcage”, that left a lasting mark on the World Sportscar Championship.

Grid 4 – Sixties 2 (1962-1966):

The second of the two 1960s grids focuses on a transformative era of technical innovation and fierce competition. It showcases iconic GTs and sports cars like the Ford GT40, Ferrari 250 LM, Porsche 911 2.0L, and Jaguar E-Type. This was the decade that saw Ford’s dramatic entry into Le Mans and the birth of its legendary rivalry with Ferrari – brought to life in the film Ford v Ferrari (Le Mans ’66).

Grid 5 – Classic Endurance (1967-1975):

This grid brings to life the endurance racing in the early 1970s, when Ford, Ferrari, and Porsche battled for dominance. It features 3-litre prototypes and Group 5 GTs – powerful yet refined machines that reflect the era’s bold engineering. With roaring V8s, V12s, and flat-twelve engines, it’s a tribute to a golden age of innovation and rivalry.

These grids will also be joined by exceptional thematic support races.

Le Mans Classic Legend

Le Mans Classic Legend is the more modern edition of the two events as it aims to replay the contemporary history of endurance, featuring cars entered between 1976 and 2015.

Similar to Le Mans Classic Heritage, Le Mans Classic Legend (to be held in 2026) will feature five grids that aims to illustrate the main technical and aesthetic evolutions that have transformed the discipline.

Grid 6 – The Turbo Era (1976-1982)

This grid spotlights the turbocharged revolution of endurance racing, when Le Mans prototypes saw a surge in performance and cutting-edge technology. It captures an era defined by rapid innovation, bold engineering, and fierce competition at the highest level.

Grid 7 – Group C Racing (1983-1993)

The Group C era brought together top manufacturers like Porsche, Jaguar, Mercedes, and Toyota alongside independent teams in a fierce competition defined by groundbreaking performance and innovation. These iconic prototypes, including the Porsche 962C and Mercedes-Benz C11, created some of the most memorable moments in Le Mans and endurance racing history.

Grid 8 – Endurance Racing Legends 1 (1994-2000)

Highlighting the prototypes and GTs that sparked endurance racing’s revival in the 1990s, this collection showcases the return of legendary manufacturers and breakthrough aerodynamic designs. Cars like the Ferrari F40 LM, McLaren F1 GTR, and Porsche 911 GT1 define this era of innovation and prestige.

Grid 9 – Endurance Racing Legends 2 (2001-2010):

Continuing naturally from the previous era, this lineup reflects the rapid technological advances seen up to 2005 for prototypes and 2010 for GTs, featuring standout models like the Chrysler Viper GTS-R, Audi R8 LMP, and Bentley Speed 8.

Grid 10 – Legend of Le Mans (2006-2015)

Showcasing the iconic GTEs and LMP prototypes that raced in top international series like the WEC, IMSA, ELMS, and ILMS, this collection highlights machines that defined major endurance events such as Le Mans and Daytona. These cars resonate strongly with younger fans and remain unforgettable symbols of the 2000s.

In addition, the programme will be completed by three support races, including the GT3 Revival Series, which features 40-to-50-minute sessions promising thrilling on-track action.

Which Le Mans Classic event will be on in 2026?

Kicking off the new yearly format will be the Le Mans Classic Legend in 2026, followed by Le Mans Classic Heritage in 2027.

Created to captivate seasoned motorsport fans and their families alike, Le Mans Classic Legend offers a rare chance to relive the iconic cars that sparked a generation’s love for racing.

Next year’s event will take place from Thursday 2 July – Sunday 5 July 2026.

Le Mans Classic 2026 accommodation offerings

As every year at Le Mans, Motorsport Travel Destinations will be present in France in 2026 to ensure our guests enjoy the best possible experience during this incredible weekend of racing history.

We have several exclusive Le Mans Classic accommodation options, are all within walking distance of the circuit and offer guests an unmatched base for your Le Mans weekend.

Pop-up Village (Luxury Cabins)

Gold+ (en-suite)

Platinum (en-suite)

In our Pop-up village, we have Gold+ (en-suite) and Platinum (en-suite) cabins available. Within this site you’ll find everything you need within a 15-minute walk to the track. Enjoy special events, a hospitality tent open early until late, 24h security and friendly staff on-site.

Silver Site (Glamping)

Silver (Glamping)

Further down the road you find out Silver Site. This is where our Glamping tents live, again within a short walk to the circuit and all the benefits of our private site including private clean showers and toilets, 24h security, hospitality tent and access to the viewing bank next door in Bronze!

Bronze Site (Camping)

Bronze (Camping)

In Bronze, our campers can enjoy the standard Motorsport Travel Destinations comforts of a private and staffed campsite, including 24h security, hospitality tent, private clean showers and toilets, all in the shadow of the legendary Porsche Curves viewing bank. Don’t want to bring all the gear? Book on of our pre-erected tents which come with inflatable beds!

Book Le Mans Classic for 2026

Tickets and packages for Le Mans Classic 2026 are now on sale and selling fast! Book now via our online booking form to secure your spot now ahead of the highly anticipated new look event.

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.

Ready to book? Reserve your place now!

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