Bentley Races in Le Mans Classic
Ferrari undoubtedly emerged as one of the leading figures at this year’s Le Mans, earning its first win since it departed the competition 58 years ago. Still, the show at Circuit de la Sarthe was not just dedicated to the famous Prancing Horse.
In honor of its 100th anniversary, the renowned 2003 Bentley Speed 8 race car made a remarkable comeback to the highly regarded event this past weekend. This fabulous racecar, which had a significant influence on Bentley’s emergence in the early 2000s, was featured at the racetrack as part of a presentation, suggesting that a Works Bentley would take part in Le Mans.
Bentley may be synonymous with the utmost luxury found in vehicles like the Flying Spur, however their motor racing roots go back to the 1920s. After winning several times from 1927-1930, Bentley temporarily departed from the sport before again starting again in 2001. A 2003 victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Speed 8 saw the prestigious auto company reclaim its place at the top after more than seven decades away.
The highly-renowned Speed 8 chassis 004/5, the car that bought Bentley momentous victory, was honored at the Le Mans 20th anniversary celebration. The selfsame driver who came in 1st at the historic race, Guy Smith, was controlling the wheel.
In addition, the Le Mans Classic, set to transpire at the conclusion of this month, will witness a Works Bentley taking part in the race for the very first time since 2003.
Two cars in the Blower Continuation Series, comprising of both Blower Car Zero owned by the manufacturing plant and a client automobile, are participating in the Grid 1 race. This not just denotes the formal comeback of Bentley to Le Mans since 2003, yet additionally the rebound of a Works-supported Blower on the circuit for the first time since 1930.
The Bentley Speed 8 will be showcased at the Le Mans Museum across the entirety of June.
