Le Mans 24 hours

The drivers parade

The three Team LNT drivers today (16th June) joined the rest of the 24 hours of Le Mans drivers in the traditional parade around the town centre of Le Mans.

Roads had been closed for the afternoon and thousands of fans turned out to see the 150 drivers all taking part in possibly the World's most famous motor race.

Lawrence Tomlinson, Richard Dean and Tom Kimber-Smith climbed aboard a historic open-topped car to sign cards and hand them to crowds. Other members of the public had brought autograph books, programmes, hats and posters, while others were happy to have their body parts signed!

"It's like being David Beckham for the day," commented Richard Dean from his torpedo.

It was the 12th parade to have taken place and a great opportunity for spectators to get close to the drivers and cheer them on prior to tomorrow's race. The last stretch of the parade - up the arched Rue W. Wright to the Cathedrale was done on foot for lots of hand shaking and to talk one - to - one with people from all over the world.

Aside from the 2006 Le Mans drivers, the parade was accompanied by a traditional marching band and sounds of samba from the African dancers. Other motor marvels were also on show including the 5-times Le Mans winning Audi R8.

The thousands of people who turned out made the even spectacular and electrified the atmosphere. Le Mans 24 hour. It's more than just the race, but the whole build up to the main event. It's clear why this is one of the prestigious races n the world and a 'must' on everybody's list of 'places to visit in a lifetime'.