NBA legend LeBron James opens 24-hour race

The most successful scorer in NBA history will have the honor of opening the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023. At 16:00 on June 10, LeBron James will wave the “drapeau tricolore” – France’s national flag – officially dedicating the 91st edition of the most legendary 24-hour race.

Since 1949, the role of race start has been given to a well-known personality. For example, the 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal opened the 24-hour race on the Circuit de la Sarthe in 2018. “I am delighted to welcome LeBron James to the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. LeBron is a true sporting legend whose list of achievements and records deserves respect and admiration,” said Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l ‘Ouest (ACO).

James has won the NBA championship four times. The appearance for the outstanding basketball player is only possible because the 38-year-old was eliminated in the playoff semifinals with the Los Angeles Lakers and is not prevented from attending the NBA finals that are currently taking place. But that doesn’t dampen James’ anticipation: “It’s an honor for me to be part of this historic moment in motorsport and to help celebrate the centenary of one of the greatest sporting events in the world.”