An experience bar none, we joined Toyota for the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s longest-running endurance race. Bucket-list item, checked!
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Arguably one of the most prestigious events on the global motorsport calendar, I have always been fascinated by the 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, attending this historic race and experiencing it firsthand has been but an enduring childhood dream and bucket-list item missing a check mark … until now.
The reality of actually getting to live an experience that was once reserved for my dreams would only really start sinking in on the Monday, in an elevator on the 19th floor of The Towers South in Cape Town, 123 hours before lights out at Circuit de la Sarthe. Admittedly, this does seem a rather curious location to come to this realisation, so allow me to explain… I had just picked up my passport, and pasted on the first page was the final document I needed for the trip — a Schengen visa. Glancing at the latter piece of paper, a grin stretched across my face. What first felt unbelievable became tangible. In the following few days, I would be boarding a flight to France for the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans, and what would be my first visit to Europe.
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Overwhelmed as I was with excitement, and with a tendency to misplace documents and valuables, I quickly tucked the “Green Mamba” into my jacket pocket, often (and admittedly, rather obsessively) patting the overlaying patch of fabric to check whether it’s still there and hadn’t “disappeared” like my previous passport. Safely hidden in a secret spot in my apartment, I added “passport” to the top of my “what-to-pack-and-what-to-remember” list.
Having put all my necessary gadgets on charge the previous evening, Thursday morning — before hopping on an afternoon flight to Johannesburg to meet up with the Toyota South Africa team and media colleagues, before the 11-odd hour flight to Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris — I started packing for the trip. With a keen eye on my list, I checked off every item as each found a spot in either my moon bag, backpack or Toyota Gazoo Racing-branded carry-on travel bag. Good to go, I headed to Cape Town International.
Soon after sunrise, we were greeted by the spectacular sight of the City of Light. Next stop, Le Mans.
Although the 24 Hours of Le Mans race officially commences on four o’clock on Saturday afternoon, festivities actually kick off with Friday’s Driver’s Parade, when each of the 186 drivers are transported through the city centre in a variety of vehicles.
However, before heading to the streets, we were granted access to the lot where a number of these vehicles — including iconic classics, American muscle cars, sports- and supercars, and even bakkies — were on display. Several of the drivers were also present and eagerly approached by fans for photo opportunities and signatures. Among them was former Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean, who, following a 14-year hiatus from Le Mans, is now representing Lamborghini in the Hypercar class.
Come rain or shine, the city was buzzing with fans. A particularly vociferous group of supporters were chanting “Alpine, Alpine, Alpine” and waved flags as several classic A110s passed by.
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Finding a spot on the stands, refreshments in hand, we watched the parade. Met with myriad cheers and applause, the Toyota Gazoo Racing team set off from the starting point in a trio of Hilux bakkies.
Buzzing with excitement for race day, I only managed to get three hours of sleep the previous evening. Thinking about the short stints (sometimes only two hours at a time) of rest Le Mans drivers get during the race, I realised just how resilient they must be. It’s remarkable what they and their cars must endure over 24 hours.
Arriving at the Circuit de la Sarthe, I noticed the vast number of tents outside the grounds and, notably, the vehicles parked next to them. They were anything but common-or-garden variety car; Lamborghini Diablos, Porsche GT3s and Toyota GR Yarises, being among the selection.
With several hours to go before race start, we visited the museum, where we got up close to Le Mans race cars of yesteryear, such as the Ford GT and Rothmans Porsche 956, and those more contemporary, such as the Porsche 919 Hybrid and Toyota TS050, the car with which the Japanese racing outfit claimed its first Le Mans victory in 2018. It still proudly wears its Le Mans scars.
What followed was a surreal experience. Surrounded by stands packed with spectators (the turnout was in excess of 300 000), we walked down the grid and along the pits, before making our way to Michelin hospitality lounge, eagerly awaiting lights out.
With my upper body extended over the windowsill, I looked down at the grid of hypercars. In clear view, the Toyota Gazoo Racing team was readying one of the GR010 Hybrids for the race. The firm was targeting its sixth Le Mans win. However, with #8 and #7 starting 11th and 23rd on the grid, it would be no easy feat. Even so, the team was very much determined and up for the challenge as they set off in formation behind the safety car.
As the minutes edged closer to four o’clock, a seven-strong Patrouille de France squadron roared over the grid; the hues of the French tricolor trailed behind. The safety car retired to the pits (though it would make several return appearances over the 24 hours) and, on the horizon, the contenders in the Hypercar class started approaching, followed by the LMP2s and LMGT3s.
With the wave of the French flag, the 24 Hours of Le Mans officially commenced. What would take place throughout the race was nothing short of thrilling. A highlight, we were afforded the opportunity to watch the race unfold from the skies above, as the helicopter flew over the 13.626 km circuit. It was magnificent.
The weather changed dramatically throughout the 24 hours, with sunshine repeatedly making way for sudden downpours. However, with calculated decision-making, the reigning world champions effortlessly adapted to the conditions. In the Toyota Gazoo Racing garage, sitting a few metres away from us, a focused Nyck de Vries, in preparation to take over the helm of the #7 GR010 Hybrid, was discussing strategy with mechanics and watching the race on a television screen.
Watching the teams compete long after the sun has set was enthralling. However, with the drivers having to keep a steady pace behind the safety cars, we’d have to wait a couple of hours to see some real nighttime racing.
With conditions stabilizing, and the safety cars now parked in the pits, the race was back on; each car’s headlamps lighting up the circuit while a firework display lit up the night sky.
With four o’clock fast approaching, we were at the edge of our seats. The Toyotas had led the race several times. However, the #50 Ferrari 499P was now in front, with the #7 Toyota in second. Although the Ferrari’s ‘virtual battery’ was running out, the Italian team kept it in the field. They had no choice; pitting would surrender the win to the Toyota, which continued shaving seconds of the red car’s lead. It was a gamble, however. Owing to this decision, the #50 could potentially run out of juice just before the finish line.
With a mere 1% of ‘virtual battery’ left, the Ferrari claimed victory. The Toyota crossed the line 14.221 seconds later in an inspired comeback drive. Although Toyota Gazoo Racing didn’t claim Le Mans glory, placing second after starting at the back of the grid was a commendable achievement. Both the Toyotas fought admirably until the very end. The #8 GR010 finished fifth. On the back of such a determined showing, Toyota’s dream of a sixth win remains very much alive.
Following the nail-biting finish, we headed to Paris. The next morning, I took a stroll through the capital, finding a spot in one of the myriad quaint cafés located in the city for an espresso and croissant. Sitting here, scrolling through the images and videos I captured during the weekend elicited a wave of goosebumps. It still does; it’s an experience that’s been etched into my memory. I navigated to my notes app, opening the folder comprising my bucket list, pinching myself before checking off “Le Mans”.
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