Le Mans GT3/LMP3 Support Race Details Revealed

Photo: Vision Sport Agency

Details of the ACO’s new support race, comprised of GT3 and LMP3 cars during the 24 Hours of Le Mans weekend, has emerged, with the initial sporting regulations and eligibility for the event, called “Road to Le Mans” having been released.

The race, which will be between 50 to 60 minutes in length, will feature all full-season Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup entrants, as well as being open to LMP3 teams competing in the European and/or Asian Le Mans Series.

Invitational entries may also be accepted, with the ACO’s selection committee to decide the complete field. The exact size of the grid will be determined later this month.

A minimum drive time of 20 minutes will be imposed for the race, which can see either one or two-driver lineups, including a mandatory pit stop within a to-be-determined window.

Platinum-rated drivers will not be eligible to compete, with each car requiring at least one Bronze-rated driver. Bronze/Bronze or Bronze/Silver lineup combinations will be permitted for both classes, with a Bronze/Gold pairing allowed for GT3 only.

Additionally, GT3 will not permit a single-driver lineup, as the event will count as a race of the new six-round Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup.

Michelin will provide a single slick specification tire for each class, although there will be no limit on tires over the course of the event.

Two-one hour practice sessions will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a 30-minute qualifying session Thursday evening. The race is scheduled to get underway Saturday, June 18 at 11:10 a.m. local time.

“Road to Le Mans reinforces the determination of the ACO to consolidate the development of the endurance nursery and to highlight the promotional categories in this branch of the sport,” a statement from the ACO read.

Entry requests for the event will open on March 18 and close on April 15, with the final entry list to be released shortly after.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John