For an unprecedented third consecutive year, Ford will be the official event partner for the Legends of Le Mans Dinner, which is set to take place on Thursday 17 May at the Royal Automobile Club’s prestigious Woodcote Park estate. The 50th anniversary of Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi’s famous victory in the Ford GT40 will be celebrated, while current Ford GT racers Andy Priaulx and Harry Tincknell will be there.
The Ford Chip Ganassi Team pairing won their class at both the Silverstone Six Hours and the Shanghai Six Hours during a successful 2017 World Endurance Championship campaign. They also stood on the podium at Le Mans, with Tincknell proudly wearing the Hope for Tomorrow logo on his overalls.
“Le Mans is a uniquely challenging event with a great atmosphere,” said Priaulx. “I’m really looking forward to the Legends of Le Mans dinner – with the legendary racers who are already lined up, it’ll offer a brilliantly entertaining insight into what it’s like to take part in the 24 Hours.”
“We’re delighted to once again be supporting the Hope for Tomorrow Legends of Le Mans Dinner,” said Jay Ward, Director, Ford of Europe Product Communications. “Ford has got a great history of success at Le Mans, from the GT40’s victories in the 1960s to Mirage in the ’70s with the Ford-Cosworth DFV engine – all the way up to our current GT programme. We’re really excited about going back there in 2018.”
Priaulx and Tincknell will be joined by a galaxy of stars including Darren Turner, a class winner at Le Mans in 2017 for Aston Martin, and their former Ford team-mate Marino Franchitti.
The legendary Tony Brooks – the man once described by Sir Stirling Moss as the “greatest unknown racing driver” – competed at La Sarthe for Aston Martin during the 1950s will also be there on the night. Brooks will be joined by renowned Ferrari and Porsche privateer David Piper – who was one of the drivers in Steve McQueen’s iconic ‘Le Mans’ film – plus Guy Smith, 2003 victor with Bentley.
Jonathan Legard will host the evening, with fellow broadcaster Simon Taylor interviewing the drivers. Those who were there in 2017 won’t forget the lively banter between Turner and Tincknell on the night, the friendly rivalry between the duo continued the rest of the racing season! there’s guaranteed to be more of the same this year as the stars entertain everyone with their anecdotes and insight.
The evening will conclude with a motorsport-themed live auction, hosted by the renowned auctioneer Duncan Moir and featuring a fantastic array of ‘money can’t buy’ experiences and signed memorabilia.
The Legends of Le Mans Dinner is a unique celebration of the world’s most famous race – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The star-studded fixture is the charity’s flagship fundraiser, and gives enthusiasts the chance to rub shoulders with the likes of Patrons – and Le Mans winners – Derek Bell MBE, David Brabham and Martin Brundle, plus David Richards CBE and Ross Brawn OBE.
The star-studded event is held in support of Hope for Tomorrow, the national cancer charity that was founded by Christine Mills in December 2003 dedicated to bringing treatment closer to patients’ home by providing Mobile Cancer Care Units.
