Bentley will be racing in the Le Mans Classic.
Ferrari was undoubtedly the biggest headline of this year's Le Mans, with the factory team scoring its first victory since it left the sport 58 years ago. But this year's spectacle at Circuit de la Sarthe wasn't all about the Prancing Horse.
To celebrate the iconic race's centenary, the renowned 2003 Bentley Speed 8 race car made a spectacular return to the prestigious event this past weekend. This magnificent race car, which played a massive role in Bentley's formative years in the early 2000s, graced the track as part of a demonstration, teasing the participation of a new Works Bentley at Le Mans.
We may know Bentley for its ultra-luxurious cars like the Flying Spur, but the British marque has a deep-rooted motorsports heritage that dates back to the late '20s. Bentley left the sport after winning consecutively from 1927-1930 but returned in 2001. The Speed 8 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003, putting the automaker on the podium again after over 70 years.
The Speed 8 chassis 004/5, the very car that gave Bentley the historic win, took center stage on Le Mans last weekend during the centenary parade. Guy Smith, the same driver who crossed the finish line two decades ago, was behind the wheel.
Moreover, the Le Mans Classic, which is set to happen by the end of the month, will see the return of a Works Bentley to the race for the first time since 2003.
Two Blower Continuation Series cars, including the factory-owned Blower Car Zero and a customer car, will compete in the Grid 1 race. This marks not only the official return of Bentley to Le Mans since 2003 but also the resurrection of a Works-supported Blower to the track for the first time since 1930.
The Bentley Speed 8 will be displayed at the Le Mans Museum throughout June.
Keyword: Iconic Speed 8 Leads Bentley's Return To Le Mans