So, from 2026 the Le Mans Classic will form part of the Peter Auto Le Mans Classic Series and will run annually.

They say:

In response to ever-increasing demand, Le Mans Classic will become an annual event from 2026. It’s an historic change, in response to the public’s enthusiasm, to offer drivers and collectors more opportunities to race, and to enable all generations to experience the magic of classic endurance racing more often, more intensely and more widely.

Unpacking the recent press release from Peter Auto, it seems they are reformatting their series’ to incorporate the Le Mans Classic into their season.

So, Historic Racing by Peter Auto now comes under the overall heading of “Le Mans Classic Series” with traditional events “such as Spa-Classic, Grand Prix de l’Age d’Or and Dix Mille Tours” forming the season around the Le Mans Classic itself.

Thus Peter Auto is running the following:

LE MANS CLASSIC LEGEND 1976 – 2015

Dedicated to more recent decades, this new format will showcase the modern icons of endurance racing in a more contemporary setting.

And

LE MANS CLASSIC HERITAGE 1923 – 1975

A plunge into the golden age of endurance racing, in a deeply nostalgic and authentic atmosphere.

They have also announced that “participants in the Le Mans Classic Series will have priority access to Le Mans Classic, if they present an eligible car. A real reward for the most loyal enthusiasts!”.

Ergo, you will have to enter the series to obtain the priority access to the big event. What this means for UK based entrants from Masters Historic Racing and Motor Racing Legends, remains to be seen. However, it appears that Peter Auto is leveraging the Le Mans Classic to improve its grids at other events, although I always felt their events were already well supported.

Also on the cards are a new grid:

LEGENDS OF LE MANS

In partnership with the ACO and Le Mans Endurance Management, Peter Auto launches Legends of Le Mans, a new series dedicated to the iconic LMP1s, LMP2s and GTs of the 2010s, models starting post Endurance Racing Legends (ERL).

And a new series:

GT3 REVIVAL SERIES

In collaboration with SRO Motorsports Group and Stéphane Ratel, Peter Auto is reviving the first generations of GT3s with the GT3 Revival Series, dedicated to models from 2006 to 2013.Immerse yourself in the golden age of GT3, on Europe’s most iconic circuits, in the elegant and authentic spirit of Peter Auto. The perfect blend of competition, passion and heritage.

This latter series appears to take in the recently inaugurated GT3 Legends from Motor Racing Legends.

It’s a difficult one really, because for many the Le Mans Classic is special because it is bi annual. Also the costs and logisitics involved make it extremely difficult for the true amateur racer to attend every year. Likewise entering the entire Le Mans Classic Series will inevitably mean that grids in the UK’s premier historic series’ will suffer because the Le Mans Classic is easily sold to sponsors.

I know some readers of this blog do enter, or have entered, the Le Mans Classic. Likewise, as have I, some race with Peter Auto. So I’d be very interested to see people’s thoughts on this.

More info here: https://www.peterauto.fr/