For a racing driver it’s always difficult to finally hang up the helmet and turn to new challenges. After such an illustrious career and an incredible nine victories at Le Mans, for Tom Kristensen this task must have been all the more difficult. Last season Kristensen announced his retirement from racing, but this year Mr Le Mans is set to play an important role at La Sarthe.
Tom Kristensen has been a part of Le Mans folklore for over 15 years. His record of nine victories may never be beaten. Over all those years, the Great Dane and the Circuit de la Sarthe seemed to have formed a connection that cannot be broken just like that. No one knows the Circuit du 24 Heures better than Kristensen. That’s why the ACO have decided to appoint Tom Kristensen as Grand Marshall for next weekend’s race. Before the tricolore waves at 3pm, Kristensen will be behind the pace car leading the cars around the track and will then make his way to race control, where he will help judge any penalties or other incidents during the race.
It’s a great pleasure to see Mr Le Mans back where he has belonged for the past decade and that he can still play an active role. The fact that he will never be able to let go of this legendary track was the subject of his dedication to the Circuit de la Sarthe from 2013.
Via: Sportscar365
Image source: Audi press material