Objections to new 'Le Mans Classic'

French newspaper Ouest France reports that the Automobile Club de l'Ouest's inaugural 'Le Mans Classic' Historic race meeting on September 21-22 may be under threat. There are objections from local businesses to closure of the section of RN138 trunk road, more widely known as the Mulsanne Straight, that forms part of the full-length Circuit de la Sarthe. The businesses consider closure of the road as acceptable for the Le Mans 24 Hours, but not for the new Historic event

Aug 4, 2002, 10:26 PM

Frédéric Courtin, president of SAVH, which represents the interests of businesses in the area, commented: "I'm disappointed because I think the ACO has chosen the most extreme solution. To close the road is a dramatic step for us. It's the period when schools and businesses are getting back from the summer holidays, and the week following these four days of racing at Le Mans is when a lot of contracts are confirmed."

In addition to its world-famous 24-hour event, Le Mans hosts a number of other race meetings, including the French motorcycle grand prix, but these take place on the self-contained 'Bugatti' circuit.