LeBron James to be official starter for Le Mans 24 Hours race

ReutersJun five, 2023, 12:41 PM ET1 Minute Study

Basketball terrific LeBron James will be the official starter when the 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car or truck race celebrates its centenary this weekend, organizers of the endurance classic mentioned Monday.

The Los Angeles Lakers forward, the NBA’s top profession scorer and a 4-time champion, joins a list of celebrity starters who have carried out the ceremonial function more than the decades.

Hollywood actor Brad Pitt was the starter in 2016, and Steve McQueen lowered the French flag to commence the race in 1971, the year he starred in the film “Le Mans.”

“King James” will unleash the 62-powerful field Saturday.

“There is nothing at all like seeing and experiencing sports at their highest level,” the 38-year-old mentioned.

“It really is an honor for me to be component of this historic moment in motorsport and aid celebrate the centenary of a single of the greatest sporting events in the globe.”

James is a companion in Fenway Sports Group, which co-owns the RFK Racing NASCAR group.

The U.S.-primarily based stock car or truck series is celebrating its 75th anniversary and has a particular entry at Le Mans driven by seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, 2009 Formula 1 champion Jenson Button and 2010 Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller.