Earlier this month, we were at the Circuit de la Sarthe for the 10th edition of the Le Mans Classic. First held in 2002, it is a most fitting celebration of the rich history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Twice postponed, the anniversary event more than made up for the wait. Once again, the competitors could use the full 13.6 track with historic racing cars ranging from 1920s machinery right up to GT cars and prototypes of the 2000s. There were ten different grids, with four in the 'support' program and the other six in the main event, which ran from 4pm on Saturday through to 4pm on Sunday. Each of these six main grids had a 40 minute race in darkness as the groups alternated. Among the support program were Group C and the Endurance Racing Legends, which alone put up a show worthy of visiting Le Mans. Visit the racing fans did as just over 200,000 spectators attended the event, which saw around 750 historic racing cars compete.
We spent almost the entire event trackside and have captured as many highlights as was physically possible in this 190-shot gallery, which serves to illustrate our concise report.

Three weeks before the official launch, Porsche revealed the first teaser images of the 992-generation 911 GT3 RS. In addition to the two images, the accompanying press release also mentioned that the work has focused on chassis dynamics and aerodynamics and not on the engine. As a result, the GT3 RS will be more track focused than its predecessor.
Italian manufacturer Maserati will return to GT racing next year with the upcoming MC20 GT2. Built to compete in the newly reintroduced GT2 category, it will be subject to Balance of Performance but the twin-turbo V6 engine should produce around 640 hp.
The next step in the development of the BMW M Hybrid V8 was taken this week as it commenced testing on the Dallara test track. New images of the track action were released as well as further details on where the car will race. In 2023, it will compete in the North American IMSA series exclusively and a full FIA WEC campaign will be added in 2024, which includes a return to Le Mans. The engine used is a twin-turbo version of the V8 previously used in DTM. It is mated to a spec hybrid system.
As part of GM's ambitious electrification plans, Cadillac unveiled the Celestiq Concept this week. Based on GM's shared Ultium platform, the plug-in electric show car will form the basis for a future production model.

Maserati lifted the curtain today off the limited production Project24. This will be a non homologated, track only machine powered by a 740 hp V6 engine. Based on the highly acclaimed MC20, the Project24 will have a run of just 62 examples.
Following several teaser images, Honda have now released detailed pictures of the Civic Type R. While the pictures are all-revealing the press release had fewer details. What was mentioned was that the new Civic Type R will be the fastest yet but we don't know yet just how fast.
Offering a glimpse of the future, Alpine produced the A110 E-Ternité. Gone is the internal combustion engine and in its place an all-electric drivetrain is fitted. As a result, the A110 is a full 258 kg heavier than the production road car.
Work for the upcoming IMSA season continued at Paul Ricard this month with the first test miles for the Acura ARX-06. The prototype is still in France as it was built around an Oreca chassis. The ARX-06 will be powered by the existing twin-turbo V6 combined with the spec hybrid system.

At last month's Goodwood Festival of Speed, the 50th anniversary of BMW Motorsport was celebrated in great style. Among the colourful mix of machinery power by a BMW M engine was this McLaren F1 GTR Longtail. It is one of four chassis campaigned by the Schnitzer-run BMW Motorsport works team. Driven by Peter Kox and Roberto Ravaglia, it scored a victory at Silverstone. By adding chassis 23R, we have now featured all ten of the Longtail F1 GTRs.
Also run by Schnitzer was this BMW M3 Group A. One of two examples entered by the works-backed effort in the 1990 Spa 24 Hours, this car scored the outright victory. Recently refurbished, M3/1-158 is pictured at events on both sides of the Atlantic.
The fastest of all BMW-engined machines in the Shootout was this March 782 BMW. The ex-Marc Surer machine was recently completely restored. In the hands of Ben Mitchell, 782-8 was the third fastest of all during this year's Shootout.

To celebrate Ferrari Friday, we have taken a closer look at four examples that will cross the block at next month's Gooding Pebble Beach Auctions. The earliest of the quartet is this 166 MM Touring Le Mans Berlinetta. One of five built with this striking coachwork, it was raced in Italy early in its life but has been American ownership for the last years. Gooding estimate that 0066M will sell for $5.5 - $6.5 million. Built just four years later is this 500 Mondial. It was raced to victory at Monza by the factory before it was sold to the United States. 0430MD has been in the ownership of one family since 1980, and should sell for over $2.5 million.
Also consigned to the Gooding sale are a pair of iconic Ferrari supercars. The first is an American-specification F40. Cherished throughout its life, it has seen very little use and recently received a 100-point platinum award at a Ferrari Club of America meet. In 2008, 87041 already set a world record for an F40 sold at auction and now has a $2.75 - $3.25 million estimate. Even more valuable is the ex-Mike Tyson F50 in the sale. Complete with its factory accessories and boasting a low mileage, 104220 should attract bids of well over $4 million.

Last month, we were back at Goodwood for the first time since 2019 to cover the Festival of Speed. Running at full capacity for the first time in three years, the annual event was bigger and better than ever before. A plethora of anniversaries was celebrated, including 75 Years of Ferrari, the 40th anniversary of Group B and Group C and Nigel Mansell was on hand to celebrate his World Championship winning efforts in 1992. Launched that same year was the McLaren F1 and there were nearly a dozen of these very rare machines on the hill and in the concours d'elegance. Taking centre stage was BMW Motorsport, celebrating 50 years of iconic road and racing cars wearing the iconic 'M' badge. Five of these were perched on top of the ever impressive Gerry Judah central feature in front of Goodwood House, while many others were out on the hill. During the shoot-out the course record was smashed by a pint-sized, all-electric McMurtry Speirling to make the show complete.
Our photographers were on the Duke of Richmond's lovely Goodwood estate for the better part of four days. The result of their combined efforts is this 240-shot gallery, which serves to illustrate our concise report.

Californian auction company Gooding & Co. just released the latest, very interesting consignments for their annual Pebble Beach Auctions. These include the three competition Porsches featured today. The most recent is this RS Spyder Evo, which was raced by Porsche Penske Racing during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Despite competing in the LMP2 category, it won two ALMS race outright. Chassis 9R6 702 has had just two private owners from new and has a pre-sale estimate of $6 - $8 million.
One of the RS Spyder's spiritual predecessors is this 908/02 Spyder. A works car, it was raced at Brands Hatch, the Targa Florio and the Nürburgring. In private hands, it was campaigned through to the 1975 season. Now restored to its Targa Florio configuration, 908/02-010 should find a new owner for over $4 million.
Raced by Ed Hugus at Le Mans in 1959, this 718 RSK Spyder was better known as 'Lucybelle III'. It was later also campaigned in SCCA and USAC events as well as in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Freshly restored to its 1959 livery, 718-024 was shown at Pebble Beach last year.

Part of the busy Le Mans Classic weekend was the official Artcurial Auction. As always the Paris-based auctioneer managed to assemble an eclectic mix for this biennial sale. Contributing a considerable chunk to the €12.2 million worth of cars sold was this Maserati A6GCS/53 Spyder. Fittingly, it had been delivered new to France and was raced extensively in period. In 1954, the car's career focused on French events and from 1955 it was raced predominantly in Italy. Following an outing in Venezuela, it moved to the United States in 1961. Since 1986, it has had just two custodians, including the vendor, who actually owned the A6GCS/53 for two spells during this period. Beautifully restored and retaining its major components, 2071 found its third owner in 35 years for an impressive €3.4 million.
Making headlines even before the sale was a formidable barn-find collection that was discovered after owner Pierre Héron passed away late last year. It is both lovely and sad to see the once grand machines resurface after many years of neglect. An interesting line-up of French cars, the Héron Collection sold well and was spearheaded by this Delahaye 135 MS Figoni & Falaschi Cabriolet. The 1948 Paris Auto Salon car, it was one of 20 bodied by Figoni & Falaschi with the style known as 'El Glaoui'. One of ten known to survive, 800833 sold for well over twice the bottom estimate at €357,600. Artcurial's Mathieu Lamoure proudly reported after the sale that the car will remain in France and will be meticulously restored.