Used to Starting Big Games, This NBA Superstar Will Start the 24 Hours of Le Mans

When the 100th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans gets under way this Saturday in France, the guy waving the French flag to start the race will be none other than NBA superstar LeBron James.

“For this milestone event, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) has the privilege of welcoming one of the biggest superstars in the history of world sport to France,” a statement from the race read. “LeBron James, the legendary American basketball player, business innovator, and philanthropist, will lower the French flag to unleash the 62-strong field at 16:00 (10 a.m. ET) on Saturday 10 June.”

James is not the first celebrity or sports figure to start the Vingt Quatre Heures.

“Since 1949, the role of race starter has often been given to a personality from the world of politics, sport, film, or industry,” the statement said. “Previous official starters include Brad Pitt (2016), Rafael Nadal (2018), Alain Delon (1996), French president Georges Pompidou (1972), and Steve McQueen (1971).”

So James is in good company.

He will not be the only American there, either. Cadillac Racing will field two Cadillac V-Series Rs; Action Express Racing has entered another Cadillac V-Series R; Porsche Penske Motorsports will have three Porsche 963s (with one American driver, Dane Cameron); Glickenhaus Racing will have two Glickenhaus 007s, one driven by American Ryan Briscoe; United Autosports will run two Oreca 07-Gibsons, with American Josh Pierson co-driving one of them; and Corvette Racing has entered a Corvette C8.R with American Ben Keating listed as one of the drivers.

But none of those worthy entries has quite the fame and name recognition of a LeBron James.

“I am thrilled to welcome LeBron James to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary and thank him most sincerely for accepting our invitation,” said Pierre Fillon, Automobile Club de l'Ouest president. “The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a world-renowned event that, in the past, has welcomed some great names from various fields. LeBron James is a true sporting legend whose list of achievements and records commands respect and admiration. We are looking forward to introducing him to the unique Le Mans atmosphere and the excitement generated by the Centenary of the world’s greatest endurance race.”

King James himself was even humbled by the role he will play Saturday.

“There’s nothing like seeing and experiencing sports at their highest level,” he said. “It’s an honor for me to be part of this historic moment in motor sport and help celebrate the Centenary of one of the biggest sporting events in the world. I look forward to kicking off this iconic race and watching its world-class drivers compete on Le Mans’ global stage.”