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NBA legend LeBron James brought the star power to the world’s oldest active endurance racing event as he started Le Mans Saturday.
While the NBA world awaits for the Lakers superstar’s decision on his on-court future, James spent the weekend in France to watch the iconic race.
Not only did he get a prime viewing spot but James also had the privilege of being this year’s honorary starter.
The 38-year-old kicked off 24 Hours of Le Mans on Saturday by waving the French flag.
This year’s race marks the 100th anniversary of the event at Circuit de la Sarthe.
LeBron James kicked off 24 Hours of Le Mans on Saturday by waving the French flag
The NBA legend brought the star power to the world’s oldest active endurance racing event
Earlier this week NASCAR announced that it would bring in the worldwide basketball sensation to ring in the milestone anniversary of the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.
James claimed it was an honor to have been selected to be the starter for the milestone race.
‘There’s nothing like seeing and experiencing sports at their highest level,’ James said of participating in this year’s race.
‘It’s an honor for me to be part of this historic moment in motorsports 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.’
Being a starter is an honor bestowed on prestigious figures, with the four-time NBA champion joining celebrity-filled ranks that include actor Steve McQueen (1971), French president George Pompidou (1972) and Oscar-winning actor-producer Brad Pitt (2016).
Many other sporting stars have also been welcomed into the role, including 22-time grand slam-winning tennis star Rafael Nadal (2018) and Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso (2014).
The 38-year-old towered over the crowd gathered near the start line on Saturday
James claimed it was an honor to have been selected to be the starter for the milestone race
The NBA’s leading scorer wasn’t the only notable figure in attendance at the start of the race either.
NFL legend Tom Brady was also in France and stopped to take selfies with fans – and race team staff – as he made his ay through the paddock.
The retired quarterback tried to keep a low profile in an oversized coat in Hertz team colors, who he has starred in campaigns for, a cap and sunglasses.
Ferrari’s Formula One star Charles Leclerc was also spotted trying to make his way through the crowd as fans swarmed the Monegasque driver.
Leclerc looked smart and chic in all black look with a matching blazer and pants and t-shirt underneath.
Actor Patrick Dempsey brought the Hollywood factor to the event as he was seen walking the track.
The Disenchanted star donned a Tag Heuer cap and a sporty Hugo Boss quarter-zip for the occasion.
While Dempsey was bringing the star-power to the guest list, Michael Fassbender was taking it to the track.
The Irishman was actually participating in the racing this weekend for the second time in a Porsche 911.
Fassbender will appear for German team Proton Competition, alongside Austrian Richard Lietz and Martin Rump of Estonia, and would prefer a racing win to winning an Oscar.
The 46-year-old German-Irish actor was a surprise contestant in last year’s race, placing 51st out of 62 teams, after a grueling four years’ training.
Ferrari’s Formula One star Charles Leclerc was also spotted making his way through the crowd
Actor Patrick Dempsey brought the Hollywood factor to the event as he was seen on the track
Michael Fassbender was actually participating in the racing this weekend for the second time
Alicia Vikander, Michael’s wife, and their child, who was born in 2021, are likely to be in the stands watching, as the ‘little family’ travel ‘everywhere’ together.
Thousands of spectators lined the grid ahead of the race start at 3pm on Saturday and the X-Men star, whose love of racing is longstanding, will be hoping to place high than in last year’s race, where he crashed three times.
The actor previously told Eurosport that: ‘Acting is something that is my job. I’m more used to it and at home with it – it’s like my natural office, but racing was always my first dream as a young boy.
‘It’s kind of tricky. I feel like acting is definitely my home work. I feel most comfortable in it, but this is the original dream.’
The 12 Years A Slave actor added: ‘A victory in Le Mans, I would take over an Oscar.’
