CAMELFORD’S Alex Quinn has fulfilled a racing ambition of competing in the iconic Le Mans 24-hour race in France.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is considered to be one of the most prestigious races that has ever existed in the world. It is the ultimate test of endurance car racing. It is the oldest racing venue that still exists today dating back to 1923.

The event takes place at the Circuit de la Sarthe near the city of Le Mans, 115 miles from Paris. The track is made up of 38 corners on an 8.4-mile circuit. The layout is a combination of both public roads and dedicated sections of a race track. 

The circuit features many iconic sections including the Mulsanne straight which is considered to be one of the longest straights in motor racing history, though over recent years has had the addition of chicanes for safety purposes.

Le Mans is a test of durability and there is racing action non-stop both day and night through all weather conditions.

To race at Le Mans a driver has to be invited and Alex, 23, was extremely happy to join American driver PJ Hyett and professional racing driver Louis Deletraz from Switzerland as part of the AO by TF race team. 

The trio entered the LMP2 ProAm class in the No 14 Oreca 07 race car named ‘Spike’ which quickly became a fan favourite with its unique and stand out livery of a dragon.

Pre-race activities included three practice sessions to acclimatise the drivers to the circuit and to fine tune car set up ahead of race day. 

Fans were also able to get up close to the race cars and meet the drivers during autograph sessions and grid walks.

A driver parade in the centre of Le Mans was a highlight with crowds of people lining the streets for a glimpse of the drivers. Other activities included a mechanics pit stop competition won by the AO by TF team.

To qualify for a grid position for the start of the race, professional driver Louis Deletraz took to the track and set a blistering fast lap to secure AO by TF on pole position for the start of the 24-hour race.

With an estimated crowd of in excess of 300,000 spectators, the race started at 4pm and a total of 62 cars spread over three classes, Hyper car, LMP2 and LMGT3 took the flag. 

The drivers would share the driving over the course of the race. 

Typically, a driver would cover 40-minute stints with pit stops to allow for fuel, tyres and driver changes. 

The drivers would usually drive for up to two hours at a time before handover during normal race conditions. 

Though the event started with it being dry, the weather soon changed with dark clouds descending on the circuit and long periods of the night session endured torrential rain. 

The race featured the longest-ever neutralization in Le Mans history with a four-hour 27-minute safety car period.

With daylight came drier conditions and racing got back up to full speed, just short of 200mph. 

Team mate PJ had covered most of the night and Alex and Louis shared the remaining hours to the finish. 

Pit stop strategy of the class winner car 183 denied the team overall victory in the ProAm class, but PJ, Alex and Louis were jubilant to finish the gruelling 24 hours without any incident or damage. 

Back home to the family farm in Cornwall, Alex said: “Le Mans has been an amazing experience for me and I am so grateful to the team for giving me this opportunity. It was my first time at Le Mans and we’re on the podium! 

“The AO by TF team did an amazing job all week with preparation and set up. The car, Spike, was amazing and we kept the car clean the whole race with no damage. I “I’m very grateful to PJ and Louis and so proud to share the podium moment with them. Getting on the podium was the first step, and the next one is to win!”