From 1976 onwards, Jean-Claude Chemarin began to achieve success in endurance motorbike racing as he won the Bol d'Or four times on the bounce as well as the European Motorcycle Endurance title. With his mate, Christian Léon, Chamarin clinched victory in the 24 Heures Motos two years running on a Honda RCB (1978 and 1979), followed by another victory in 1981 with Christian Huguet on a Kawasaki 1000J . The four-time European champion (1976-77-78-79) won the world championship title in 1982. In its 40 years of existence, a raft of exceptional riders has raced in the 24 Heures Moto.

In this anniversary year the spotlight will be put on 12 of them who have become true heroes of the Le Mans circuit (Christian Léon, Jean-Claude Chemarin, Gérard Jolivet, Alex Vieira, Jean-Michel Mattioli, Brian Morrison, William Costes, Eliane Pscherer, Christophe Guyot, Jean-Michel Bayle, Grégory Leblanc and Mike Di Meglio).

These living legends will be on hand on Friday 20th April at 20:15 for a show on the circuit- a first! It will be hosted by Bruno Vandestick, the famous Le Mans 24 Hours commentator. Come and see this highlight of the 40th anniversary event.

These exceptional riders will also be celebrated in the exhibition “The Heroes of Le Mans” between 20-22 April in the Terrace 24 in the heart of the 24 Heures Motos Village.