Dan Panoz, son of Don, attended the ceremony to open the imposing 25-metre-long, 3-metre-wide structure which took several months to build.

Don Panoz, who died on 11 September 2018 aged 83, was a visionary and a serial entrepreneur. Having enjoyed a glittering career in the pharmaceutical industry, the American ventured into other sectors and was bitten by the endurance racing bug along the way.

Co-founder of Petit Le Mans and the American Le Mans Series with the ACO, Panoz also built successful prototypes, the famous Batwing and DeltaWing, both of which raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Don Panoz made his mark on motorsport and 

it is only fitting for a footbridge that bears his name to overlook a circuit he loved. 

Nancy Panoz: “This footbridge is dedicated to the fans, like our slogan ‘racing for the fans’. It is our way of thanking the Automobile Club de l’Ouest for the challenges and excitement that the world’s greatest race gave us over 20 years.”

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “I extend my warmest thanks to Don Panoz’s family for this new landmark at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Don’s vision, passion and genius made history in motorsport. I am happy and touched to see a part of the circuit bear his name.”