24 Hours of Le Mans 2024 - Kazuki Nakajima and Deborah Mayer honoured for their achievements

Kazuki Nakajima, Grand Marshal of the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans

Kazuki Nakajima, three-time winner of the 24 Hours of the Mans, will have the privilege of guiding the 62 cars through the formation lap for the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), shortly before 16:00 on 15 June.

Nakajima launched his karting career in 1996 and quickly made a name for himself, joining Toyota’s young driver training programme a few years later. After a single-seater career that took him all the way to Formula 1, he joined the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) when it was introduced in 2012. He has competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans ten times, winning three consecutive races in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Following a successful driving career, Nakajima was appointed Vice-Chairman of Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe in 2021.

Deborah Mayer, Spirit of Le Mans 2024

The Spirit of Le Mans Trophy honours the men and women who embody the values of endurance racing: involvement.

Fuelled by her love of motorsport and her entrepreneurial skills, Mayer founded the Iron Dames project, which echoes her professional background as one of very few women to succeed in a fiercely competitive environment. Drawing on her own experience, Mayer is personally invested in helping passionate and motivated women prove themselves in the world of motorsport.

As President of the FIA Commission for Women in Motorsport from 2022 to 2023, she spearheaded global initiatives that not only raised awareness but also inspired vocations and spurred a new momentum that has significantly advanced gender equality.

Mayer’s story illustrates the art of team building and leadership, emphasises the importance of providing optimal conditions for growth and performance, and inspires and encourages younger women to pursue their dreams.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “I am extremely honoured to welcome Deborah Mayer and Kazuki Nakajima. I would like to express my sincere thanks to these two people who have contributed so much to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and to motorsport. Together they exemplify perseverance, achievement and a passion for endurance. Kazuki Nakajima stands out as one of the rare drivers to have claimed three consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Meanwhile, Deborah Mayer has been at the forefront of a unique project with Iron Dames, sparking inspiration across the paddock and achieving remarkable success, culminating in Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting's FIA World Endurance Championship win at the 8 Hours of Bahrain at the end of 2023.”