'Le Mans 60s' new category confirmed for 2023

Between 8-10 December, this year’s Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival will see iconic Le Mans competitors from the 1960s roar back into action in the heat of the Middle East. 

The Le Mans 60s category will feature a three-hour race between pre-’66 GT, GTP, and Touring Cars represented by the legendary's GT40. The category will also include pre-'61 Sports Cars and pre-66 cars up to two litres. The exciting new Le Mans 60s category is the result of a milestone partnership between GP Extreme and Octanium Experiences – organisers of the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE – bringing two magnificent automotive events together. Participants in the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE, taking place from 3-7 December, will have the opportunity to join the glamorous Revival, provided they compete with an eligible vehicle.  Of all of the storied and unmistakably unique eras of Le Mans, the 1960s is arguably the most compelling. Throughout the course of the decade, some of the biggest names in not just motorsport, but the motor industry itself, went toe-to-toe through night and day along the Mulsanne straight. 

The rivalry between Ferrari and Ford dominated the decade, as the Prancing Horse took the top honours between 1960 and 1965, before the American invasion came in the form of the Ford GT40. In 1966, the MKII GT40 propelled the Shelby-American Inc. team to victory – the first for an American manufacturer at Le Mans. 

But beyond the headline-grabbing Ford vs Ferrari battle, there were legendary triumphs of engineering throughout the 60s at Le Mans. The Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato and lightweight Jaguar E-Types were both pushed to their limits at Le Mans during the 60s.

Pierre-Brice Mena, Managing Director of GP Extreme, said: “With 2023 marking the centenary of the Le Mans 24 Hours, we thought that it was only right to celebrate one of its most thrilling and exciting eras. By adding the Le Mans 60s category to our line-up, we will be giving fans an opportunity to witness some truly unforgettable racing between iconic cars, transporting them back to the golden age of motorsport. 

“We are also thrilled to announce our partnership with Octanium, organisers of the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE, which runs from 3-7 December this year. Entrants to the 1000 Miglia are invited to enter our newly-announced Le Mans 60s category, signing off their week in Dubai with an exhilarating race at the Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival.”

Martin M. Halder, Founder & CEO of Octanium Experiences, added: “We are delighted to partner with the Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival to create seven days of pure automotive and motorsport excitement. Together, our goal is to create a truly unforgettable experience for the fortunate few who attend both our events. Our landmark collaboration will allow owners of classic and unique vehicles the enviable opportunity to drive the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE, before taking to the track at the Dubai Autodrome as part of a winning celebration of motorsport heritage.”

Building on last year’s success, the 2023 Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival will see even greater racing on track and even more entertainment and hospitality throughout the bustling paddock. The 2022 Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival was made memorable by some stunning drivers from Andre Lotterer in the sports car category, and Oliver Webb in the Formula One 70s category, who retained his title behind the wheel of James Hunt’s Hesketh 308B.