Le Mans | Kazuki Nakajima and Deborah Mayer honored for achievements

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has revealed the names of two protagonists who will be honored at the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans (12-16 June 2024).

Kazuki Nakajima, three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, will have the privilege of leading the 62 cars on the formation lap for the fourth round of the FIA ​​WEC, just before 4pm on 15 June, thus filling the role of Grand Marshall.

The Japanese began his karting career in 1996 and quickly made a name for himself, joining Toyota’s young driver training program a few years later. After a single-seater career that took him up to Formula 1, he began competing in the WEC in 2012. He has participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans ten times, winning three consecutive races in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

After a successful career as a driver, Nakajima has been appointed vice president of Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe in 2021.

The Spirit of Le Mans Trophy goes to Deborah Mayer, which honors the men and women who embody the values ​​of endurance racing with involvement and commitment.

Driven by her love of motorsports and her entrepreneurial skills, Mayer founded the Iron Dames project, which draws on her professional background as one of the very few women to succeed in a highly competitive environment.

Leveraging her experience, the girl is personally committed to helping passionate and motivated women to test themselves in the world of motorsport.

As President of the FIA ​​Women in Motorsport Commission from 2022 to 2023, she led global initiatives that not only raised awareness, but also inspired vocations and spurred innovation that significantly advanced gender equality.

Mayer’s story illustrates the art of team growth and leadership, highlighting the importance of providing optimal conditions for growth and performance, and inspiring and encouraging younger women to pursue their dreams.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “I am extremely honored to welcome Deborah Mayer and Kazuki Nakajima among the awardees. 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 motorsport”.

“Together they exemplify perseverance, achievement and a passion for endurance. Kazuki is one of the rare drivers to have achieved three consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Meanwhile, Deborah has been at the forefront of a unique project with the Iron Dames, sparking inspiration throughout the paddock and achieving notable success, culminating in Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting winning the FIA ​​WEC at the 8 Hours of Bahrain at the end of 2023.”