News Releases

Mazda Commemorates 30th Anniversary of Landmark Le Mans Victory with Special Website
Race Enthusiasts Can Learn More About the Technology and People Behind Historic Win

IRVINE, Calif. (June 23, 2021) – Today marks the 30th anniversary of Mazda’s famous victory at the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans. With its win of what many view as the most prestigious endurance race in the world, Mazda became the first and only rotary engine manufacturer and the first Japanese manufacturer to take overall victory.

“Last year, Mazda celebrated its 100th anniversary, and since our founding we have relentlessly taken on new challenges. Our commercialization of the rotary engine and subsequent win of the pinnacle event in endurance racing, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, utilizing that technology is symbolic of our commitment to finding ingenious solutions,” said Masahiro Moro, chief communications officer, Mazda Corporate.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of this momentous achievement, Mazda created a special website showcasing the history, technology, and people of Mazda for fans to enjoy. The website is at Mazda.com/innovation/lemans30th. 

Mazda first entered Le Mans in 1970, and scored a class win in 1984 with the diminutive Lola T660, but the overall win in 1991 was always the prize most coveted. That year, Mazda entered three cars in the race, with its two 787B models finishing first and sixth and a year old 787 finishing eight. The winning car was driven by Briton Johnny Herbert, Belgian Bertrand Gachot and German Volker Weidler and completed 362 laps of the famed 8.5-mile Circuit de la Sarthe circuit.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through approximately 620 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow MNAO’s social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

Contact:
Emily Taylor, Mazda North American Operations, 949-727-6182
Drew Cary, Mazda North American Operations, 949-727-6525