The flag used to give the start to the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours, signed by all the drivers taking part in the race, has been auctioned by the Japanese Automobile Federation to help the victims of the recent disasters.
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest wanted to help Japan following the series of terrible disasters that the country has gone through since the earthquake on 11th March of this year by giving the JAF (Japanese Automobile Federation), the French flag used to start the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours.
It is a very special flag as it was signed by all the drivers in the race, and is the one with which Jean Todt, the President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, unleashed the pack taking part in the 79th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours.
It was also highlighted in a souvenir photo dedicated to Japan taken with all the drivers shortly before the start on Saturday 11th June.
Jean-Claude Plassart, the ACO President, then gave the flag to the JAF representatives who attended the event.
Last weekend, during the Japanese Super GT race at Suzuka, the JAF announced the on-line auctioning of the flag (with its case, pole and base) accompanied among other things by the autographs of the 2011 winners.
This auction began on Monday 22nd August and will close on Sunday 28th August. Almost 200 bids have been received so far.
The money raised by the sale will be paid to the Japanese Red Cross Association by the Japanese Automobile Federation.
To follow the sale : here
Source : ACO