Le Mans 24 Hours pushed back to September 19-20

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The Automobile Club de l'Ouest has postponed the Le Mans 24 Hours from June 13-14 to September 19-20 due to the global coronavirus crisis.

The classic endurance event is but the latest victim of a raft of cancellations that have inevitably hit the world of motor sport since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak.

"Restrictions are currently in force in France and other countries around the world to curb the spread of coronavirus," the ACO said in a statement released on Wednesday.

"Consequently, race organiser the Automobile Club de l'Ouest has decided, in conjunction with the Fédération Internationale Automobile (FIA) and the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), to postpone the 24 Hours of Le Mans originally set for 13-14 June 2020."

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There's a precedent for Le Mans taking place in September. It happened in 1968 as the result of massive strikes and social unrest that hit France in the late spring and early summer of that year.

The event's postponement will require a re-scheduling of events that are part of the World Endurance Championship.

"It is the right decision to delay in light of the current situation," said WEC boss Gérard Neveu.

"We are now working on revising our WEC and ELMS calendars for the remainder of this season, and for the WEC’s Season 9 which was due to start in September 2020.

"We will come back to you in the coming days with more news for both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the European Le Mans Series."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.