Did the race ever start early or late?

[wordwidequery]

I am aware that the race initially started in May, and once in July (1956), but has it ever started at a time other than the usual 4 o clock? I am researching a piece on this, and heard a malicious rumour that once it did, which I now cannot ignore! Thanks to anyone who can help me or provide a definitive 'no' (just as good!).

It's urgent, so speed much, much appreciated.

richard.mellor@word-wide.co.uk ...

[Bob U]

In 1998 it started 2 hours early to aviod a clash with the final of the French open tennis championship. French TV wanted to show both live. Don't know if this is the only time.

[wordwidequery]

Thanks... we heard something about an election getting in the way one year... if anyone knows about this... probably just us being bonkers.

Cheers, Bob, the haste was fabulous, and thankful.

[Bobblehat]

I think it started late in 1996 for the "fottie world cup"

[Matt Harper]

It didn't start at all in 1936 - potential civil unrest, being the explanation. Needless to say 1940 to 1948 were blanks too.
I can't remember the detail but the race was postponed until September one year - someone more knowlegeable than me will state when.  

[Nordic]

The student riots in Paris pushed the race back to sept as Matt has said.
Elections have also caused the race to start early at least once in the 80's I am sure.

[Fax]

In 1968 the race was held in Sept. can't remember if it was because of strikes, riots, etc.  Mostly a wet and cold affair.  Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi won in a John Wyer/Gulf GT-40.  Same car won next year with Jacky Ickx & Jackie Oliver doing the driving.
Fax

[Fax]

In 1986 the race was held the weekend of May 31-June 1.  I remember this very well because the Indy 500 was postponed a week by rain and was held on Sunday June 1, I was at the speedway when I was told of Jo Gartner's death during the night.
Fax

[ridefast]

You can find all answers to your questions on official ACO Le Mans page at Retrospective/Roll Of Honour And Records/Dates and timetable of the race.

Dates
Always in mid-June (summer solstice) except in:
1923 : 26-27 May (first race).
1956 : 28-29 July (delayed by construction work).
1968 : 28-29 September (delayed by the events of May ’68)
1986 : 31 May-1st June (clash in motor sport calendar).


Horaires
Traditionally from 16:00 Saturday to 16:00 Sunday, except in:
1968 : Start at 15:00 (race put back to September).
1969 : Start at 14:00 (presidential election).
1979, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1996 : Start at 15:00 (elections except for 1985, European Cup Football in 1996).
1998 : Start at 14:00 (TV coverage shared with the tennis final at Roland Garros and football World Cup)

[Alain Delorme]

Hello everybody, here are some details about the started hour of our favorite race:

- 15 o'clock in 1968 (but the race occured in september because of the events of may);
- 14 o'clock in 1969 (because of presidential elections);
- 15 o'clock in 1979/1981/1984/1985/1988/1996 (because of elections and the European Football Cup in 1996);
- 14 o'clock in 1998 (Roland Garros and World Football Cup)