Revving up for Le Mans: how race teams utilise ATA Carnets for transporting vehicles

Author
Elsa Mendl
Marketing Executive
16th May 2023

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first ever 24-hour Le Mans race. 

The highly anticipated racing event has evolved hugely throughout the last century and has even seen movie stars like Paul Newman and Patrick Dempsey take to its historic tracks.

In 2022, the event boasted 244,200 trackside spectators and over 9.1 million TV viewers from 196 countries. This year is shaping up to be another huge spectacle, with the 38 competing teams taking to Circuit de la Sarthe on 10th June to compete for the centenary crown.

Many of the competitors will be travelling from far and wide: with the reigning champions, the Toyota team, flying in from Japan; Porsche travelling from Germany; Hertz coming from the UK; Ferrari from Italy; and Glickenhaus from the US.

Le Mans and ATA Carnets

What you may not know is that many of the racing teams from around the world will probably be using ATA Carnets to transport their cars and pit-stop equipment to Le Mans.

An ATA Carnet is often referred to as a ‘passport for goods’, and effectively allows race teams to move their cars into countries on the ATA Carnet scheme without having to pay import duty or tax.

What are the benefits of an ATA Carnet? 

  • ATA Carnets simplify customs procedures and reduce border delays, making travel with race cars more efficient and straightforward
  • ATA Carnets help you to avoid paying import tax and duties, making your journey more affordable
  • ATA Carnets are valid for up to a year, and within this period you are able to import and export your race cars and pit-stop equipment as many times as you need to

Business West works with British drivers and race teams throughout the year to facilitate their trips to races all over the world. Our ATA Carnet team is currently preparing for Le Mans as well as Le Mans Classic - which will be taking place just a few weeks after the 24-hour race.

If you have an off-road event or race coming up soon, you might want to consider obtaining an ATA Carnet to facilitate the movement of your car and equipment. 

Find our more about ATA Carnets or get in touch with the ATA Carnet team now.

  • Apply for an ATA Carnet today

    Start creating and submitting your ATA Carnets today. To apply for your carnet, you'll be taken to our easy-to-use export documentation platform, eCert.

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  • Apply for an ATA Carnet today

    Start creating and submitting your ATA Carnets today. To apply for your carnet, you'll be taken to our easy-to-use export documentation platform, eCert.

  • Motorsport General List

    To help our motorsport customers, we have created an in-depth guide to writing general lists for motorsport ATA Carnets.

  • We, at CARS UK, have used the carnet team for more than 12 months now... what a fabulous service they provide. They are patient, efficient and knowledgeable. I’m aware they have been rushed off their feet with Brexit and the complications it's brought, but with their fantastic organisational skills, they have delivered a timely and effective service, which has saved my skin many times! Definitely a 5-star service – thank you team"
    Sukie Duhaney
    CARS UK
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