History

Auto racing originated as a way of testing the new vehicles for speed and endurance. In 1923, the Automobile Club of the Sarthe, which had established the first French Grand Prix, decided to organize a race that would test not only around-the-clock endurance but also auto headlights, which were still in their infancy.

The result was the first 24 Hours of Le Mans race, originally called the Grand Prix of Endurance. The first race began at 4 p.m. May 26, 1923, during a tempestuous rain storm accompanied by bursts of hail.

Thirty-five cars from 18 different manufacturers entered that race. When it ended at 4 p.m. the following day, the winner was a Chenard and Walcker "Sport" driven by Andre Lagache and Rene Leonard. The car covered 2,209.536 kilometers at an average speed of 92.064 kilometers per hour - about 57.2 miles an hour.

Although the reliability of headlights is now taken for granted, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is still a major test of the endurance of an auto, driven continuously at high speeds.

Teams originally included only two drivers. Since 1977, a team has been allowed, but not required, to have three drivers.

Pre-qualifying sessions take place in early May, with qualifying rounds a month later and the race itself on a weekend in mid-June.

Top of page