The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an endurance-centered car race that takes place annually. It was first held on May 26, 1923, on the public roads of Le Mans, France. This event is one of the three races that make up the Triple Crown of Motorsport, alongside the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500. Additionally, it is part of the Triple Crown of Endurance Racing, which includes the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is renowned as the longest-running and most prestigious endurance race for motor vehicles in history.
When most people think of car racing, they envision events scored primarily on speed and acceleration. However, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, officially known as the 24 Hours of Grand Prix Endurance, emphasizes endurance and reliability of the vehicles, as well as the skill and stamina of the drivers over extended periods of racing. When the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) first organized the event in 1923, its goal was to encourage manufacturers to focus not just on vehicle speed and sportiness, but also on fuel efficiency and reliability, minimizing the time spent in the pits.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is typically held in June, when the nights are shortest and the weather is usually warm. Although the racing event has been popular since its inception, it took a temporary hiatus from 1940 to 1948 due to the aftermath of World War II. The 93rd annual 24 Hours of Le Mans will take place on June 14-15, 2025, where the world will watch drivers push the limits of vehicle capabilities and human endurance. The winning vehicle is the one that covers the greatest distance over the 24-hour period.