24 Hours of Le Mans Event Guide

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the oldest endurance car race in the world. The first edition of the event took place in Le Mans 1923, when André Lagache and René Leonard drove their Chenard-Walcker car to victory. In 1949 the 24 Hours of Le Mans were organized again and went on for every year ever since, the ACO making it the most prestigious, most spectacular and most desired sports car trophy in the world.

Traveling to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Race is an endeavor that needs to be planned for. Be aware that the race usually takes place in June. The weather is generally very nice and worm at this time of the year. As of 2007, if you plan to attend all aspects of the event, you should be in Le Mans one week before the actual race starts.

As of 2007, the first event you’ll have to attend is the scruteneering session, which takes place at the Quinconces des Jacobins in the Le Mans city centre the Monday and Tuesday preceding the race. This is where the technical inspection of all participating cars takes place. The cars are being shown to the public just before and after the inspection. This is a great opportunity to take pictures and to approach drivers and other team members who also hang around.

You can spend the rest of the week attending the many test run sessions on the track. Also, don’t forget the pit walk. Then, of course, there is the Drivers’ Parade, which takes place in the Friday preceding the race. This is an excellent opportunity for driver autograph chasing. Legendary cars are there to spice up the event. The 24 Hours of Le Mans Drivers’ Parade is a must see.