The Most Incredible Moments From 101 Years Of Racing At Le Mans
A Century Of Racing
For over 100 years, the 24 Hours of Le Mans has been one of the most iconic events in motorsport. For 24 grueling hours, drivers round the legendary combination of permanent track and public roads for their chance at glory.
A test of engineering, skill, and endurance unlike any other, let's look back at the most memorable moments from a century at Le Mans.
The Original
The first 24 Hours of Le Mans began on May 26, 1923, and ended the following day. Race day was a complete mess, with intermittent rain lasting for the entire event.
It Was Impossible To See
In 1923, the drivers didn't even have goggles or windshields, and the other cars would kick mud up into their faces throughout the entire race.
Sounds pretty miserable if you ask me.
A French Affair
Naturellement, the first Le Mans featured mostly French automakers. Of the 37 cars entered by 20 automakers, all but three were French. The English entered a Bentley and Belgium fielded two beastly 5.3-liter Excelsiors.
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There Was No Winner The First Time Out
French automaker Chenard-Walcker built both the first- and second place-winning cars, but they weren't declared the winner. Why? Well, back then, 24 Hours at Le Mans wasn't enough. They had to do it two more times.
