It’s been over a year since I wrote a “Racing 101” piece, and with warm-ups complete for a big race today, I thought it was high-time to get back to helping expand readers’ knowledge, understanding, and interest in different aspects of racing. So everyone settle in, get out your paper and pencil, and take notes as we take a look at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Introduction:
This weekend will see the greatest of all sport-car races-the 76th running of the 24 Heures Du Mans, or 24 Hours of Le Mans. This marathon tests man and machine to and beyond the breaking point, as drivers pilot their vehicles around eight-plus miles (yes, I said “eight”) of road course at the Circuit de le Sarthe in Le Mans, France. Le Mans is located 186 kilometers (115 miles) from Paris.
Speed Channel will provide 16 hours of coverage of this race, from the start at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Saturday morning, breaking for NASCAR coverage during the course of the day, then resuming broadcasting the balance from 9 p.m. through 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
“Organized on a regular basis since 1923, it is the biggest sporting challenge for car manufacturers because it is based on ‘being the best over 24 hours.’” (lemans.org)
If you’re a fan of racing, especially the history of it, and have never tuned in for the 24 Hours, I highly recommend it. There is international flavor, four classes of amazing racing machines, speeds upwards and over 200 miles per hour, and the test of time and elements. Rain is fairly common during this time of year in France, making conditions treacherous for the competitors. Consider that over half of the race course is on what are public roads the remainder of the year.
For those of you with a Playstation game console, the old and new course at Le Mans are available to drive on Gran Turismo (versions 3 and 4 I believe) and is replicated in exquisite detail. It is quite thrilling to take a lap around the circuit, especially in an Audi R10 Diesel or the Corvette C6R.
Purpose:
The following is taken directly from the web site for the 24 Hours of Le Mans (www.lemans.org), and list the reasons that the race exists.
- Sporting: Endurance racing tests performance over an extended time
- Technology: Endurance racing is the best test of technological achievement
- Spectator appeal: Endurance racing has an emotional appeal for the spectator that is continually renewed
- Media Interest: The history of Endurance racing is rich in stories of drivers, cars and manufacturers
History:
The first 24 Hours was run in 1923, and Frenchmen Andre Lagache and Rene Leonard won the race in a Chenard et Walcker Sport, powered by a 3-Liter In-line 4-cylinder engine. The pair complete 128 laps and covered a distance of 2209.5 kilometers, or 1325.7 miles over the 17.262 km course.
9 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
Michael Griffin about 1 year ago
Best article I've ever read on this site. It was amazing, I knew a lot about Le Mans, and I'll be doing my best to watch it through the 24 hours. I know, I'm mad.
As soon as I have a car, I'm driving to Le Mans. This race is undoubtedly the ultimate challenge, even the Spa 25 Hours Fun Cup race can't top it.
I can see Peugeot winning it this year. I hope Villenueve can get the record he so desperately seeks. If he does, he must be considered one of the best drivers to ever grace motorsport.
Great preview, this gets my vote.
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Adam Amick about 1 year ago
Thanks. I was working on it all night while up at the station. I'm watching the pre-race now, and will push to stay awake through perhaps the first set of pit stops.
Peugeot has a chance if their cars hold together. Audi has the reliability, Peugeot has the power. This should be a LOT of fun across the board.
I hope to get to go to this race some day. My dad has been a couple of times.
Go Corvette Racing!
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Ben Auty about 1 year ago
Interesting stuff ... Great writing Adam ... I envy you sometimes ! Maybe I will get to be as your level of writing with enough practice. Bleacher Report will help me no doubt ! I will get my paddock pass ! Ha ha !
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Adam Amick about 1 year ago
Thanks, Ben. Don't envy. The question is what do you want to do and what's the path to get there?
Let me see if I can come up with a couple of ideas to help.
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Ben Auty about 1 year ago
I think until I found this site I was happy just to be crazy mad about the sport on my own but now I have people who ready what I have to say and then comment back because they are into it too ... I dont think journalism is something that I have ever wanted to do but I wouldnt mind say a weekly column or a bi weekly column where I can get my opinions heard. Would be pretty cool !
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Alex Levy about 1 year ago
Great article there Adam, and a fantastic insight into LeMans as well! we shall see tomorrow if your predictions prevail; until then 5 star and pick of the day vote just does not do justice to such a masterpiece of writing...
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Adam Amick about 1 year ago
Thanks, Alex. I appreciate it. I'm going to try to get back to doing my Racing 101 series.
Gives me something to do when on the board overnights at ESPN radio.
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L.J. Burgess about 1 year ago
So ... how'd it turn out ?
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Saraswathi Siriginia 10 months ago
This is one of the best series Adam, I have to catch up on all of them, how many are there? Since this is latest installment, I am guessing four, am i right?
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