The early races were dominated by Italians, Britons, and French nationals. Americans would break through with their first win in 1966, when Ford was bound and determined to show their ability to compete with Ferrari head-to-head. Fords would win four straight, with four different teams of drivers in the ’66-’69 time frame.
The record distance covered was in 1971 by a German Porsche 917K, having completed 5335.313 km (3021.19 miles) in the 24 hour time.
Porsches were very successful through the 1980s and 1990s, until Audi rolled out the R8 and took wins in 2000-2005, broken only in 2003 by a Bentley Speed 8. In 2006 the R8 was replaced by the R10 diesel-powered car, and they have won two straight with co-drivers Frank Biela, Emanuell Pirro, and Marco Werner taking the crowns. Last year their Audi showed 5029.1 km, or 3017.46 miles after the checkered flag flew.
Course:
The Circuit de la Sarthe is a combination of race course and public roads, which increase the mechanical stress on the cars over the 24 hour duration. Since the first running in 1923 the course is now in its 14th version at 13.65 km in length, with modifications made to improve driver and spectator safety.
The most recent major changes were the addition of two chicanes to the 5 km long Muslanne Straight, bringing it into line with FIA requirements for sanctioning.
Being the majority of the circuit is on public roads, and these are open close to race time and immediately following, the hazards of fluids and debris on the course are factors the drivers must deal with. Workers erect and disassemble safety barriers prior to and after the race is completed.
There is a circuit within the circuit-the Bugatti Circuit is used for motorcycle and car racing and is a proper race track. If Formula 1 moves its French Grand Prix away from Magny-Cours, this is one of the options for courses the race could relocate to.
Comparison with Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona:
The 24 at Daytona is the best-known sports-car race here in the United States, but involves a different class of cars and organizing body than does Le Mans.
Daytona is organized by the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) and has two classes of cars: Daytona Prototype (the exotic-looking bubble-top cars with chassis by Riley, Crawford, and Dallara, and power by Pontiac, Ford, Porsche, Lexus, and BMW) and Grand Touring (featuring racing versions of high-end sports cars such as Porsches, Ferraris, Corvettes, Mustangs, etc.)
The race takes place in the confines of the Daytona International Speedway, and is classified as a “roval” or a combination of a road course and an oval. This event is the start of Daytona Speedweeks. It is arguable the greatest gathering of racing talent from across the spectrum, with the Rolex drivers being joined by NASCAR, Indycar, and other drivers from around the world.
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