24 Hours of Le Mans...What is it and how does it work?

Are you confused by the 24 Hour of Le Mans?  Why are there so many different kinds of cars? Do they really race for 24 hours? How does one win the race?  Well we are here to provide all you need to know, so the next time you find yourself in the garage talking about this iconic race with your mates you sound like a genius.

For starters, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a 24 hour endurance race held annually in the middle of June in (you guessed it) Le Mans, France.  The 24 hour race had its inaugural race in 1923 and features multiple classes of race cars, each of which has their own distinct regulations and characteristics.  This means you may see various makes and models with varying body types (and shapes) all racing alongside one another.  The winner is the team (and car) that covered the most distance over the 24 hours.

The main classes are:

• Le Mans Hypercar (LMH): This class includes custom-built hypercars and modified road-going hypercars. They have more freedom in design and aerodynamics.
• Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh): This class features prototype cars that comply with regulations shared with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. They use a standardized hybrid powertrain system.

• Prototype Class: These are spec cars built by approved manufacturers with a focus on cost control. They feature a standardized Gibson V8 engine and are designed to be fast, but not as advanced as Hypercars.

• LMGTE Pro: This class includes factory-backed teams with professional drivers. Cars are based on production models but extensively modified for racing.
• LMGTE Am: Similar to LMGTE Pro, but with a mix of professional and amateur drivers. The cars are slightly less advanced, and teams must use a car that is at least one year old.

• GT3 Class: Starting in 2024, the GT3 class replaced the LMGTE classes. GT3 cars are production-based and widely used in various GT championships worldwide. They offer a balance between performance and cost, making them attractive to both manufacturers and privateer teams.

Balance of Performance (BoP) is used to ensure competitive parity among different cars within a specific class.  The ACO and FIA governing bodies may adjust parameters such as weight, power, and aerodynamics to level the playing field.  Adjustments to BoP are made based on performance data from previous races and tests, ensuring no single manufacturer dominates.

The race track itself is held at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France which is  approximately 8.467 miles (or 13.626 kilometers) long with 21 corners.  Originally the track boasted a long 3.7 mile (or 6 kilometers) straight away with no chicanes, dubbed the Mulsanne Straight making it one of the fastest sections of race track in the world.  However, in 1990, two chicanes were added to the straight for safety reasons, reducing the length of the uninterrupted section. The distance between the chicanes is still significant, allowing cars to reach very high speeds, but the longest continuous section is now about 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers) between the two chicanes.  The circuit includes a mix of permanent race track sections and public roads that are closed for the event. The circuit's length and layout make it one of the most challenging and iconic tracks in the world.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a complex and thrilling event that combines cutting-edge technology, driver skill, and strategic excellence. The variety of classes ensures diverse competition, while the rules and regulations maintain safety and fairness throughout the grueling 24-hour race.  Media coverage of the race is quite good, with nearly (if not) all of the race covered by TV providers.  All you have to do is have enough coffee and energy drink available to stay awake for the whole thing.