For 100 years, Le Mans has been keeping motorsport fans on the edge of their seats with its thrilling races. Well, technically for 91 years, given that the 20th century was plagued by the World War and labour strikes, but that’s not the point. The point is that in 2023, Le Mans celebrated its Centenary edition, solidifying its status as one of the most gruelling and prestigious motorsport competitions open to cars.
HISTORY OF LE MANS
Let’s delve into a brief history lesson. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a renowned race held annually at the Circuit de la Sarthe in France. Originally, the race allowed manufacturers to participate using production cars, provided a minimum of 30 units were available for the general public. Additional regulations, such as engine sizes and minimum distance covered, were also in place. Ultimately, the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans was the car that covered the greatest distance within the 24-hour timeframe. Given its historic significance, it is considered the most prestigious race on the WEC calendar.
THE TRACK
The Circuit de la Sarthe, where the 24 Hours of Le Mans takes place, is a unique combination of regular roads and a dedicated racing section. It is a long circuit, with each lap spanning around 13.6km. The track layout comprises a mix of fast straights, speedy chicanes, amazing corners, and tight hairpin turns, offering drivers various challenges.
This story is from the July 2023 edition of autoX.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2023 edition of autoX.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
POWER WASH
The Dylect UltraClean high-pressure washer is perfect choice for those obsessed with keeping their vehicle showroom fresh.
GRIPPING REPORT
After experiencing TVS Eurogrip Roadhound's performance on the race track, we put them through their paces on the road.
MAKE OR BREAK!
Carlos Sainz ended Max Verstappen's win streak yet again. The driver without a seat in 2025 is giving it his all and then some!
NEW DAWN
What does Liberty Media's MotoGP takeover mean for the sport's future?
FOCUS MODE
BMW has introduced a more aggressive avatar of the iX, and we test its temper.
BRAVE & BOLD
If you like the idea of making others feel intimidated as your car appears in their rearview mirror, look no further.
SINGLE NOT READY TO Mingle?
Volvo has introduced the XC40 with a single-motor setup. But does this mean that it's only half the fun and half the experience? Let's find out...
URBAN RACER
Expanding its performance portfolio, Hyundai has launched the new Creta N Line. So, is this the hot sauce needed for the perfect Creta sandwich? We take a bite and find out!
The Price of Nostalgia
Kawasaki's W175 is a low-cost motorcycle that evokes the nostalgia of no-nonsense riding, but does it offer enough to be relevant in the modern world?
easy DOES IT
Getting a motorcycle right is complicated, because motorcyclists themselves are complicated. But the Jawa 350 might have cracked the code.