History UsefulNotes / TwentyFourHoursOfLeMans

[=GTs=] won 3 times in the 1990s, though only one was really a true road car in spirit. [[LoopholeAbuse In 1994 the overall honors went to a Dauer Porsche 962, entered through a loophole in the GT class, as the 962 prototype (which raced in the Group C class) had been turned into a very limited-edition road car at the time--an impressive feat for what was effectively a 12-year-old car, though not quite what the rule makers had in mind.]] The year after, 1995, 1st place went to a [=McLaren=] F1, the only victory for a true GT car. 1998 saw a Porsche [=GT1=] take victory, but by then things had gotten outrageous in [=GT1=], with manufactures exploiting loopholes such as building only ''one'' road car ''after'' the race and other peculiar practices, which resulted in the [=GT1=] class being full of what were effectively prototypes.\\\

* The Ford [=GT40=]: Designed by Carroll Shelby--better known for his brand of performance cars--to compete with Ferrari's P cars, it achieved two one-two victories in 1966 and 1969. [[{{Zeerust}} The Mk1 still looks pretty futuristic for a 1960s car, even for today,]] while the other three versions look more generic.

** They have a SpiritualSuccessor in the 919 Hybrid, which debuted in 2014 and went on to win the race in 2015 (including setting the fastest lap since the chicanes were introduced) and 2016.

* Peugeot 905/908: The upholder of French pride in the 1990s and 2000s, Peugeot has three wins--two with the bulletproof 905 under the eye of future Ferrari F1 boss Jean Todt, and one with the [[FragileSpeedster much more temperamental]] 908 in the 2000s. The latter brought some much-needed competition to Audi, but kept breaking down along the way before finally outdoing them in 2009.

** The concurrent 935--whose most famous incarnation, the 935/78, is famously nicknamed "Literature/MobyDick"--was a highly souped-up variant of the 911 road car designed more for GT "silhouette" racing that took the overall victory in 1979. [[note:]] 2 of the 3 drivers [[SiblingsInCrime were the Whittington brothers (Don and Bill) who were later arrested for drug smuggling and tax evasion]] [[/note]]

* The Alfa Romeo 8C: Not to be confused with the 2000s grand tourer, the old 8C was a low slung two-seater that won four straight races in the early 1930s, setting a new benchmark for high speed sportscars of the time.

** The concurrent 935--whose most famous incarnation, the 935/78, is famously nicknamed "Literature/MobyDick"--was a highly souped-up variant of the 911 road car designed more for GT "silhouette" racing that took the overall victory in 1979. [[note: 2 of the 3 drivers [[SiblingsInCrime were the Whittington brothers (Don and Bill) who were later arrested for drug smuggling and tax evasion]] ]]

[=GTs=] won 3 times in the 1990s, though only one was really a true road car in spirit. In 1994 the overall honours went to a Dauer Porsche 962, entered through a loophole in the GT class, as the 962 prototype (which raced in the Group C class) had been turned into a very limited edition road car at the time--an impressive feat for what was effectively a 12-year-old car, though not quite what the rule makers had in mind. The year after, 1995, 1st place went to a [=McLaren=] F1, the only victory for a true GT car. 1998 saw a Porsche [=GT1=] take victory, but by then things had gotten outrageous in [=GT1=], with manufactures exploiting loopholes such as building only ''one'' road car ''after'' the race and other peculiar practices, which resulted in the [=GT1=] class being full of what were effectively prototypes.\\\

* Ferrari P cars: The [=GT40=] was developed to compete against these cars. The 1967 Ferrari P3/4 is often named as the prettiest racing car ever built, though it failed to achieve the overall win in any races it entered. Ferrari's last overall win still stands as 1965.

** The concurrent 935--whose most famous incarnation, the 935/78, is famously nicknamed "Literature/MobyDick"--was a highly souped-up variant of the 911 road car designed more for GT "silhouette" racing that took the overall victory in 1979.

Because of the length of Le Mans, drivers are put in 3-man teams, with some classes ([=LMP2=] and [=LMGT3=]) requiring at least one Silver or Bronze driver who also has to spend a certain amount of time in the car. This extra demand results in drivers being drafted in from other series just for Le Mans to complement the drivers who regularly take part in endurance races. Regardless of which ranking a driver is given or whether they're regular endurance racers or not, to do even remotely well at Le Mans, they have to be very badass. While all drivers have to take mandated breaks (only four hours every six, or 14 hours total, can be spent behind the wheel due to concerns about driver fatigue), there is still the fact that it won't be long before they have to get back out on track.\\\

Notable in the list of winners is the absence of many stars of other racing disciplines, showing how specialized the race became with little crossover with Formula One and American racing as it had until the 1960s. With the exception of Jacky Ickx, many of the top Le Mans winners are drivers who saw little success in F1 or never even had an opportunity to race. The aforementioned "Triple Crown" of Le Mans, Monaco and the Indy 500 has, as of 2021, only been achieved by one driver—Graham Hill. Hill is also the only driver to win another "Triple Crown" (with the F1 World Championship instead of Monaco). The other F1 world champions to win Le Mans are Mike Hawthorn, Phil Hill, Jochen Rindt, and Fernando Alonso. Juan Pablo Montoya, who is currently active and driving for Penske in the [[UsefulNotes/UnitedSportsCarChampionship IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship]], can currently win the Triple Crown, including Monaco.

As in other multi-class endurance races, cars from all classes are on the track simultaneously. While blue flags are shown to slower cars to warn them of faster cars approaching from behind, unlike in other series, the slower cars are ''not'' required to move out of the way--the onus is on the faster car to get past quickly and safely[[note]]Hence the blue flag often being referred to as the "courtesy flag", as in it would be the proper thing to let a faster car go by. However, a car that is slow due to damage or mechanical issues and holding people up will be shown the ''black'' flag, meaning they have to pit the next time they come by (it's also used for penalties)[[/note]]. This can lead to situations where a prototype is held up behind two or more [=GT=] cars battling for position who don't want to let the prototype past in case they lose time to each other, and navigating slower traffic (or being navigated by faster traffic in slower classes) without losing too much time is a key aspect of doing well in the race. It is almost guaranteed for a car to encounter problems, either due to mechanical failures or driver mistakes. As long as the car isn't totaled or immobile (and doesn't present an immediate danger to other entrants), the driver is allowed to bring the car to the pits so the pit crew can attempt to repair it and get it back out as soon as possible. With so much time spent in the pits (both for regular pit stops and to make repairs), Le Mans can be won or lost as much in the pit lane as it can be on track, so efficient pit crew and an astute [[MissionControl engineering crew]] are just as important as good drivers and a fast, reliable car.\\\

Because of the length of Le Mans, drivers are put in 3-man teams, with some classes ([=LMP2=] and [=GTE-Am=]) requiring at least one Silver or Bronze driver who also has to spend a certain amount of time in the car. This extra demand results in drivers being drafted in from other series just for Le Mans to complement the drivers who regularly take part in endurance races. Regardless of which ranking a driver is given or whether they're regular endurance racers or not, to do even remotely well at Le Mans, they have to be very badass. While all drivers have to take mandated breaks (only four hours every six, or 14 hours total, can be spent behind the wheel due to concerns about driver fatigue), there is still the fact that it won't be long before they have to get back out on track.\\\

Amongst the amateur drivers, some celebrities have appeared, including Creator/PatrickDempsey, Nick Mason from Music/PinkFloyd, and Creator/PaulNewman, who finished 2nd overall in 1979. Stars from other sports have also taken part, recently including soccer star Fabien Barthez, Olympic track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, and French skier Luc Alphand. Contrary to popular belief, and despite his name being synonymous with the race (see below), [[Creator/SteveMcQueenActor Steve McQueen]] never officially raced in the event for real. (Though unconfirmed, rumor has it that he may have surreptitiously driven stints in 1970 while filming his movie.)\\\

** The [=LMH=] (Le Mans Hypercar) class is for manufacturer-backed prototypes, with technology at least as advanced as UsefulNotes/FormulaOne cars, such as hybrid energy recovery systems and complex aerodynamics. While [=LMHs=] are slower than the [=LMP1s=] they replaced, this was a deliberate choice, in order to prevent the ballooning costs of the [=LMP1=] era and entice more manufacturers back to the top class.

* The [=LMGT3=] (Le Mans Grand Tourer 3) class is based on the highly-successful [=GT3=] class, with specific adjustments to reflect the unique nature of the Circuit de la Sarthe. As a [=GT=] class, [=LMGT3s=] are based on production road cars, with some modifications allowed for safety and performance. The cars are then tested to validate performance, with adjustments made to balance the performance of the cars relative to each other. Additionally, at least one amateur driver must race alongside professional drivers in each car.

In what seems to be a repeat of what happened in the early 1990s, a second top-class GT revival is planned for 2021, having [[HistoryRepeats once again]] been caused by ballooning costs associated with prototypes. The new Le Mans Hypercar class will see race cars based on road-going hypercars, with said in-progress hypercars supposedly being designed specifically with their racing counterparts in mind. Numerous manufacturers, [[TheBusCameBack most of whom already participated in the race before leaving]], have announced their willingness to submit a car under these new regulations, including but not limited to Audi, Peugeot, Toyota, Acura, Porsche, [=ByKolles=], Cadillac, BMW, Alpine, Lamborghini and Ferrari.

Currently, there are four main classes that can be categorized in two different ways, depending on the nature of the car and its drivers:
* LMP (Le Mans Prototype) cars are purpose-built for endurance racing at Le Mans and other endurance races. Although they aren't necessarily more powerful than [=GTs=] ([=LMP2=] cars can be ''less'' powerful than [=GT=] cars), [=LMPs=] produce much faster lap times because the high downforce they produce lets them corner faster and brake later.
** The [=LMP1=] class is where automakers (such as Audi and Toyota) and richer private teams compete. The factory cars are at least as technologically advanced as UsefulNotes/FormulaOne cars, as they both feature hybrid energy recovery systems and complex aerodynamics.

* The two [=GT=] Endurance ([=GTE=]) classes use modified ''production'' sports cars, ranging from the Porsche 911 997 and the Ferrari 488 to the Chevrolet Corvette C8. While [=GTs=] aren't in contention for overall victories, they still provide a good show at Le Mans.
** [=GTE=]-Pro cars are raced by teams of [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin all-professional drivers.]] As with [=LMP1=], this is the class where factory teams compete, with their quickest and most reliable drivers showcasing the latest developments in [=GT=] racing.
** [=GTE=]-Am cars are supposed to be identical to their Pro counterparts even though they are fielded by privateers with amateur drivers; only chassis that were used the previous competition year (or older) are allowed entry. As with [=LMP2=] there are measures to prevent spending getting out of hand.

* The film ''Film/LeMans'', obviously.

** Audi R15: The current race distance record holder, the R15 won the 2010 race, which saw all four Peugeot 908s succumb to mechanical issues despite lapping 3-4 seconds faster than the Audis.
** Audi R18: The winner of the closest racing finish in 2011, finishing ''13.854 seconds'' ahead of the [[AlwaysSecondBest Peugeot 908]].

The Circuit de la Sarthe is very old, having been [[OlderThanTelevision opened in 1923]]. It is also very long by modern standards, at 13.629 kilometers or 8.469 miles. Notable features include large sections held on closed-off public roads and the 6 kilometre (3.7 mile) long Ligne Droite des Hunaudières (the straight with the two chicanes). The chicanes were added in 1990 to stop the cars from flipping over or worse from sheer speed.\\\

Held since 1923, with only a break because of UsefulNotes/WorldWarII[[note]]It got through the [[UsefulNotes/Covid19Pandemic Covid-19 Pandemic]] by not allowing in-person spectators[[/note]], it is easily the most famous and prestigious sports car race in the world, and the race that has made the sporting reputation of many famous car brands. Currently part of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), it is informally known as one part of the "Triple Crown of Motorsport", which consists of Le Mans, the [[UsefulNotes/FormulaOne Monaco Grand Prix]], and the [[UsefulNotes/IndyCar Indianapolis 500]].

Held since 1923, with only a break because of UsefulNotes/WorldWarII, it is easily the most famous and prestigious sports car race in the world, and the race that has made the sporting reputation of many famous car brands. Currently part of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), it is informally known as one part of the "Triple Crown of Motorsport", which consists of Le Mans, the [[UsefulNotes/FormulaOne Monaco Grand Prix]], and the [[UsefulNotes/IndyCar Indianapolis 500]].

The last feature of the track is the Ford Chicanes, first introduced in the late 1960s to reduce cars' speed past the pit lane. The Automobile Club de l'Ouest (the organization that manages the track) named two features of the track after Ford and Porsche, after both companies helped pay for the construction of these sections.

The last feature of the track is the Ford Chicanes, first introduced in the late 1960s to reduce cars' speed past the pit lane. Curiously, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (the organization that manages the track) named two features of the track after Ford and Porsche, but there are no similar honors for Ferrari, Matra, Audi, Jaguar or Bentley. The area opposite the end of the pits is notorious as the site of a terrible disaster during the 1955 race; one of the Mercedes-Benz cars was launched into the crowd, killing the driver and 83 spectators. This disaster spurred the first great renovation of the circuit, when the old pit buildings were demolished and the whole section of track was widened. The mid-late 1950s pits lasted until 1991, when the current, much larger pit lane was constructed. In the 1970s, the ACO had originally planned to replace all the public road sections with parallel race track, but this plan never came to fruition, and one of the main continuing features of Le Mans is the amount of circuit that remains public highway when not being raced on.\\\

In what seems to be a repeat of what happened in the early 1990s, a second top-class GT revival is planned for 2021, having [[HistoryRepeats once again]] been caused by ballooning costs associated with prototypes. The new Le Mans Hypercar class will see race cars based on road-going hypercars, with said in-progress hypercars supposedly being designed specifically with their racing counterparts in mind. Numerous manufacturers, [[TheBusCameBack most of whom already participated in the race before leaving]], have announced their willingness to submit a car under these new regulations, including but not limited to Audi, Peugeot, Toyota, Acura, Porsche, [=ByKolles=], Cadillac, BMW, and Ferrari.

In what seems to be a repeat of what happened in the early 1990s, a second top-class GT revival is planned for 2021, having [[HistoryRepeats once again]] been caused by ballooning costs associated with prototypes. The new Le Mans Hypercar class will see race cars based on road-going hypercars, with said in-progress hypercars supposedly being designed specifically with their racing counterparts in mind. Numerous manufacturers, [[TheBusCameBack most of whom already participated in the race before leaving]], have announced their willingness to submit a car under these new regulations, including but not limited to Audi, Peugeot, Toyota, Acura, Porsche, [=ByKolles=], and Ferrari.

The six-kilometer Mulsanne straight is the most famous feature of the course--however, it has been split by two chicanes starting in 1990, and gradually enclosed by more barriers and fencing. A café early on the straight used to be a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcj9DVAM6eY prime spot to watch the cars pass at speed]] but is now much more cut off by barriers when the track is being used, and the Mulsanne is now out of bounds for spectators. Being a public road, this section can be driven by any motorist when not closed off for the race, but these days, it's interrupted by several roundabouts (that the track bypasses) as the areas surrounding the track have become more urbanized.\\\

As in other multi-class endurance races, cars from all classes are on the track simultaneously. While blue flags are shown to slower cars to warn them of faster cars approaching from behind, unlike in other series, the slower cars are ''not'' required to move out of the way--the onus is on the faster car to get past quickly and safely. This can lead to situations where a prototype is held up behind two or more [=GT=] cars battling for position who don't want to let the prototype past in case they lose time to each other, and navigating slower traffic (or being navigated by faster traffic in slower classes) without losing too much time is a key aspect of doing well in the race. It is almost guaranteed for a car to encounter problems, either due to mechanical failures or driver mistakes. As long as the car isn't totaled or immobile (and doesn't present an immediate danger to other entrants), the driver is allowed to bring the car to the pits so the pit crew can attempt to repair it and get it back out as soon as possible. With so much time spent in the pits (both for regular pit stops and to make repairs), Le Mans can be won or lost as much in the pit lane as it can be on track, so efficient pit crew and an astute [[MissionControl engineering crew]] are just as important as good drivers and a fast, reliable car.\\\

Originally, the race began with the "Le Mans Start", where drivers took their marks outside their cars and had to dash into their seats, start their engines, and peel off as fast they could. This was extremely dangerous and caused many accidents (some fatal) because drivers neglected to properly strap in to save precious seconds. Because of this, modern Le Mans races opt for a safer rolling start. Some historical races that take place at Le Mans continue to use the classic start, however. One unique feature of the start that still applies today is that the green flag that is normally waved to start the race is not used. Instead, the race starts with the waving of the French ''tricolor'' at the start/finish line.\\\

* The short film ''Film/LeMans1955'' shows a dramatized portrayal of the infamous 1955 Le Mans disaster from the perspectives of American driver John Fitch and Austrian team manager Alfred Neubauer, which led to Mercedes-Benz withdrawing from the race and dropping out of all future races.