The annual Le Mans 24 hour race was first held on 26th and 27th May, 1923. The early years were dominated by Alfa Romeo and Bentley, followed by Jaguar in the 1950s. Ferrari won the races from 1960 to 1965 and Ford completed the decade by winning from 1966 to 1969. More recently Audi have been the leading constructor, but the most successful marque in the history of Le Mans is Porsche.

World Famous 24 Hour Motor Racing DVDs

Famous and ultimately the most successful drivers in Le Mans history include Tom Kristensen, Emanuele Pirro, Frank Biela, Jacky Ickx, Derek Bell, Olivier Gendebien, Henri Pescarolo and Yannick Dalmas.

The race is run on a semi-permanent track, known as the Circuit d la Sarthe, mostly on public roads. There is also a permanent section, the Bugatti Circuit, which accommodates the start/finish and pit lane facilities as well as the first corner. Overall, the circuit is approximately 8.5 miles (13.5 km) in length.

Before the placement of two chicanes, cars would famously reach 250mph on the three mile long Mulsanne Straight, known locally as Ligne Droite des Hunaudières.