| 24 Hours of Le Mans | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Venue |
Circuit de la Sarthe |
|
First race |
1923 |
|
Duration |
24 Hours |
|
Most wins (driver) |
Tom Kristensen |
|
Most wins (team) |
Joest Racing |
|
Most wins (manufacturer) |
Porsche |
The 24 Hours of Le Mans (French: 24 Heures du Mans) is the world's oldest active sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since 1923 near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have to balance speed against the cars' ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining mechanical damage to the car and manage the cars consumambles, such as fuel, tyres and braking materials. The endurace of the drivers is likewise tested as drivers frequently spend stints of over two hours behind the wheel before stopping in the pits and allowing a relief driver to take over the driving duties. Drivers then grab what food and rest they can before returning to drive another stint. Today it is mandated that three drivers share each competing vehicle.