The ACO plans a host of events for the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
The world's greatest endurance race celebrates its first centenary on June 10 and 11. For the occasion, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) has planned a rich program.
The 2022 edition had attracted a very large audience. The stands of Le Mans for the centenary should be even more crowded. Already all the numbered seats have been sold in just a few hours and only general admission tickets are left.
No figures were given on a maximum number not to be exceeded, even though we can estimate about 280,000 people throughout the week, approximately 120,000 during the weekend, indicated Pierre Fillon, the president of the ACO to Endurance Info.
To entertain all these spectators, the event week is full of activities. It will start on June 1st with an exhibition of around sixty winning cars from Le Mans at the 24 Hours Museum. The next day, the traditional drivers’ parade will take place in the city streets.
Tuesday and Friday, the circuit is open to the public.
On Sunday, June 4th, the cars will take to the track for the Test Day. For the first time, a support race, the Ligier European Series, will take place on this day. On Tuesday, June 6th, no cars will be on the circuit, but the track will be open to the public for pit stop challenge, autograph sessions, and a visit to the garages.
The first free practice and qualifying sessions are scheduled for Wednesday 7th, accompanied by the support races: Porsche Carrera Cup, Ferrari Challenge, Road to Le Mans. The next day, the end of the free practice sessions is on the schedule with the hyperpole (top 8 of each category).
On Friday, once again, there will be no cars on the track, but spectators will be able to walk, bike, or even run on the course. The most famous cars to have participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans will return to the asphalt of the circuit to the delight of the spectators. At 2 o’clock, the drivers will cross the streets of the prefecture for the parade.
Finally, the start of the centenary is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 10th. Meanwhile, the unique trophy created by the Monnaie de Paris will be lifted by the winner 24 hours later.
