Description

Awardwinning writer Richard Williams tells the remarkable story of the 24 Hours of Le Mans one of the worlds most iconic motorsports events which celebrates its centenary in 2023

The event was created by a group of Frenchmen in 1923 and remains uniquely compelling to spectators to the major motor manufacturers who continue to see it as an opportunity for priceless publicity as well as to drivers hoping to add their names to its distinguished roll of honourBetween the wars those manufacturers included Bugatti Bentley and Alfa Romeo Subsequently Ferrari Jaguar Mercedes Aston Martin Ford Porsche Audi and Toyota have all been serial winners guaranteeing the continuation of ferocious intermarque rivalry

Over the decades the race acquired a rich folklore including stories of leaking petrol tanks being sealed with chewing gum one competitor making his last pitstop for a fillup and a glass of champagne or the woman who drove her MG through the night wearing a fur coat Competitors have included princes debutantes drug smugglers and a Nazi spyLeading Hollywood filmmakers lured to the romance of the race include Steve McQueen who conceived and starred in Le Mans in 1971 and James Mangold who made Le Mans 66in 2019But in 1955 it had also been the scene of the greatest tragedy ever to befall motor racing when 82 people were killed by a competing car an accident that for a while threatened the sports entire future

From the Bentley Boys of the 1920s through recordbreakingmultiple winners Jacky Ickx and Tom Kristensen to modern stars such as Allan McNish 24 Hourscelebrates the skill courage and technical brilliance of the men and women who gave the race its worldwide renown