The 24 Hours of Le Mans recreates the atmosphere of 1923
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The 24 Hours of Le Mans recreates the atmosphere of 1923

The 24 Hours of Le Mans recreates the atmosphere of 1923

In a few weeks time, part of the original 1923 circuit will be recreated to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (22nd-23rd June).

At the Pontlieue hairpin, the northernmost part of the circuit used at the first 24 Hours, on Tuesday 18th June will have the ambiance of the race track recreated with period barriers and signage.

From 1923 to 1928, the circuit that hosted what was known at the time as "The 24 hours Grand Prix of Endurance " was 17,262 kilometres long. Two French marques won during that era : Chenard & Walcker in the first race in 1923, then Lorraine-Dietrich in 1925 and 1926. But it was Bentley who had the greatest success with three wins (1924-1927-1928). Winning drivers in 1928, Woolf Barnato and Bernard Rubin covered the greatest distance of that era; 2,669 kilometres at an average speed of 111 km/h.

Remember also that in 1923, for the first and only time, the 24 Hours of Le Mans was held in May (26th and 27th) before moving to its usual position in June, except for 1956 (July) and 1968 (September).

Many other celebations will be announced soon, for the week of the "24 Heures", notably involving the winners of the 90th anniversary vote, organised by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest at the end of 2012.

The 90th anniversary 24 Hours of Le Mans is on the 22nd and 23rd June.

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO

Photo : In 1923, the Chenard & Walcker with André Lagache and René Léonard who covered 2,209 kilometres, in 128 laps of the 17km circuit. 
 

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