The first - in an austere style - did not survive World War II. Then it wasn't until the construction of the Circuit Bugatti in 1965 that a concrete, neo-modern chapel was built. Security constraints imposed by international sports federations condemned that building in 2000. In 2007, the ACO began to consider a reconstruction project for a place of prayer. Buiilt by local craftsmen, in red Canadian cedar, the chapel retains some its predecessor's attributes: Dubois de Solesmes sculptures, modern stained glass windows and the high altar. The only contribution to this understated decor was the superimposition of a window that until then had been kept in the ACO's archives and which depicts the Bugatti Grand Prix that took place in 1928, '29 and '30. It shows race Bugattis taking on the Tertre Rouge "esses."

The construction work led to the involvement of scouts who restored the building's wood. Resolutely facing the vast expanse of the 24 Hours circuit, the chapel was consecrated a few months ago by Monseigneur Le Saux, Bishop of Le Mans, and now the services are celebrated as part of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and of Moto.

As part of its sponsorship policy, Crédit Agricole Anjou and Maine and its Crédit Agricole-Pays de France Foundation provided financial support for the reconstruction of the circuit's chapel. The 700,000 or so circuit visitors each year will now find a universal symbol over which watch Saint Christopher and Our Lady of the Road, the opportunity for Crédit Agricole to prove its commitment to the local heritage and to hope this chapel located in the heart of the "temple of endurance" spans the decades along with the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Hervé Guyomard / ACO - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO