24h Le Mans
On November 28, 1895 took place the first race in the U.S., sponsored by the "Chicago Times-Herald." June 26-27, 1906 the ACF Grand Prix, the first race at Le Mans, was won after slightly more than 12 hours by Hungarian driver Ferenc Szisz at the wheel of a Renault AK.
The objective of the American and French races, shortened due to a blizzard, was to promote the sales of the burgeoning automobile industry. Frank Duryea won in one of his creations in a little more than 10 hours, ahead of a Benz, the only two cars of the eight at the start (weather conditions having prevented the 83 other participants from reaching the starting line) to cross the finish line.
At Le Mans, 11 competitors were ranked, the last finishing more than four hours after the day's winner, but the goal was achieved: Duryea and Renault's sales went up in the following months…
Photo (Copyright - ACO Goerget-Dolbeau): The Darracq team at the ACF Grand Prix.
