View Photos of the 2024 Running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is famous for the beauty of the circuit, tucked away in rural France, for the history of the race, going back to 1923, and most of all, for the unpredictable and thrilling competition that happens on track. Each year is a new story. This is the story of 2024.
The quiet before the literal storm looking under Dunlop Bridge.
Ford supported three Mustang GT3 teams for 2024.
Pitstops always look like chaos but it's a careful ballet, with each crewmember knowing his or her exact place and task.
Elana Scherr got time in a yellow Mustang of her own, driving from Paris to Le Mans, and the bright pony got a lot of attention.
When you are supposed to be race reporting but get distracted by car-spotting. This is a Matra-Simca Bagheera, and it seats three across the front seat.
Before the race the cars are almost completely disassembled and gone through for a final check.
The rules for a pit stop in Le Mans are different from NASCAR or F1, so the stops are a bit longer. Still, if things go well, a car can come in, get fuel, and change tires in under a minute.
This is what a perfect life looks like: Racetrack view and a giant sandwich.
Cadillac fielded three cars in the top tier Hypercar class.
The No. 2 Caddy whips by the fans.
The Mustangs looked almost comical with their tall, round, proportions compared to the sleek sports and hypercars. It worked for them though.
Photography at Le Mans is incredible.
Next hit car movie: Ford V Lambo
As night falls the colors pop on the track.
Endurance racing is about keeping focus through changing conditions.
Last pitstop of the first day.
The fans stay up all night, in all weather.
The cars become a stream of light, a constant sound.
Ready and waiting.
This year it rained. It rained a lot.
Le Mans is actual farmland, with trees and houses and barns surrounding the course.
The emotions of an unintended track exit.
Lit and color coded number plates help identify cars on track.
Did we mention the rain?
Do you know why I pulled you over?
At a certain point it's more boating than car racing.
Crew members grab naps when they can.
Mustangs ready to stampede.
Always darkest before the dawn.
The winners, Ferrari, triumphant.
The celebration in the pits is all hugs and cheers.
Everyone cheers the winner, even the competitors.
After the race, the cars look bruised.
Battered
They worked hard, and it shows.
See ya next year, Le Mans.
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