The race, commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, has a long history, dating back to 1923. Though it was suspended during WWII, the race will mark the 81st edition and 90th anniversary this year. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is, without a doubt, the most prestigious and traditional race in the Sports Car caliber. This trying test of reliability and efficiency has been a platform of competition for the world's leading automobile manufacturers, resulting in many dramatic stories.

The course from which these stories come is outside of the permanent race track, where there is a section called the Tertre Rouge, lined with beautiful green trees. This is followed by the 6km-long Hunaudieres straight (divided into three shorter straights using two chicanes in 1990 to reduce the top speed for safety). The racetrack also has several famous corners, including the tight Mulsanne at the end of the long straight. The public road section features a number of bumps with abrasive surfaces, which place particular stress on both the driver and the vehicle, making the race a cruel struggle.

The race is held in June, around the summer solstice when the daylight lasts longest, so there is comparatively little night-time driving. Yet, the most critical moment often comes at dawn. There have been many accidents and mechanical problems around daybreak, which is notoriously known as the weird hour of the morning. In the past races, this time period has proved to be the make-or-break stage.

Though the technical regulations have been revised throughout the history of the race, the cars eligible for the event, with a few exceptions, have been two-seater sports cars both racers and modified commercial vehicles. The fact encourages major manufacturers to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans where they compete with their best technologies and the best possible balance between speed and durability. A strong performance at Le Mans is undoubtedly one of the best ways to promote new technologies and the company's technical excellence.

The Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the organizer of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in partnership with the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), has launched the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the 24 Hours of Le Mans as its centrepiece. The FIA-sanctioned World Championship, returning after a gap of 10 years, is once again attracting many entrants to write a new chapter in the history of Le Mans.