The popularity and fame of the 24 Hours of Le Mans have never lost steam over the course of a century. Year after year, its iconic and temporary circuit, its atmosphere, triumphs and exploits make the race one of the best known in the world of motorsport.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans | A full-fledged legend

Since the first running in 1923, the race has only been cancelled once outside the hiatus caused by World War II. In 1936, the political situation in France forced the Automobile Club de l’Ouest to shelve that edition, and once the war broke out in 1939, the race experienced its longest interruption, finally resuming in 1949. Since then, the event has never been outright cancelled, simply postponed four different times: in 1956 (because of the major reconstruction undertaken after the catastrophic accident of 1955), in 1968 (due to the social unrest of May) then in 2020 and 2021 (for the COVID-19 crisis).

After decades of rising to every challenge, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is considered a legendary race throughout the world and an unmissable event for fans, drivers and major names in the automotive industry.

Journalists | A Key factor in the race's popularity

After its creation in 1923, the 24 Hours quickly proved itself a great success across the globe, and if the stats are to be believed, the race is even more popular now than ever.

In 2022, a staggering 656 members of the media (journalists, photographers, radio personalities, etc.) were granted accreditation to attend the race. That year's running was broadcast on every continent in 196 countries, from Europe to Asia, and the Americas to Africa.

International journalists are crucial elements in the race's reputation in the world, and British journalists in particular are well-known in the press room. In 30 years, Gary Watkins has only missed one running and can attest to the race's popularity across the Channel: "The race is hugely followed in England and British fans are all around the circuit," he said in a 2021 Ouest-France newspaper interview. "Every time I head to the 24 Hours, I come across countless British car registrations from Calais to Le Mans!"

Ever-loyal fans

What would the 24 Hours of Le Mans be without the fans? They are the reason it is considered one of the biggest races in the world.

In 2022, 244,200 spectators attended the 90th running at the circuit. Any given year during race week, the population of Le Mans can be multiplied by 1.5, and generally more than 50,000 Brits and 30,000 Danes come to see the action.

Certainly the exploits of drivers like Derek Bell and Tom Kristensen, and marques like Jaguar, Aston Martin, Audi and Porsche have largely contributed to the race's popularity among British, Danish and German fans. The 24 Hours is the perfect way to make memories among friends and/or family. A fan named Bruno in a testimonial on France 3 in 2019: "I've been coming since 1987. I'm a diehard fan, meaning once you've had a taste of the race, you're a fan for life. I come with friends. I love the atmosphere, the race, the drivers. My favourite spots are the Tertre Rouge, the Raccordement and the Mulsanne Straight."

More spectators than ever are expected this year at the Centenary running and tickets are already sold out. The 2023 running will also include the return to the top class of big names in motorsport such as Peugeot, Ferrari, Porsche and Cadillac. This year's race will usher in a new era of endurance racing to continue for many years to come and carry on the legend all around the world.

PHOTOS (Copyright - ACO/Archives): LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS. From top to bottom: in 1939 at the last running before the WWII hiatus, the drivers running to their cars for the start; the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the 2020 running held behind closed doors until September (the winners pictured here); Aston Martin successfully carries the British torch at the 24 Hours for fans from across the Channel who still flock to the race; the crowd at the foot of the podium after the finish.