What Happened On May 26th?
In the early hours of May 26, 1923, the first 24 Hours of Le Mans began in Le Mans, France. Conceived by Charles Faroux, Georges Durand, and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), this race aimed to test not only speed but also the durability and endurance of cars and drivers.
The race started at 4 pm, a time chosen to ensure that the finish would also occur in daylight, enhancing the spectacle for the spectators. The track, Circuit de la Sarthe, was a mix of public roads and race track, stretching over 17.262 kilometers (10.725 miles) per lap. This course, with its long straights and tight corners, would push the limits of both man and machine.
A Test Of Endurance
The first race saw 33 entrants, primarily French manufacturers, who reflected the national pride and burgeoning automotive industry of post-war France. Notably, the race was not solely about speed.
Again, Faroux and his co-organizers had envisioned a competition that prioritized endurance and reliability. They imposed a strict fuel consumption rule, which limited each car to 100 liters (approximately 26.4 gallons) for the entire 24 hours, emphasizing the need for efficiency over sheer horsepower.
The race began with a traditional Le Mans start, which became a hallmark of the event until it was discontinued in 1969. Drivers lined up on one side of the track, and at the drop of the French tricolor flag, sprinted across to their cars, started the engines, and roared off into the unknown. This chaotic scramble added an element of excitement and unpredictability from the very beginning.
From the start, the Chenard-Walcker team emerged as the frontrunner. The French manufacturer fielded a strong lineup, including the driving duo of André Lagache and René Léonard, who had already proven their mettle in previous races. Their car, the Chenard-Walcker Sport, was a robust and reliable machine, perfectly suited for the endurance challenge ahead .
The Early Leaders & Challenges
As night fell over the circuit, the true test of the 24 Hours of Le Mans began. In an era without sophisticated lighting systems, drivers relied on their headlights and the dim glow of an occasional lamp post to navigate the course.
Surely, fatigue crept in as the hours dragged on, and drivers battled exhaustion. Pit stops were strenuous and frantic, with teams working tirelessly to refuel, repair, and replace parts, all while the clock kept ticking.
One lesser-known fact is that during this first race, teams were required to use the same set of tires for the entire 24 hours, unless a tire became unsafe to use. This rule underscored the importance of tire durability, a concept that continues to be central in endurance racing to this day .
As dawn broke on May 27, the end was in sight, but the challenge was far from over. The Chenard-Walcker car, driven by Lagache and Léonard, maintained its lead, demonstrating remarkable consistency and resilience. When the checkered flag finally fell at 4 pm, they had completed 128 laps, covering a distance of 2,209 kilometers (1,373 miles), and secured their place in history as the winners of the first 24 Hours of Le Mans .
The race had proven to be a harsh mistress, with 30 of the 33 starters making it to the finish line. The success of the event was a testament to the vision of Faroux, Durand, and the ACO, who had created a race that tested the very limits of automotive engineering and human perseverance .
Victory!
The winning car, Chenard-Walcker Sport, was equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-four engine, a modest powerplant by today’s standards, but one that exemplified the balance between power and reliability needed for endurance racing.
Women also made a presence, which was fascinating for this time period. Although they were not competitors, women were a part of the pit crews and support teams, a progressive step for the time.
Vehicles were equipped with new technology such as the Michelin detachable rims, which allowed for quicker tire changes. This innovation, among others, set the stage for the technological advancements that Le Mans would foster over the coming decades.
A Tradition Begins
Inspired by the success and principles of Le Mans, Formula One arose, eventually becoming the most renown raving event in the world.
The emphasis on technical innovation, driver skill, and high-speed competition at Le Mans directly influenced Formula One. The first Formula One World Championship race took place at Silverstone on May 13, 1950.
This race brought together the best drivers and most advanced cars in a new format, pushing the limits of speed and technology. Formula One took the spirit of innovation and excellence from Le Mans and applied it globally, setting new standards for motorsport.
