In the heart-racing world of motorsports, one event has consistently outshone all others in terms of endurance, speed, and raw determination – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This year, we celebrate the centennial anniversary of this iconic race, and there couldn’t be a better tribute than the recently released official book, “LE MANS 100: A Century at the World’s Greatest Endurance Race.”
Written by the distinguished author and Le Mans historian, Glen Smale, the book is a treasure trove for every racing enthusiast. It captures the essence of the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe, a unique combination of closed public roads and dedicated racecourse, where cars and two-driver teams often cover more than 3,000 miles during the 24-hour contest.
Dive into the year-by-year history of Le Mans, marvel at the photography, and absorb the narrative that meticulously unfolds the evolution of this grueling contest. Smale’s dedication to detail and his deep-rooted passion for motorsport is clearly visible in every page.
The book pays homage to an illustrious lineup of marques and models that have graced the Le Mans race track. These include iconic names like Porsche, Ferrari, Ford, Corvette, Cobra, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, BMW, McLaren, and many more. Their indomitable spirit is brought to life, as is the courage of legendary drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss, Carroll Shelby, Dan Gurney, Ken Miles, Jackie Ickx, Derek Bell, and Tom Kristensen, among dozens of others.
Smale’s chronicle doesn’t stop at glorifying the grandeur of the event. He also touches upon the darker side of racing, delving into tragic incidents such as the devastating 1955 disaster that claimed the lives of more than 80 spectators.
In addition to the historical narrative, the book provides valuable data on all the classes that participated in each year’s event, including the premier LMP1 and LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype) categories and GT (grand tourer). It also lists each year’s top three overall finishers, offering an easy reference for race aficionados.
Quick facts about LE MANS 100:
- Publishing August 1, 2023
- Hardcover, 240 pages, 250 images
- $75 US, $99 CAN
- ISBN: 9780760376171
