1950 Jaguar C-Type Win
The ultimate test of endurance and innovation.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an endurance sports car race held annually near the city of Le Mans, France. First run in 1923, it is the oldest active endurance racing event in the world and is widely considered one of the world's most prestigious races.
Quick Facts
- Year
- 1950
- Winning car
- Jaguar XK-120S (XK-120C prototype)
- Drivers
- Louis Rosier & Jean-Louis Rosier
Lore & Background
The race is won by the car that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours. Cars on this track are able to achieve speeds of 366 kph, and reached 407 kph on the main straight in 1988, instigating the addition of more chicanes to the track to reduce speed reached. The race is organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) and held on the Circuit de la Sarthe.
Reader's Guide
The race comprises three classes: Hypercar (LMH or LMDh), LMP2, and LMGT3. Three drivers share each competing vehicle, with individual limits of driving no more than 4 hours in a 6-hour period, and no more than 14 hours total. The race begins in mid-afternoon and finishes the following day at the same hour.
Did You Know?
- The record distance covered is 5410 km, set in 2010.
- The 2025 race attracted 332,000 spectators.
- Since 2012, the race has been part of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
- A 10-hour American version called Petit Le Mans has been held annually since 1998.
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