1988 Porsche 962 Safety Car Finish

Lore & Background

The race is won by the car that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours. Cars have achieved speeds of 366 km/h (227 mph), and reached 407 km/h (253 mph) on the main straight in 1988, which led to adding more chicanes to reduce speed.

In Their Own Story

The sun was just cresting over the Mulsanne Straight, casting long shadows across the tarmac as the final minutes ticked away. Inside the cockpit of the #2 Porsche, Derek Bell felt the vibration change, followed by the acrid smell of fuel. He radioed the pits, his voice calm but urgent. The decision came instantly: the race would end under caution. As they slowed to a crawl behind the safety car, the roar of the crowd seemed to muffle into a stunned hush, replaced by the rhythmic thrum of engines at idle speed.

Reader's Guide

The race is held in mid-June. Modern competitors often cover well over 5,000 km (3,110 mi). The record is 2010's 5,410 km (3,360 mi). Three drivers share each vehicle, with individual limits of no more than 4 hours in a 6-hour period and no more than 14 hours total.

Did You Know?

• The 1988 race saw a top speed of 407 km/h (253 mph) on the Mulsanne Straight.
• The race is part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport along with the Monaco Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500.
• Since 2012, the race has been part of the FIA World Endurance Championship.