24h Le Mans
The release of the entry list is always an exciting and anxious moment for teams and fans alike. But how are the 62 cars on the starting grid selected? Read on to find out.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the pinnacle of the endurance pyramid. This monument of motorsport has been forging a legend since 1923. It is an event that challenges the mechanical reliability, sporting prowess and physical and mental strength of its competitors. In its Centenary year, many racing teams and drivers dream of being selected to be in with a chance of seeing their name enter the annals of the iconic race. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has received sackloads of applications, but just 62 cars will be on the grid. The role of the Selection Committee is therefore a vital one.
First of all, the 38 full-season entrants in the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship are invited automatically. Another ten invitations are granted to teams competing in the European Le Mans Series, Michelin Le Mans Cup and Asian Le Mans Series based on their results. Three more “entry tickets” are reserved for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the North American endurance series. The rest of the grid is made up of cars selected at the discretion of the Selection Committee, based on the quality of the sporting project. Finally, Garage 56 is set aside for an innovative car.
We already know 13 of the cars invited to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary:
The avidly awaited entry list for the 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary will be revealed at 17:00 CET on Monday 27 February.
