The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an annual endurance-focused sports car race held near the town of Le Mans, France. It is widely considered to be one of the worlds most prestigious races and is one of the races that form the Triple Crown of Motorsport, along with the Monaco Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500. The race is a punishing test that pushes driver and machine to their limits and sometimes beyond. Here are some key facts about the race:

• Duration: The race lasts for 24 hours, hence the name "24 Hours of Le Mans".

• Track: The race takes place on the Circuit de la Sarthe, an 8.5-mile road course that includes public roads and a dedicated race track.

• Classes: Four classes of cars compete side by side, which can make the racing confusing, but a team of knowledgeable TV commentators keeps the action sorted out for viewers.

• Winning Criteria: The car that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours is the winner.

• History: The race was launched in 1923 when Grand Prix motor racing was the dominant form of motorsport throughout Europe. Le Mans was designed to present a different test, focusing on the ability of manufacturers to build sporty yet reliable cars.

• Reputation: Le Mans has always had a stronger reputation than the World Championship and is a round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

• Classes of Cars: The top class at Le Mans is now called LMH (Le Mans Hypercar), and these are prototypes that can be fitted with a front-axle hybrid drivetrain. Theres a new second Hypercar group, called LMDh (or GTP), comprised of teams and Le Mans prototype-style cars from IMSAs U.S.-based WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

• Teams: A team of three drivers competes in each car. They each drive anywhere from about 45 minutes to four hours at a time, depending on the team.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a race that tests the limits of both drivers and machines, and it is considered one of the most prestigious races in the world of motorsports.