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24 Hours of Le Mans were born in 1923. Thanks to its extraordinary longevity, the event knew how to protect its identity and became mythical with the 500 miles from Indianapolis and Grand Prix of Monaco. Nevertheless, its long story did not pass by as a long quiet river...
Everything began in October, 1922 with a simple conversation in the very chic paths of the car show. Under the impressive dome of the Grand Palais, George Durand (General Secretary of the Automobile western Club), Charles Faroux (eminent writer of the newspaper The Automobile) and Émile Coquille (director of the company society of wheels Rudge-Whitworth) comes to an agreement to launch The "Grand Prix of Endurance of 24 hours". In a few months, the project is refined, the regulations and date were fixed whereas the circuit chose is the one which has already welcomed the GP of the ACF in 1921. Organized on May 26th and 27th, 1923, the GP of Endurance attracts 17 manufacturers (among whom 15 French) for a total of 33 engaged. The first edition took place in terrible conditions. Chenard and Walcker win but this edition turns into the wreck. On the technical plan, the success is total with 30 classified cars but the pouring rain made the audience run away. It’s from 1926 that the event takes a real popular dimension.
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