The honorable title is given by the two authors Nathaniel and
Andrew Lande from National Geographic, who have named the legendary
24 Hours of Le Mans the world's Top Sporting Event in their new
book: "The 10 Best of Everything".
And it certainly isn't because the competition in the category
is weak. National Geographic rates the 24 Hours of Le Mans above
major events such as the Olympic Games, the Soccer World Cup, and
the Super Bowl.
The two authors says the following about the 24 Hours of Le
Mans:
"Skill, speed, and stamina are the three s's that mark the
world's best automobile race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The race,
organized by Automobile Club de L'Ouest, bridges past and present
on the automotive circuit.
The competition is set on a non-permanent track at Circuit de la
Sarthe near the city of Le Mans on the Sarthe River. Roughly 46
cars start the race, in a series of classes that include prototype
high-performance vehicles, dedicated race cars, and street cars.
The diversity of autos gives the race a mix of old-fashioned and
modern competitors. The winner is the car, driven by a team of
three drivers, that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours.
The first Le Mans contest took place in May 1923; today it is
held every June. The race begins at 4 p.m., and for 24 hours the
sound of roaring engines fills 8 miles (13 kilometers) of French
countryside."
Tom Kristensen has currently won the 24 Hours of Le Mans 24
Hours a record number of eight times.