As the summer break in August looms, the countdown is on for the 34th 24 Hours Karting. Entries are still open for the teams that will start Saturday, 29th September at 15:00, twice round the clock on the Le Mans Karting International Circuit while the 24 Hours Truck will start on the Bugatti circuit. Surprises are inevitable!
The ACO dedicates all its energy to the preparation of the flagship endurance karting event in direct collaboration its karting club, the ASK ACO. Karting is the first step in the ACO's endurance pyramid and driver pathway. Learning to drive and training future talent is one of the priorities of the legendary Sarthe club. Progression towards the highest level of endurance then moves through the categories LM P3 and LM P2 before the top category in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, LM P1.
It's the same for the endurance karting that starts in GP3 with young teams like Wintec-Kartagene and its four drivers trained in the French Junior Championship: Mathis Poulet, Lukas Papin, two winners of the ACO Volant, and Pierre- François Duriani joined by Evan Spenle, who are racing in a kart powered by an OK-Junior engine. The progression continues in GP2, the largest proportion of the field with a Rotax Max engine and specialists in the discipline. Finally the battle for the overall victory concerns the GP1 class and their powerful OK engines. Karting endurance specialists and factory teams compete in the CIK-FIA Endurance Championship, a prestigious title created in 2016 to formalise the importance of endurance at the international level.
The major brands Birel ART, CRG Energy Corse and Sodikart have already shown their willingness to compete for the title with factory teams bringing drivers to compete for the track record. The presence of these true karting stars alongside pure amateurs contributes to the aura of the 24 Hours Karting and its appeal to the general public.
This year, the show will be completed with the simultaneous running of the 24 Hours Trucks on the Bugatti circuit, counting for the FIA European Truck Racing Championship. The ACO confirms its desire to create bridges between the various disciplines and to offer a wider experience to the expected numerous enthusiasts Le Mans.
Also on the programme is a curtain-raising race for young drivers "the cadets 24-minute" and a historic race for karts from 1986 to 2000 "The 20,000 rpm" in which Julien Canal is expected to participate.
Throughout the weekend, spectators will also enjoy the leisure kart and simulator activities.
In collaboration with the CIK-FIA, the ACO continues the preparation for the 2018 24 Hours Karting.
Find the rules and the registration form below, to reserve your place on the starting grid of the 2018 24 Hours Karting on 29th and 30th September at Le Mans.