The Le Mans 24 Hours is one of the most prestigious races, the ultimate test of endurance and speed. Held annually since 1923, this race challenges teams to push the limits over the entire day. Its rich history and unique format have made Le Mans a cornerstone of racing, attracting the best drivers, teams and manufacturers.
There is no official special event for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in iRacing because Motorsport Games (the owner of rFactor 2 and Le Mans Ultimate) holds the licence. Several community leagues hold similar events, and the biggest one is Majors Garage, offering broadcast and live stewarding for the top 4 splits.
When is The Majors Garage 24 Hours of Le Mans Held?
The schedule for this event is different from the iRacing routine for special events. The race week usually starts on May 25 with an open practice to get everyone up to speed with a pre-qualifying deadline on June 4.
Each team must qualify at least 3 drivers, and each driver has four attempts at the qualifying lap. Only the best lap for each driver counts, and teams are ranked according to the average qualifying time. Splits are based on this qualifying ranking, not on iRating, like in iRacing special events.
The qualifying for every split starts on June 8, and the race follows immediately after the qualifying.
What is The Le Mans Circuit?
The Le Mans circuit, officially the Circuit de la Sarthe, is a racetrack near Le Mans in France. The circuit combines closed public roads and purpose-built racing sections, stretching approximately 13.6 kilometres (8.5 miles).
The circuit features a mix of high-speed straights and technical sections. The key sections of the circuit are:
- The Dunlop Curve and the Dunlop Chicane. The first major corner after the start/finish straight, the Dunlop Curve is a fast right-hand kink that leads into the more technical section. Following the Dunlop Curve, the Dunlop chicane is a tight left-right combination, that requires heavy braking and accurate steering to avoid compromising exit speed
- Esses. A series of quick left-right turns that flow downhill from the Dunlop Chicane. The Esses demand balance and rhythm as drivers navigate the changing elevation while maintaining speed
- Tertre Rouge. A fast, sweeping right-hand corner that leads onto the Mulsanne Straight. Getting the exit right is vital for maximum speed down the long straight. Precision and throttle control are key
- Mulsanne Straight. This is one of the most iconic sections, a long straight where cars reach speeds exceeding 300 km/h. Two chicanes interrupt the Mulsanne Straight to reduce speeds for safety reasons
- Mulsanne Corner. A sharp right-hand corner at the end of the Mulsanne Straight. Getting the exit right is crucial for the next straight
- Indianapolis. A unique left-right sequence with a fast, banked left-hand corner leading into a tighter right-hand turn. The approach is high-speed, and the braking zone is tricky due to the banking. It’s a challenging section requiring confidence
- Arnage. The slowest corner on the circuit demands perfect braking and acceleration to avoid losing time. It’s also easy to lock up or run wide here
- Porsche and Corvette Curves. The Curves are technical sections, requiring commitment and precision. It’s a place where downforce plays a critical role, and mistakes can be costly
- Ford Chicane. This chicane features tight corners with high anti-cut curbs. Drivers must navigate it cleanly to ensure a strong exit
What Licence is Needed To Race?
As a community event, the Majors Garage 24 Hours of Le Mans does not have the minimal licence or iRating requirements. Splits are sorted according to the average pre-qualifying time. The target split size is 54 teams across all classes.
The race session begins with a rolling start procedure at midday sim time in dry conditions. The top 4 splits have live stewarding and virtual safety cars, adding more realism and strategy.
The Cars
The Majors Garage 24 Hours of Le Mans is a multiclass event with three available classes: GTP, LMP2 and GT3. GTP class is limited to Cadillac, Acura and BMW, and the GT3 class includes all recent releases (Corvette, Ford and Audi).
GTP Class
The GTP class features hybrid-powered prototypes, blending cutting-edge technology with high performance. These cars are powered by internal combustion engines and hybrid systems, producing over 670 horsepower.
Competing manufacturers include Acura, BMW and Cadillac, each fielding their purpose-built machines designed for speed and efficiency. All have unique strengths and weaknesses as outlined in our in-depth guides below.
| Car | Engine |
| Cadillac V-Series R | Mid-engine5.5-litre V8Naturally aspirated |
| Acura ARX-06 | Mid-engine2.4-litre V6Turbocharged |
| BMW M Hybrid V8 | Mid-engine4.0-litre V8Turbocharged |
LMP2 Class
The LMP2 class features cost-capped prototypes, focused on competitive yet accessible racing. Powered by a standardised 4.2-litre V8 engine producing 600 horsepower, these cars prioritise driver skill and team strategy. Only the Oreca 07 chassis is available in this class.
| Car | Engine |
| Dallara P217 | Mid-engine4.2-litre V8Naturally aspirated |
GT3 Class
The GT3 class in this event features production-based sports cars from seven manufacturers. These cars use naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines with a balance of performance regulations. Major manufacturers like BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Mercedes are represented. GT3 racing is known for its diversity and competitive racing, making it a fan-favorite in iRacing.
| Car | Engine |
| Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo | Mid-engine5.2-litre V10Naturally aspirated |
| Mercedes-AMG GT3 2020 | Front-engine6.3-litre V8Naturally aspirated |
| Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II | Mid-engine5.2-litre V10Naturally aspirated |
| BMW M4 GT3 | Front-engine3.0-litre straight-sixTurbocharged |
| Ferrari 296 GT3 | Mid-engine2.9-litre V6Turbocharged |
| Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R | Mid-engine5.5-litre V8Naturally aspirated |
| Ford Mustang GT3 | Front-engine5.4-litre V8Naturally aspirated |
Summary
The Majors Garage 24 Hours of Le Mans is a community-organised event on iRacing, replicating the prestigious endurance race. This race offers a unique experience with splits based on average lap times, live stewarding and virtual safety cars for the top splits.
- If you need help preparing for this event to gain an edge against the competition, explore Coach Dave Academy’s setups, video guides and coaching.
