Page "Le Mans" Paragraph 19

The city is best known for its connection with motorsports.

There are actually two separate racing tracks at Le Mans, though they share certain portions.

The smaller is the Bugatti Circuit ( named after Ettore Bugatti, founder of the car company bearing his name ), a relatively short permanent circuit which is used for racing throughout the year.

The longer and more famous Circuit de la Sarthe is composed partly of public roads, which are closed to the public when the track is in use for racing, and has been host to the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car race since 1923.

Boutiques and shops are set up during the race selling merchandise and promoting products for cars.

The first French Grand Prix took place on a 64-mile ( 103 km ) circuit based at Le Mans in 1906.

The " Le Mans start " was formerly used in the 24 hour race: drivers lined up across the track from their cars, ran across the track, jumped into their cars and started them to begin the race.