National Geographic Rates Le Mans 24 Hours as Top Sporting Event

The worlds most famous motor race, The 24 Hours of Le Mans, can now call itself the worlds most greatest sporting event to attend, at least according to National Geographic. In their book The Ten Best of Everything: An Ultimate Guide For Travelers,  National Geographic rates the endurance race above the Super Bowl, World Cup, and even the Olympic Games! Here is what they had to say regarding 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

This honorable rating not only contributes to the rising popularity of motor sport, but it also gives racing fans something to boast about when discussing sports with their non-racing friends!

What do you think of this honor? Would you rate the Le Mans 24 hours as the greatest motor sport event? Let us know in the comments below!

Souce: [National Geographic - Top 10 Sporting Events]