how many cars in le mans

[DelChristian]

The 24 Hours of Le Mans features a grid of 62 cars competing across two main categories: the top-level Hypercar class and the LMGT3 class. This number is strictly enforced by the race organizer, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), to ensure safety, competitive balance, and logistical feasibility on the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe. The field is a global showcase of automotive technology, featuring factory teams from major manufacturers like Ferrari, Toyota, and Porsche, alongside dedicated privateer entries.

The breakdown of the 62-car field is crucial to understanding the race's structure. The Hypercar class is the pinnacle, featuring the fastest and most technologically advanced hybrid and non-hybrid prototypes. The LMGT3 category replaces the previous GTE class, focusing on race cars derived from production sports cars you could theoretically buy, like the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Porsche 911 GT3 R. The entry list is the result of a highly selective process, considering team performance, driver lineups, and manufacturer diversity.

Category	Number of Cars	Example Manufacturers / Models	Key Characteristics
Hypercar	23	Toyota GR010 Hybrid, Ferrari 499P, Porsche 963	Ultimate top class; hybrid and non-hybrid prototypes competing for overall victory.
LMGT3	23	Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Porsche 911 GT3 R, Ford Mustang GT3	Production-based GT cars; focus on close, competitive racing within the class.
Total Entries (Recent Year)	62	N/A	The total number of cars that start the race.
Reserve Cars	2-4	N/A	Cars on standby in case a qualified entry withdraws before the race.
Historical Maximum (1960s-70s)	~55-60	N/A	In past eras, the field was often slightly smaller due to different track configurations.
Garage Capacity	~65	N/A	The physical limit of garage space in the pit lane, influencing the maximum entry number.

The ACO's careful management of the 62-car field ensures a spectacular and safe event. This number allows for intense battles for the overall win in Hypercar while providing thrilling action throughout the LMGT3 field, creating a 24-hour marathon that is a true test of endurance for both man and machine.

[KiraDella]

It's a full house at 62. I remember watching years ago when it felt a bit more chaotic with different class structures, but today's 62-car cap is perfect. You get the insane Hypercars fighting for the lead and the gorgeous GT cars duking it out—all on track at the same time. It's a beautiful, noisy ballet. The organizers have it dialed in; any more cars and it would be too dangerous, any fewer and it might lose some of that magic.

[ChristianMarie]

From a technical standpoint, the number is precisely controlled. The ACO mandates a 62-car grid to optimize safety and raceability on the 8.467-mile circuit. This limit balances the need for a spectacularly large field with the practical realities of pit lane space, fuel station capacity, and track congestion. The selection process for these 62 spots is incredibly competitive, with entries granted based on proven team reliability and performance in other World Endurance Championship events.