description Petit Le Mans Overview
Petit Le Mans is an annual sports car endurance race held at the Road Atlanta circuit in Braselton, Georgia. Founded in 1998 by Don Panoz, the event was initially structured as a 1,000-mile or 10-hour race, whichever came first, directly inspired by the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It currently serves as a premier round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The race features multiple classes of prototype and grand touring cars competing simultaneously on the technical, hilly road course, drawing top international manufacturers and drivers.
insights Ranking position
Petit Le Mans ranks #33 of 187 in the Motor Race ranking, behind MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix, ahead of Bass Pro Shops Night Race.
help Petit Le Mans FAQ
How long is Petit Le Mans?
The modern event is scheduled for 10 hours on the 2.54-mile Road Atlanta circuit. Earlier editions could also conclude when the winning car reached 1,000 miles, which explains the distance still associated with the race.
Why is the race called Petit Le Mans if it is held in Georgia?
Founder Don Panoz created it as an American endurance event inspired by France's 24 Hours of Le Mans. The first Petit Le Mans was held at Road Atlanta in 1998.
Do prototypes and GT cars race together at Petit Le Mans?
Yes. IMSA uses multiclass racing, so faster prototypes share the circuit with production-based GT cars while each class contests its own victory.
Why does Petit Le Mans often finish after dark?
A 10-hour duration carries the race from daytime into darkness during its autumn running. Drivers must therefore adapt to changing temperatures, visibility, traffic, and tire behavior.
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