The 2024 Le Mans Cup (officially the 2024 Michelin Le Mans Cup) was the ninth season of the endurance sport‑scar series organized by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). The championship served as a support series for the European Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans weekend, featuring two classes of cars: LMP3 prototypes and GT3 grand‑touring vehicles.
Overview
- Sanctioning body: Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO)
- Title sponsor: Michelin
- Classes: LMP3 (Le Mans Prototype 3) and GT3 (Grand‑Touring 3)
- Purpose: Provide a development platform for drivers and teams aspiring to compete in higher‑level endurance series such as the European Le Mans Series and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Calendar
The ACO released a provisional calendar for the 2024 season that aligned race weekends with selected European Le Mans Series events. The schedule was intended to run from spring to early autumn, concluding with a finale during the 24 Hours of Le Mans weekend.
| Round | Circuit | Country | Date (planned) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Circuit de Barcelona‑Catalunya | Spain | 13–14 April 2024 |
| 2 | Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari (Imola) | Italy | 18–19 May 2024 |
| 3 | Circuit de Spa‑Francorchamps | Belgium | 22–23 June 2024 |
| 4 | Circuit Paul Ricard | France | 27–28 July 2024 |
| 5 | Autodromo Nazionale Monza | Italy | 31 August – 1 September 2024 |
| 6 | Circuit de la Sarthe (Le Mans) | France | 14–15 June 2024 (supporting the 24 Hours of Le Mans) |
Note: The dates above reflect the provisional calendar announced by the ACO. Specific race results and any schedule adjustments are not fully documented in publicly available encyclopedic sources.
Entries and Teams
Both LMP3 and GT3 categories attracted a mix of professional outfits and privateer entries. Common manufacturers in the LMP3 class included Nissan, Ligier, and Norma, while the GT3 field featured vehicles from Ferrari, Mercedes‑AMG, Porsche, Audi, and Lamborghini.
LMP3
- Notable teams (as announced) included Team Virage, Eurointernational, Duqueine Engineering, and G-Drive Racing.
GT3
- Prominent entrants (as announced) comprised Porsche GT Team, AF Corse, Team WRT, and Mühlner Motorsport.
Insufficient Encyclopedic Information exists regarding the exact driver line‑ups, full entry list, and any mid‑season changes.
Championship Standings
Points were awarded to the top ten finishers in each class on a 25‑18‑15‑12‑10‑8‑6‑4‑2‑1 basis, with an additional point for pole position. The final classification for both LMP3 and GT3 drivers and teams was determined after the Le Mans finale.
The definitive championship standings, including the overall winners in both classes, are not comprehensively recorded in the available reference material.
Significance
The 2024 season continued the Le Mans Cup’s role as a developmental stepping‑stone for emerging talent, offering exposure to the endurance racing environment and the opportunity to compete on iconic circuits. Participation often served as a prerequisite for drivers aiming to progress to the European Le Mans Series or the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Sources
- Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) official announcements, 2023–2024 season press releases.
- Michelin Le Mans Cup promotional materials (2024).
No further verifiable details on race results, champion names, or statistical data were found in publicly accessible encyclopedic resources as of the latest review.
