After several weeks of quarantine, the public can once again learn all about the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, enjoy a beautiful summer day at the wheel of a kart, and hit the track in a Porsche or one's own car, moto or in a prototype at the circuits of Le Mans. Everyone at the Automobile Club de l’Ouest is ready for the return of motorsport fans thanks to various measures put in place to ensure the health safety of guests. When visitors arrive at the 24 Hours Museum, they are invited to disinfect their hands at a hand-sanitizing station. Face masks are obligatory and tours of the musuem are clearly mapped. Open hours are the same and the last visitors of the day are welcome until 18:00 (allot an hour to enjoy the museum).

Beginning at 10:00 on 1 June, visitors jumped at the chance to return to the 24 Hours complex, like Le Mans student Anaïs who brought her sister and brother-in-law. The latter, named Julien, had this to say: "This is my first time here. I'm like a kid in a candy store! I do Cross-Kart, and motorsport has been a passion of mine since I was little. Visiting the Museum is a wonderful way to see the evolution of the automobile and driver performances. I was really looking forward to the temporary exhibition Le Mans 66 with exclusive items used during the filming of the movie as well as cars like the Porsche 917 LH."

Another family stopped to admire one of the Ford GT40s in the ACO's collection. "We moved to Angers recently and this is our first visit to the Museum. We decided to come after hearing it was reopening. We've never seen the 24 Hours of Le Mans in person, but after watching the film Le Mans '66 my wife suggested we take a trip to the Museum and see the temporary exhibit dedicated to the movie. It was extraordinary and very well-done. The exposition gives you insight into pivotal moments in the film. The circuit is a symbol in itself," explained Jean-Paul. "And you feel safe even if there are a lot of other visitors," added his wife.

"I hadn't hit the track since March and it was getting to me."

Face masks are also required at the Karting circuit and marked queues for social distancing have been created. Several waiting areas have been set up so that visitors may avoid close contact. Individuals participating in Karting are to wear a pair of disposable gloves and the helmets provided by the complex will be disinfected after each session. Several regulars were so excited they planned to be the first to hit the track again at the Alain Prost circuit. Maeva, Camille, Alex and Kevin decided to take advantage of lovely summer weather for not one but three sessions! "I am really happy to be able to sit in a kart once again. I've missed it a lot. I hadn't hit the track since March and it was getting to me. I want to get back in the swing," said Camille. "I practiced on a simulator during the quarantine," admitted Maeva.

The Automobile Club de l'Ouest is complying with all recommendations for health safety in order to welcome its visitors in optimal conditions. 

Click for more info about the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum and Karting circuit.

Related article: Automobile Club de l'Ouest circuits to reopen on 1 June!