Le Mans 24 Hours circuit

HISTORY

The Automobile Club de l'Ouest (A.C.O.), creator and organizers of the “24 heures du mans”, was born in 1906 from the passion of men who recognized that the invention of the automobile had the potential to revolutionize the 20th century.

The Automobile Club de l'Ouest (A.C.O.), creator and organizers of the “24 Heures du mans”, was born in 1906 from the passion of men who recognized that the invention of the automobile had the potential to revolutionize the 20th century.

 

For more than 100 years, the ACO has worked to implement the following objectives:

 

lead the fight against the inherent dangers of driving for the motoring public

represent its members with respect to government authorities and all organizations involved in the cause of the automobile and factors related to its widespread use

Develop knowledge and training in the safe use of cars and motorcycles, providing its members with any information, services, advice, assistance and protection they may need

create bonds of friendship and solidarity among its members and unite them to defend their collective interests as road users

organize sporting events either directly or indirectly related to the automobile and the motorcycle

Throughout its history and thanks to generations of motorists that have placed their confidence in the ACO, the club has focused its full energy on serving the users of the public motorway system. As such, these actions have reinforced the legitimacy and the central role of the club, and created an essential and unmistakable partnership in the fight against road accidents. 

 

The ACO is also the founder of the association “40 Million Motorists", a non-profit group that since 2005 is the designated voice to address the government on major issues of road safety, mobility and sustainable development.

 

To be a member of the ACO is to be a part of the legend of Le Mans and its century of sport, but also to think and act daily on behalf of the harmonious development of the automobile in French society.