On a March afternoon, the atmosphere at the museum was similar to a children’s birthday party. Children and parents were greeted with balloons, name tags and... cake! That’s what a children’s guided tour of the 24 Hours of Le Mans museum looks like. There are three themes, for ages  4-6, 7-11 and 12-15. The guide, Nathalie, questions the young visitors: “They’re very knowledgeable”.  The children share what they know about the race. “A man started off walking and he still won the race,” says Benjamin, in reference to Jacky Ickx’s demonstration in 1969.

Each group has a particular theme that runs through the tour. Clutching their notebooks, the 7-11 year olds are tasked with finding a new car for nine-time winner Tom Kristensen. Questions abound - on how cars have changed, the circuit and race management. “Why were all the steering wheels on the right? How much does a racing car cost? How did they sleep?” Nathalie is amused at their inquisitiveness: “I love the way children look at things. They ask very down-to-earth questions that don’t occur to adults.” 

Classic or modern, the young visitors are captivated by the cars. Motor racing has a spell-binding effect. “I’d like to drive this one,” says Oscar pointing to the Porsche 919 Hybrid that he watched win the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans Some where lucky enough to climb inside a cockpit: “The steering wheel looks like it’s for a video game!” exclaims Evann, who has done plenty of driving... on his console.

Introducing children to the history of the race is an excellent way to teach them how the car has evolved and how it can progress. “The museum is a super teaching tool” smiles Claudie, another tour guide, as she questions the group: “What do you think cars will be like in the future? Do you think they’ll fly?” They’re not sure. What they do know though, is that they’ll be at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on 15–16 June.

Book a visit, for an age group or as a family:

+33 (0)2 43 72 72 24 or heritage@lemans.org

> Website of the Museum of the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Photos: ACO / Rémi Blomme 

Click on the photo to display full size