Le Mans, this enchanting historic town just South East of Paris turns into "racing heaven" for motor racing enthusiasts from all over the world mid-June. The 24hours of Le Mans will kick off on June 17th this year and we'll be there once again to enjoy the spectacle.

One thing the organisation has done well the last few years is the "Women's pavilion"; not just a sanctuary for that much needed rest and manicure amidst the racing fuel and long walks, but more importantly the emphasis it places on the history of women at the Le Mans 24h. A few facts from the Le Mans website:

Odetta Siko holds the title for the best overall result for a female driver, achieved in 1932.

Vanina Ickx is the last woman to have finished in the top 10 overall at the 24 Hours, with seventh place in 2011 at the wheel of a Lola-Aston Martin coupe (LM P1 class).

Le Mans native Anny-Charlotte Verney holds the record for the most participations by a female driver at the 24 Hours (between 1974 and 1983).

Odette Siko _circa 1932. Image via here.

Anny-Charlotte Verney. Image via Motorsport Sisterhood.

In 2015 we met Vanina Ickx briefly. Photo from own collection with Inge and Vanina.