The Le Mans 24hr Kart Race – A Photographer’s Perspective

by Robert Borowikon Posted on

The 2024 Le Mans 24 Hour Kart Race is always one of the highlights of my karting calendar. With more than 40 teams taking part and the circuit sitting just a stone’s throw from the iconic Porsche Curves, the event has a unique atmosphere that blends grassroots endurance racing with the unmistakable spirit of Le Mans. One of our media locations is even a designated media area for the main circuit, which makes it feel even more special to work there.

Le Mans Karting Winner 2024

This year a small group of us headed out on Wednesday night, with me taking on the overnight drive to France. Arriving at Le Mans in the morning, we had a little time to soak up the surroundings before work began including a quick lap around the famous main circuit and a visit to the Le Mans Museum. It’s always worth taking a moment to appreciate the history of the place before diving into a busy race weekend.

display inside the Le Mans Museum at Circuit de la Sarthe.
Historic race cars displayed inside the Le Mans Museum at Circuit de la Sarthe.
Historic race cars displayed inside the Le Mans Museum at Circuit de la Sarthe.
Historic race cars displayed inside the Le Mans Museum at Circuit de la Sarthe.

By Thursday afternoon we were at the kart circuit preparing for the event ahead.

Friday was largely dedicated to setting up the livestream for the race. In between testing equipment and making sure everything was running smoothly, there was still time to capture one of the more chaotic parts of the weekend, the kart allocations. For about an hour the paddock becomes a hive of activity as teams receive their machines and begin preparations for the long race ahead.

Karting teams preparing equipment in the paddock ahead of the Le Mans 24 hour endurance race.
Karting teams preparing equipment in the paddock ahead of the Le Mans 24 hour endurance race.

Saturday started early with a quick stop for an excellent breakfast before heading straight to the circuit to test the livestream ahead of qualifying and the race start. As midday approached, the teams gathered on the starting grid for group photos. For me, this is probably the most hectic part of the entire weekend. Shooting more than 40 teams in roughly 15 minutes requires a lot of quick organisation before rushing down to the outside of the first corner to capture the race start.

Karting teams posing for group photos on the starting grid before the 24 hour race.
Karting teams posing for group photos on the starting grid before the 24 hour race.
Pack of karts charging into the first corner at the start of the Le Mans 24 hour kart race.
Pack of karts charging into the first corner at the start of the Le Mans 24 hour kart race.

Once the lights go out, the real work begins. From that moment on, the next 24 hours are spent chasing the light around the circuit.

Kart driver pushing through a fast corner during the 24 hour endurance race.
Close racing between karts during daytime action at the Le Mans kart circuit.
Kart driver pushing through a fast corner during the 24 hour endurance race.
Close racing between karts during sunset action at the Le Mans kart circuit.

The race itself provides endless photographic opportunities on track and in the pits. While the karts battle wheel-to-wheel outside, the garages are full of strategy discussions, driver changes, mechanical work and moments of tension. Endurance racing is as much about what happens in the pits as it is about what happens on the circuit.

Team members discussing race strategy inside the pits during the Le Mans kart race.
Kart team preparing a driver change during a pit stop in the 24 hour race.
Team members discussing race strategy inside the pits during the Le Mans kart race

As daylight fades and the circuit transitions into darkness, the challenge changes again. Night photography brings a completely different feel to the event. The the illuminated pit lane and the atmosphere of teams pushing through fatigue all combine to create some of the most dramatic images of the race.

Kart racing under floodlights during the night phase of the Le Mans 24 hour kart race.
Kart racing under floodlights during the night phase of the Le Mans 24 hour kart race.
Kart racing under floodlights during the night phase of the Le Mans 24 hour kart race.
Kart racing under floodlights during the night phase of the Le Mans 24 hour kart race.

At this point the key is simple: keep moving. If I stop, the tiredness kicks in quickly. So the focus stays on capturing everything, the track action, the pit stops, the quiet moments between stints.

Once the night shots were done, I took a short break before sunrise. That brief window meant a quick trip back to the hotel for a shower and a change of clothes, just enough to reset before the final push. A short detour to McDonald’s also helped.

Illuminated pit lane scene during night racing at the Le Mans kart circuit.
Illuminated pit lane scene during night racing at the Le Mans kart circuit.
Illuminated pit lane scene during night racing at the Le Mans kart circuit.

Arriving back at the circuit about an hour before sunrise gave me just enough time to photograph the pits while it was still dark. Then the first light began creeping over the horizon. There’s something about sunrise at a 24-hour race that brings a fresh burst of energy. The paddock slowly comes back to life and suddenly the end of the race feels within reach.

Sunrise over the Le Mans kart circuit during the final hours of the 24 hour race.
Sunrise over the Le Mans kart circuit during the final hours of the 24 hour race.
Early morning racing as teams continue the endurance race after sunrise.
Early morning racing as teams continue the endurance race after sunrise.

By late morning the key shots are complete, the night, the sunrise and the early daylight action. That’s usually the moment when I can finally take a proper break. With a few hours to spare, Lewis (@lewisthomasmedia) found a not-so-glamorous resting spot on a corridor floor with a neck brace doubling as a pillow.

Even the mechanics managed to get a break!

Mechanics taking a short break in the paddock during the long endurance event.

Photographing 24-hour races is always a privilege and karting endurance events are some of my favourites. The racing is intense, the atmosphere is fantastic, and the people who organise and compete in these events are some of the most passionate in motorsport. I’m already looking forward to coming back next year.

Kart drivers competing during the final hours of the Le Mans 24 hour kart race
Endurance kart racing atmosphere with teams and drivers at the Le Mans kart circuit

If you would like to see more of my work, please follow me on my social channels –

Facebook – facebook.com/RBorowikMedia

Instagram – instagram.com/robertborowikmedia

YouTube – youtube.com/@robertborowikmedia

Take a look at the store if you would like to purchase any of my images!