2004 24 Hours of Le Mans

The 2004 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 72nd Grand Prix of Endurance, and took place on June 12 and 13 2004.

Race
With the end of the Bentley project, there were no official factory teams at this years race, theoretically leaving it open to anyone. However, the Audi R8s proved their abilities, even in privateer hands, by taking a 1-2-3 victory over the competition.

Once again, Tom Kristensen was in the winning car, an Audi entered by the Japanese Team Goh, setting a record fifth straight victory and tying Jacky Ickx with 6 overall wins.

The GTS-class Corvettes avenged their loss to Ferrari the previous year by winning the class following mechanical difficulties for the Ferraris late in the race. GT-class also went to an American squad, White Lightning Racing, which featured three Porsche factory drivers. LMP2 was again a test of survival as only two cars finishing, with Intersport Racing completing the American trifecta. Dodge ended its participation this year.

Official results
Class winners marked in bold. Cars not completing 75% of the winner's distance are listed as Not Classified (NC).

Statistics

 * Pole Position - #88 Audi Sport UK Team Veloqx - 3:32.838
 * Fastest Lap - #88 Audi Sport UK Team Veloqx - 3:34.264
 * Distance - 5169.9 km
 * Average Speed - 215.415 km/h
 * Highest Trap Speed - Nasamax DM139 - 330 km/h (race), Dome Judd S101 - 335 km/h (qualifying)