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The '''Automobile Club de l'Ouest''' (English: [[automobile club|Automobile Club]] of the West), sometimes abbreviated to '''ACO''', is the largest [[automotive]] group in [[France]]. It was founded in 1906 by car building and racing enthusiasts, and is most famous for being the organising entity behind the annual [[24 hours of Le Mans|Le Mans 24 Hours]] race. The ACO also lobbies on behalf of French drivers on such issues as road building and maintenance, the availability of driving schools and road safety classes, and the incorporation of technical innovations into new vehicles. It also runs a [[roadside assistance]] service for its members.


{{Short description|Automotive group in France}}
{{Infobox organization
| name = ''Automobile Club de l'Ouest''
| formation = 1906<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who We Are {{!}} ACO - Automobile Club de l'Ouest |url=https://www.lemans.org/en/aco/about-us |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=lemans.org |language=en}}</ref>
| map =
| abbreviation = ACO
| status =
| headquarters = [[Circuit de la Sarthe]]
| location_city = [[Le Mans]]
| location_country = [[France]]
| leader_title = President
| leader_name = Pierre Fillon<ref>{{Cite web |title=Executive Committee |url=https://www.lemans.org/en/governance/executive-committee |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=lemans.org |language=en}}</ref>
| leader_title2 = Associate President
| leader_name2 = {{Unbulleted list|Patrick Gruau|Marie Alvarez-Garzon|Dominique Foussier|Gilles Huttepain}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Executive Committee |url=https://www.lemans.org/en/governance/executive-committee |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=lemans.org |language=en}}</ref>
| leader_title3 = Secretary
| leader_name3 = François Bourdin<ref>{{Cite web |title=Executive Committee |url=https://www.lemans.org/en/governance/executive-committee |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=lemans.org |language=en}}</ref>
| parent_organization =
| budget =
| website = [https://www.lemans.org/ lemans.org]
| remarks =
| image_border =
| size = 215px
| msize =
| mcaption =
| motto =
| extinction =
| region_served = International
| num_staff = 400<ref>{{Cite web |title=Automobile Club de l'Ouest {{!}} LinkedIn |url=https://fr.linkedin.com/company/automobile-club-de-l'ouest |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=fr.linkedin.com |language=fr}}</ref>
| num_volunteers =
}}
⚫
The '''Automobile Club de l'Ouest''' (English: [[automobile club|Automobile Club]] of the West), sometimes abbreviated to '''ACO''', is the largest [[automotive]] group in [[France]]. It was founded in 1906 by car building and racing enthusiasts, and is most famous for being the organising entity behind the annual [[24 hours of Le Mans|Le Mans 24 Hours]] race. The ACO also lobbies on behalf of French drivers on such issues as road building and maintenance, the availability of driving schools and road safety classes, and the incorporation of technical innovations into new vehicles. It also runs a [[roadside assistance]] service for its members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who We Are {{!}} ACO - Automobile Club de l'Ouest |url=https://www.lemans.org/en/aco/about-us |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=lemans.org |language=en}}</ref>
==History==
==History==
The ACO's history begins with the [[Automobile Club de la Sarthe]], the ancestor of today's ACO, which was founded in the town of [[Le Mans]]. In 1906 that group included [[Amédée Bollée]] and Paul Jamin, winner of the 1897 Paris-Dieppe race in a [[Léon Bollée]] tricar.<ref>''Official Program'', 24 Heures du Mans, 13–14 June 2009, Page 97.</ref> With the help of the larger [[Automobile Club de France]] they organised a race on local public roads, on a 65-mile triangular course connecting Le Mans with [[Saint-Calais]] and [[La Ferté-Bernard]]. The 12-lap race, titled the Grand Prix de l'ACF, was held over two days and won by [[Ferenc Szisz]] driving a [[Renault]],<ref>Joe Saward, ''The World Atlas of Motor Racing'', Page 35, Hamlyn, 1989.</ref> This race, the first [[Grand Prix motor racing|Grand Prix]], would eventually become the [[French Grand Prix]].
The ACO's history begins with the [[Automobile Club de la Sarthe]], the ancestor of today's ACO, which was founded in the town of [[Le Mans]]. In 1906 that group included [[Amédée Bollée]] and Paul Jamin, winner of the 1897 Paris-Dieppe race in a [[Léon Bollée]] tricar.<ref>''Official Program'', 24 Heures du Mans, 13–14 June 2009, Page 97.</ref> With the help of the larger [[Automobile Club de France]] they organised a race on local public roads, on a 65-mile triangular course connecting Le Mans with [[Saint-Calais]] and [[La Ferté-Bernard]]. The 12-lap race, titled the Grand Prix de l'ACF, was held over two days and won by [[Ferenc Szisz]] driving a [[Renault]],<ref>Joe Saward, ''The World Atlas of Motor Racing'', Page 35, Hamlyn, 1989.</ref> This race, the first [[Grand Prix motor racing|Grand Prix]], would eventually become the [[French Grand Prix]].


After [[World War I]], the ACO turned its attention to designing a shorter circuit on public roads to the south of the city. The organisation's chief secretary [[Georges Durand]], together with magazine editor [[Charles Faroux]] of ''La Vie Automobile'' and [[tire|tyre]] manufacturer [[Emile Coquille]], came up with the idea for a 24-hour race. The first Le Mans 24 Hours was held on 26 May 1923.<ref>C. Clutton & J. Stanford, ''The Vintage Motor Car'', Page 201, B.T. Batsford Ltd., London, 1961.</ref> The very first entry was lodged with the ACO by [[John Duff]] on a Bentley.<ref>Georges Fraichard, ''The Le Mans Story'', Page 121, The Sportsman's Book Club, 1956.</ref>
After [[World War I]], the ACO turned its attention to designing a shorter circuit on public roads to the south of the city. The organisation's chief secretary [[Georges Durand]], together with magazine editor [[Charles Faroux]] of ''La Vie Automobile'' and [[tire|tyre]] manufacturer [[Emile Coquille]], came up with the idea for a 24-hour race. The first Le Mans 24 Hours was held on 26 May 1923.<ref>C. Clutton & J. Stanford, ''The Vintage Motor Car'', Page 201, B.T. Batsford Ltd., London, 1961.</ref> The very first entry was lodged with the ACO by [[John Duff]] on a Bentley.<ref>Georges Fraichard, ''The Le Mans Story'', Page 121, The Sportsman's Book Club, 1956.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=History {{!}} ACO - Automobile Club de l'Ouest |url=https://www.lemans.org/en/aco/history |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=lemans.org |language=en}}</ref>


=== World War Two and aftermath ===
=== World War Two and aftermath ===
Line 19: Line 48:


==Presidents==
==Presidents==
* Adolphe Singher (1906–1910)<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Pierre Fillon Eighth president of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest - automobilsport.com |url=https://www.automobilsport.com/race-categories--24,100251,Pierre-Fillon-Eighth-president--of-the-Automobile-Club-de-lOuest,news.htm |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=www.automobilsport.com}}</ref>
* Adolphe Singher (1906–1910)
* Gustave Singher (1910–1947)
* Gustave Singher (1910–1947)<ref name=":0" />
* Paul Jamin (1947–1951)
* {{ill|Paul Jamin (racing driver)|fr|Paul Jamin (pilote)|lt=Paul Jamin}} (1947–1951)<ref name=":0" />
* Jean-Marie Lelievre (1951–1973)
* {{ill|Jean-Marie Lelièvre|fr}} (1951–1973)<ref name=":0" />
* Raymond Gouloumès (1973–1992)
* Raymond Gouloumès (1973–1992)<ref name=":0" />
* Michel Cosson (1992–2003)
* [[Michel Cosson]] (1992–2003)<ref name=":0" />
* Jean-Claude Plassart (2003-2012)
* {{ill|Jean-Claude Plassart|fr}} (2003-2012)<ref name=":0" />
* Pierre Fillon (2012-)
* {{ill|Pierre Fillon|fr}} (2012-)<ref name=":0" />


==Racing==
==Racing==
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* [[FIA World Endurance Championship]]
* [[FIA World Endurance Championship]]
* [[Asian Le Mans Series]]
* [[Asian Le Mans Series]]
* [[Asian Le Mans Sprint Cup]]
* [[European Le Mans Series]]
* [[European Le Mans Series]]
* [[Michelin Le Mans Cup]]
* [[Le Mans Cup]]

⚫
* [[FRD LMP3 Series]]
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* [[UK LMP3 Cup Championship]]


Former
Former
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* [[Formula Le Mans]]
* [[Formula Le Mans]]
* [[Le Mans Autumn Cup]]
* [[Le Mans Autumn Cup]]
* [[World Sportscar Championship]]
*[[World Sportscar Championship]]
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* [[2017 FRD LMP3 Series|FRD LMP3 Series]]
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* [[British LMP3 Cup|UK LMP3 Cup Championship]]


==See also==
==See also==
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== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}



==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.lemans.org/ Official site]
* {{Official website|https://www.lemans.org/en}}


{{Automobile Club de l'Ouest}}
{{Automobile Club de l'Ouest}}
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{{FIA World Endurance Championship}}
{{FIA World Endurance Championship}}
{{European Le Mans Series}}
{{European Le Mans Series}}
{{LMP3 championships}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Auto racing organizations in France]]
[[Category:Auto racing organizations in France]]
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[[Category:Automobile associations]]
[[Category:Automobile associations]]
[[Category:1906 establishments in France]]
[[Category:1906 establishments in France]]
[[Category:Sports clubs established in 1906]]
[[Category:Auto racing teams established in 1906]]

Latest revision as of 14:45, 23 April 2024

Automobile Club de l'Ouest
AbbreviationACO
Formation1906[1]
HeadquartersCircuit de la Sarthe
Location
Region served
International
President
Pierre Fillon[2]
Associate President
  • Patrick Gruau
  • Marie Alvarez-Garzon
  • Dominique Foussier
  • Gilles Huttepain
[3]
Secretary
François Bourdin[4]
Staff
400[5]
Websitelemans.org

The Automobile Club de l'Ouest (English: Automobile Club of the West), sometimes abbreviated to ACO, is the largest automotive group in France. It was founded in 1906 by car building and racing enthusiasts, and is most famous for being the organising entity behind the annual Le Mans 24 Hours race. The ACO also lobbies on behalf of French drivers on such issues as road building and maintenance, the availability of driving schools and road safety classes, and the incorporation of technical innovations into new vehicles. It also runs a roadside assistance service for its members.[6]

History[edit]

The ACO's history begins with the Automobile Club de la Sarthe, the ancestor of today's ACO, which was founded in the town of Le Mans. In 1906 that group included Amédée Bollée and Paul Jamin, winner of the 1897 Paris-Dieppe race in a Léon Bollée tricar.[7] With the help of the larger Automobile Club de France they organised a race on local public roads, on a 65-mile triangular course connecting Le Mans with Saint-Calais and La Ferté-Bernard. The 12-lap race, titled the Grand Prix de l'ACF, was held over two days and won by Ferenc Szisz driving a Renault,[8] This race, the first Grand Prix, would eventually become the French Grand Prix.

After World War I, the ACO turned its attention to designing a shorter circuit on public roads to the south of the city. The organisation's chief secretary Georges Durand, together with magazine editor Charles Faroux of La Vie Automobile and tyre manufacturer Emile Coquille, came up with the idea for a 24-hour race. The first Le Mans 24 Hours was held on 26 May 1923.[9] The very first entry was lodged with the ACO by John Duff on a Bentley.[10][11]

World War Two and aftermath[edit]

The Le Mans circuit was occupied by the Royal Air Force in 1940 and then by the Germans at the end of that year. Le Mans was liberated in August, 1944, but it was almost five years before the 24 Hours took place again.

Following the war, the grounds of the ACO and the circuit were in ruins, bombed by the Allies and further destroyed by the Germans. The ACO set about the task of reconstruction, aided by Government Minister and Sarthe députée Christian Pineau who provided the first millions. In addition the ACO launched a loan.[12] In 1946 the British Racing Drivers' Club opened a "Le Mans Fund" for the benefit of the ACO, raising a grand total of £358 and 11 shillings, to assist with the rehabilitation of the facilities at the Le Mans circuit.[13]

Rebuilding of the circuit started on February 7, 1949, and the first post-war event at Le Mans was held on 25–26 June of that year.[14] Pineau, standing beside Charles Faroux, gave the starting signal.[15] Two new spectator stands were named for racing drivers and resistance fighters Robert Benoist[16] and Jean-Pierre Wimille.[17]

1955 Le Mans disaster[edit]

Main article: 1955 Le Mans disaster

During the ACO's 24 Hours of Le Mans event in 1955, an accident occurred which killed 84 people, regarded as the worst accident in motorsport history. It led to many actions by the ACO to subsequently change buildings and the procedures used at the circuit, as well as to redesign the pit lane and front stretch where the accident occurred. It also led to a change of ACO rules for the type of cars permitted in the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the following years, as well as applying a fuel-consumption formula.[18]

Presidents[edit]

Racing[edit]

The 1967 French Grand Prix was a Formula One race held on the Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans, on July 2, 1967. Motor Sport called it "The Grand Prix of the Car Parks." It was an innovation not repeated.[20]

The ACO is responsible as a ruling body for race series, specifically sportscar series. The ACO has run or backed the following races or race series:

Current


Former

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Who We Are | ACO - Automobile Club de l'Ouest". lemans.org. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  2. ^ "Executive Committee". lemans.org. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  3. ^ "Executive Committee". lemans.org. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  4. ^ "Executive Committee". lemans.org. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  5. ^ "Automobile Club de l'Ouest | LinkedIn". fr.linkedin.com (in French). Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  6. ^ "Who We Are | ACO - Automobile Club de l'Ouest". lemans.org. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  7. ^ Official Program, 24 Heures du Mans, 13–14 June 2009, Page 97.
  8. ^ Joe Saward, The World Atlas of Motor Racing, Page 35, Hamlyn, 1989.
  9. ^ C. Clutton & J. Stanford, The Vintage Motor Car, Page 201, B.T. Batsford Ltd., London, 1961.
  10. ^ Georges Fraichard, The Le Mans Story, Page 121, The Sportsman's Book Club, 1956.
  11. ^ "History | ACO - Automobile Club de l'Ouest". lemans.org. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  12. ^ Georges Fraichard, The Le Mans Story, Page 58, The Sportsman's Book Club, 1956.
  13. ^ Motor Sport, June 1946, Page 121; See also: Motor Sport, July 1946, Page 147; Motor Sport, September 1946, Page 201.
  14. ^ Motor Sport, July 1949, Pages 270-271, 274-276.
  15. ^ Georges Fraichard, The Le Mans Story, Page 73, The Sportsman's Book Club, 1956.
  16. ^ Motor Sport, August 1945, Page 156; Motor Sport, October 1945, Page 216.
  17. ^ Motor Sport, March 1949, Page 69.
  18. ^ Motor Year Book 1957, Temple Press, Pages 166-171.
  19. ^ a b c d e f g h "Pierre Fillon Eighth president of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest - automobilsport.com". www.automobilsport.com. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  20. ^ Motor Sport, July 1967, Pages 722, 724-725. See also cover photograph.


External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Automobile_Club_de_l%27Ouest&oldid=1220394509"