Ostwald. The 24 Hours of Le Mans in miniature: the crazy race of small cars on an electric circuit

A miniature race that's larger than life. The 24 Hours of Alsace, the second edition of the slot car racing championship (*), is a new kind of competition that reproduces the characteristics of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, but on a scale of 1:32 . On the starting line, ten teams of five drivers, from France, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden and Japan, compete on a 36-meter-long electric circuit. In this endurance event, competitors take turns within a team every 30 to 45 minutes. The team that covers the greatest distance wins.

But unlike other slot racing competitions, this event stands out for its innovations that make it "unique in the world," according to its creator, Xavier Lieffroy. The ten competing cars share two tracks—rather than one track per car—forcing drivers to manage competition, braking, and overtaking. Pure speed no longer matters. Anticipation and strategy play a role in performance.

To better reflect reality, the 64-year-old from Saverne has equipped his circuit and cars with a computer program that reproduces racing parameters. As at Le Mans , the drivers will have to manage their virtual fuel reserves, which decrease throughout the race and fluctuate depending on the driving of their small electric car. Tire wear is also calculated by computer.

Each team must manage its pit stops to refuel and change tires. The data is calculated in real time by computer based on race conditions and driving style. "To perform well, you have to be tough, but also calm and manage others. You have to drive fast and at the same time be attentive" to the car's parameters and competitors, explains this enthusiast, a former carpenter and car fan, who builds his circuits and cars in his workshop.

His goal isn't so much to offer a miniature electric car race as to give players the same sensations as the drivers. "And above all, to bring joy and dreams," he concludes.

This weekend, in addition to the race, various activities will be offered: exhibition, video games, simulators, challenges.

* Slot car racing refers to miniature car races on an electric circuit. Saturday, September 20 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The race starts Saturday at 3 p.m. At Point d'Eau, 17 allée René-Cassin in Ostwald. Price: 2 euros (day ticket office) and free for children under 8. Catering.