100 years of Le Mans spans tragedy and triumph

British textiles heir Edward 'Eddie' Hall achieved a unique feat in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours by driving the entire race solo in 1950, remaining in his 1930s Bentley even during the pitstops.

After 236 laps, a distance of some 3,200 km, the privately-entered Yorkshire racer finished a remarkable eighth. He turned 50 a month later.

Asked in later life how he had managed the toilet breaks, Hall replied 'green overalls, old boy'.

The story, from the days when drivers were fuelled by cognac and champagne and a woman might race through the night wearing a fur coat, is all part of the rich tapestry of the world's greatest sportscar race.

This weekend it celebrates its centenary, and 91st edition since 1923.

More than 300,000 people will pack the Circuit de la Sarthe to watch the cars race into the sunset and through the night until dawn rises over one of the world's most evocative tracks.

U.S. basketball great LeBron James is the guest starter.

The Mulsanne straight, also known as the Ligne droite des Hunaudieres, the corner at Arnage and Tertre Rouge are as familiar to global motorsport fans as Eau Rouge at Spa-Francorchamps or Monaco's Rascasse.

Le Mans joins the Indianapolis 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing since 1911, and Monaco Grand Prix - first raced in 1929 - as the elements of the so-called 'Triple Crown of Motorsport'.

The list of those who have taken part over the years is a roll call of greats - from pre-war stars Tazio Nuvolari and Rudolf Caracciola through to Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Mario Andretti and Fernando Alonso.

It has crowned its own heroes, like six times winner Jacky Ickx of Belgium, Britain's five times winner Derek Bell or nine-times record holder Tom Kristensen of Denmark.