Fans of the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans can now experience the excitement without breaking the bank or traveling across the globe. Two prominent car museums in the US – one in Los Angeles and another in Philadelphia – have partnered with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) to host watch parties that offer a unique blend of racing history, expert insights, and exclusive events. The Petersen Museum in LA will host an event celebrating 120 years of the ACO, while the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philly is going all out with its fourth annual 24 Heures du Simeone watch party.
The Petersen Museum's watch party starts at 10 a.m. local time and features a private breakfast with fellow enthusiasts, simulator sessions, trivia, and a live fireside chat with drivers and insiders. While the event does not allow attendees to follow every lap of the race, it provides an immersive experience that includes access to Le Mans-focused exhibits and a chance to explore the museum's collection.
However, fans may miss the first three hours of the 24 Hours of Le Mans due to the time difference between France and LA. The event also comes with a price tag – $51 for museum admission and an additional $24 for parking – which may be out of reach for some enthusiasts.
The Petersen package includes exclusive access to the WEC Lone Star Le Mans race weekend raffle, making it an attractive option for those who want to experience more than just the watch party.
Meanwhile, the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philly is hosting its fourth annual 24 Heures du Simeone watch party on June 13-14. The event features a 'The Americans at Le Mans' theme that explores the history of American participation at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
The museum's collection boasts over 75 historically significant automobiles spanning racing history from 1907 to the 2000s, making it an ideal venue for this exclusive event.
Attendees can expect more than 40 demonstrations organized around the theme, providing a comprehensive look at American participation in Le Mans history.
For those who want to experience the entire race without missing any laps, global coverage options are available through FIA WEC+ and MotorTrend TV.
The inclusion of expert insights and exclusive events makes these watch parties an attractive option for racing enthusiasts looking for a unique experience.
By hosting these watch parties, the museums are bringing the thrill of Le Mans to a wider audience while providing exclusive access to racing history and experts.
These unique experiences bring the thrill of Le Mans to a wider audience, while providing exclusive access to racing history and experts.
