24 Hours of LeMons

In the western states of America, with more space and cheaper fuel than the rest of us, a bunch of good old boys have been carrying on a nice little alternative endurance series that owes more to banger and stock car racing than the elegance of cocktails on the Mulsanne. The 24 Hours of LeMons, in an age where the beauty and utility of old cars are undervalued by officialdom, is just the sort of thing we want to bring to these islands.

Each LeMons race is for cars purchased, fixed up, and track-prepped for a total of 500 dollars or less. But before reaching the grid, drivers have to survive trials like the Personal-Injury-Lawyer Anti-Slalom, the Marxist-Valet Parking Challenge, and the Wide Open Throttle Rodthrowapalooza.

Twelve hours into the race, the car voted People’s Choice is called in and awarded a cash prize; simultaneously, the car voted People’s Curse is called in and summarily destroyed. At the end of 24 hours, a gala awards ceremony plies the survivors with trophies, plaques, and four-figure purses in canvas bags full of nickels.

Races are scheduled all though next year, from Texas to California and back again. When will they bring the series to the UK? I have at at least two cars fully prepped and ready for entry. Check out the victory parade for some inspiring mods.