The 39th Grand Prix d’Endurance of the 24 Heures du Mans was the Race of Records. 33 of the 49 vehicles were Porsche. Helmut Marko and Gijs van Lennep set a new distance record with 5335.313 kilometres (a race average of 222.304 km/h including all pit stops). This record was only eclipsed in 2010 by the Audi R15 TDI. And a further record was set in the practice session when Jackie Oliver drove a fastest lap at an average of 250.069 km/h.

The traditional start with the cars in an oblique position was dispensed with since 1971 in favour of the Indianapolis start where the cars complete the introductory lap behind the pace car.

Helmut Marko is today head of motorsport at Red Bull since the company took over the Formula One Jaguar Racing team which it continued as Red Bull Racing.