The 24 Hours of LeMons

Return of a Really Bad Idea

The squeal of burning tires. The new ozone hole over Tracy. The decrepit old coots wearing fireproof plum-coddlers. In all motorsport, no event captures the need to whale on old crapcans and eat ground-donkey cheeseburgers like the 24 Hours of LeMons.

This endurance race is for cars purchased, fixed up, and track-prepped for a total of 500 bucks or less--and before reaching the grid, you’ll have to survive 2007’s Hippie Bike Messenger Avoidance Test, the Incontinent Rottweiler Slalom, the Marxist-Valet Parking Challenge, and similar trials. Twelve hours into the race, the car voted People’s Choice (for best concept and prep) is called in and awarded a cash prize. Simultaneously, the car voted People’s Curse (for being driven by the biggest moe-rawns) is called in and destroyed. At the end of 24 hours, a gala awards ceremony plies the survivors with trophies, plaques, and four-figure purses.