What caused the cancellation of the 1936 24 Hours of Le Mans?

The 1936 24 Hours of Le Mans was cancelled because a general strike disrupted France and made the event impractical to stage.

The strike followed the Popular Front’s electoral victory and involved millions of workers, including employees in the automobile industry. It disrupted factory production, vehicle preparation, transport and the supply of fuel. With scrutineering due to begin only days after the strike settlement, many entrants could not prepare their cars in time.

The problems extended beyond the teams. Organisers feared that fuel, transport, accommodation and food would be difficult for spectators and participants to obtain. The circuit also used public roads, requiring workers to prepare the route, while officials and marshals would have been harder to assemble during the unrest.

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest first postponed the race in early June. It then sought alternative dates, but the international governing body rejected the proposed weekends because of conflicts with other events. With no workable date available, the ACO officially cancelled the race on 23 June 1936. The event therefore had no winner, despite a filed entry list of 58 cars.