ELMS Beginner’s Guide 2025: Cars, History and More

The European Le Mans Series (ELMS) is one of the most prestigious endurance racing championships in the world, featuring a mix of professional and amateur drivers competing in multi-class races.

In 2025, the Iron Dames trio of Michelle Gatting, Sarah Bovy and Celia Martin will contest the full ELMS campaign.
If you want to learn more, this ELMS guide has everything you need to know.

ELMS Guide: What ELMS means

ELMS stands for the European Le Mans Series, a championship inspired by the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. It follows similar endurance racing principles, with teams competing across multiple hours in high-performance prototypes and GT cars.

When did ELMS start?

The European Le Mans Series was founded in 2004 and now serves as Europe’s premier endurance racing championship.

When does the 2025 ELMS season start?

The 2025 ELMS season is set to begin in April, kicking off with the opening round at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The championship runs across several months, with races held at iconic European circuits.

READ MORE: 2025 ELMS Calendar

Will ELMS be on TV in 2025?

ELMS races will be broadcast live on various platforms, including the championship’s official YouTube channel. Fans can also stream the races via the ELMS website, making it easy to follow the action wherever they are.

READ MORE: How to watch the 2025 European Le Mans Series

Who won ELMS in 2024?

The AO by TF team took the crown in LMP2 last season. But it was Iron Lynx who took the title in LMGT3, the category in which the Iron Dames’ victory at Imola and podium in Portugal propelled them to fourth in the end-of-year standings.

What is ELMS equivalent to?

ELMS is similar to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in many respects, but with a more regional focus.
It serves as a stepping stone for emerging endurance racing talent, offering competitive multi-class racing across Europe.

Many successful WEC and Le Mans drivers, including Iron Dames competitors, have honed their skills in ELMS before stepping onto the world stage.

What type of engines are run in ELMS?

The series primarily uses internal combustion engine-powered race cars, with LMP2 featuring Gibson V8 engines and GT cars running manufacturer-specific powertrains.

However, endurance racing incorporates hybrid and alternative energy technologies more broadly to ensure cars are as efficient as possible over long distances.

Can ELMS drivers go to Le Mans?

ELMS is one of the main pathways to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The top teams in each category earn automatic invitations to compete at Le Mans, giving drivers and teams a direct route to one of the most prestigious races in all of motorsport.

Are ELMS cars the same?

ELMS features three main categories:

• LMP2: High-performance prototypes powered by Gibson V8 engines, offering a balance of speed and endurance.

• LMP3: Entry-level prototypes designed for developing endurance racing talent.

• LMGT3: Production-based GT cars from manufacturers like Porsche.