This year's Miss 24 Hours of Le Mans. Photo credit: Rick Dole for Michelin North America

The first official sign that this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans is close is scrutineering, or technical inspection, held in downtown Le Mans. A deluge of rain fell in the area where the cars are observed, but that doesn’t stop the enthusiasm and passion the fans have for this race and the chance to see their heroes and favorite cars up close. Ace photographer Rick Dole has the first gallery of images from this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, live on michelinracingusa.com in the “Galleries” section.

Despite rain, fans came out en masse to Sunday's scrutineering in downtown Le Mans. Photo credit: Rick Dole for Michelin North America