The world's toughest motor race? N24 2014 in pictures

At the front of the grid, the more-powerful GT3 cars head off for their formation lap. 

As the sun sets there are some spectacular views of the racing to be found.

For an hour before the race starts spectators are invited to get a close-up view of the cars and drivers on the grid - one of the reason why thousands of fans flock back every year. 

The #100 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430 driven by Auto Express contributor Richard Meaden and motoring journalist Chris Harris.

Richard Meaden explains his car's characteristics to a fellow journalist on the grid, while his wife offers a final piece of advice.

Grid girls add a bit of old-school glamour to the race start - in the background the STADAvita Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Huge rear wing on TT-RS is perfect place to rest a weary head.

We're big fans on the phychedelic livery on Jethro Bovingdon's #235 BMW M235i.

It was the only Ferrari in the race, but you couldn't miss the Ferrari 458 Italia GT3.

At the back of the grid, the least powerful cars follow on behind as part of a staggered start.  

A fan plays air guitar around the campfire. As you do. 

The Black Falcon Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 was one of the fastest cars on the grid - seen her at Hatzenback near the beginning of the lap. 

The sky is peppered with helicopters capturing the action from above.

The track-side camps look more like a music festival than a motor race. 

Part of the N24's appeal is how close you get to the action in the pitlane.

The BMW Z4 GT3, powered by 4.4-litre V8 from the previous-generation M3 GTS, looked stunning in nakes carbon-fibre.

As the sun goes down, the fans crank up the music and party into the night. 

Tiny run off areas flanked by unyielding metal barriers mean there's very little room for error. 

V10-powered Lexus LFA was one the more exotic cars on the grid.

The three Japanese drivers of the #53 Lexus LFA Code X show off their custom helmet designs.

The Team Jota Mazda MX-5 driven by Auto Express' senior road tester Owen Mildenhall. 

Watching the N24 race is thirsty work for the fans. 

This 80's Opel Manta was the closest thing to a classic competing in the race.

Pit crews work incredibly hard, not only fitting fresh tyres and refueling the cars, but rebuilding them if damage is repairable.

Endless bonfires keep the spectators warm and fill the air with smoke - adding to the atmosphere.

Fans contruct elaborate structures to give them the best view possible. 

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 chases down a Nissan GT-R Nismo.