Every auto enthusiast will be familiar with the Le Mans 24 hour race, which takes place each year in France and features some of the top drivers and cars in a gruelling competition.

Perhaps less well known is the event held in Texas over the past weekend, in which various contemporary vehicles and classic cars took part.

Known as Heaps in the Heat of Texas, or the 24 Hours of LeMons, this is an endurance race with a difference, according to Car and Driver.

A wide selection of cars were competing over the weekend, with an ageing Nissan 300ZX heading up the running for quite some time.

The Nissan 300ZX was just one of a number of classic sports cars from this Japanese manufacturer on show, suggesting that endurance races are best carried out from behind the wheel of a vehicle you know is going to be reliable.

As well as older models, there were newer examples on show, like a Toyota Prius that was powered by a Harley Davidson engine, to supplement its standard hybrid power plant.

This is an unusual and fun event, whose lack of the professional sheen of Le Mans makes it all the more enjoyable.