Some of you may have noticed NASCAR’s special appearance at this year’s Le Mans race. Our representatives there reported that their V8 engine roared, bringing back their fondest memories, and the team known as Garage #56 successfully completed the 24-hour race without any incidents, going head-to-head with some GT cars.
This modified NASCAR Next Gen vehicle, specifically tailored for Le Mans, boasted an impressive lineup with Jimmie Johnson, Jenson Button, and Mike Rockenfeller behind the wheel.
The atmosphere at the conclusion of the Garage 56 project felt like the last day of school, filled with a sense of excitement. Jimmie Johnson took the final laps on Sunday afternoon at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking the project’s grand finale. Handshakes, hugs, champagne toasts, and a few tears marked the end of this multi-year development journey. It had been a week full of festivities and fine-tuning at the République, with two complete rotations of the clock’s hands that told the story of their accomplishment.
The purpose-built Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the team behind it captivated the international motorsport community gathered to celebrate Le Mans’ 100th anniversary. It was a moment to be cherished, but it also came with a twinge of sadness, knowing that their task was finally complete and wondering what the future held on the global stage.
“I wish I could go back and do it again. I don’t want it to end,” expressed Johnson as he stepped out of the dirt-covered No. 24 Chevrolet and made his way back to the Hendrick Motorsports paddock. “Although I’m sad that it’s over because we had such an incredible time, I hope to return and compete in this race again. But this particular moment, with this group of people, will never happen again. It’s simply impossible, so that’s why I feel a sense of sadness.”
The festive spirit took over as champagne bottles popped, bringing joy and relief to everyone present. Jeff Gordon, a motorsport ambassador and now an executive at Hendrick Motorsports, greeted NASCAR’s president and CEO, Jim France, proposing a toast before exchanging handshakes. Johnson waved to the cheering fans gathered outside the Garage 56 stand, joining his co-drivers, Jenson Button and Mike Rockenfeller, in expressing their gratitude.
You can read much more about it on their official website by clicking here. The circuit is available at RaceDepartment here.
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