NASCAR made a comeback at LeMans this year by presenting a revised edition of the Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 race car as a Garage 56 participant. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) reserves this category for cutting-edge technology and futuristic machinery.
The car was a collaboration of NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet, IMSA, and Goodyear and was driven by seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, former LeMans winner Mike Rockenfeller and former Formula 1 World Champion Jensen Button.
The trio completed 285 laps on the 8.4-mile Circuit de la Sarthe in June and the entry was well-received by fans at the event.
#24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 of Jimmie Johnson, Mike Rockenfeller, Jenson Button
Photo by: Marc Fleury
Rockenfeller and Button are set to drive the backup vehicle for the Garage 56 program at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Hillclimb. The car is an exact replica of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 that was utilized at LeMans. The event will take place this week in West Sussex, England.
The pair will drive the car up the hill, which is 1.16 miles long, a total of seven times within a span of four days.
The entry is part of a celebration of NASCAR’s 75-year history that will include several cars from throughout NASCAR’s history.
John Doonan, the President of IMSA and Manager of the Garage 56 Program, expressed that the program has been incredibly successful in expanding the reach of NASCAR to fans of motorsports globally.
“Bringing the world of stock cars to fans of diverse motorsports, taking the Garage 56 car to the Goodwood Festival of Speed provides us with another opportunity.”
Garage 56 Hillclimb schedule:
Thursday, July 13, 2:30 p.m. BST / 9:30 a.m. ET – Rockenfeller
Friday, July 14, 9:10 a.m. BST / 4:10 a.m. ET – Button
Friday, July 14, 3:10 p.m. BST / 10:10 a.m. ET – Rockenfeller
Saturday, July 15, 8:30 a.m. BST / 3:30 a.m. ET – Rockenfeller
Saturday, July 15, 2:55 p.m. BST / 9:55 a.m. ET – Button
Sunday, July 16, 9:15 a.m. BST / 4:15 a.m. ET – Rockenfeller
Sunday, July 16, 3:50 p.m. BST / 10:50 a.m. ET – Button
#24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 of Jimmie Johnson, Mike Rockenfeller, Jenson Button
Photo by: JEP / Motorsport Images
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