Mike Rockenfeller, 39, will drive the No. 42 Legacy Motor Club (LMC) Chevrolet following the indefinite suspension of Noah Gragson.
The German racer will participate in the Watkins Glen race the week following IMS. Recently, Josh Berry took charge of driving the car during the Michigan event.
Gragson was suspended after liking a meme that mocked the 2020 murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. Contrary to reports, the team confirmed to Motorsport.com that it has not parted ways with Gragson.
Rockenfeller emerged as the overall champion at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2010 and secured a class win in 2005 at the same event. Additionally, he achieved victory in the DTM championship in 2013 and has participated in two previous races in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Both appearances came last year, driving the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet at Watkins Glen and later at the Charlotte Roval. He finished 30th and 29th, respectively.
Rockenfeller and LMC co-owner Jimmie Johnson share a strong friendship. They teamed up as drivers in the recent Le Mans 24 race, where they both drove the well-known Garage 56 NASCAR car alongside Jenson Button, the 2009 F1 World Champion.
Rockenfeller and Johnson have partnered as co-drivers in numerous IMSA races within the last couple of years, achieving a second-place finish in the 2021 Rolex 24. Additionally, ‘Rocky’ emerged victorious in the overall competition of the Rolex 24 back in 2010.
“In a statement from the team, Rockenfeller expressed that he and Jimmie had competed together in IMSA for a duration of two years, as well as being teammates in the Garage 56 program. He further added that their shared experiences had forged a strong friendship between them.”
“I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to race alongside him as a co-owner in the NASCAR Cup Series for LEGACY M.C. It will undoubtedly be a significant challenge for me since I have never competed at Indy before. The chance to be back in a Cup Series car is something I have always dreamed of, and I am grateful for this opportunity. Despite the limited time, I will give my utmost effort to collaborate with the team and strive for a successful race at Indy.”
Added Johnson, who will join the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2024: “Rocky and I were teammates and helped develop the G56 program. I couldn’t think of a better person to assist our Club in this tough situation. These back-to-back road course events will be great for Rocky from the technical side as they will bring out his expertise. Rocky is extremely knowledgeable and talented, and I know he will get us the best results possible.”
Rockenfeller is added to an impressive lineup for the event. The race will also include Button, Kamui Kobayashi, Shane van Gisbergen, and Brodie Kostecki.
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