‘A privilege’ NASCAR to return to 24 hours of Le Mans in Hendrick Motorsports Next-Gen cars
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NASCAR to return to 24 hours of Le Mans in Hendrick Motorsports Next-Gen cars
The 24 hours of Le Mans was and still is one of the most, if not the most iconic motorsports racing event in the world where top manufacturers around the world come in to showcase the endurance and technical capabilities of their cars which is organized by l’Automobile Club de l’Ouest (IMSA) in France.
Now NASCAR has announced a historic collaboration with IMSA onThursday at Sebring International Raceway, that the international racing organization giants will partner up with the NASCAR out-fit Hendrick Motorsports, car manufacturer Chevrolet, and sponsor Goodyear to introduce a modified Next-Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 that in next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Garage 56 will enter in the spot reserved for highlighting innovation and technology that exists outside of the WEC regulations and it will not take the spot from the traditional starting grid. This will be the second time NASCAR will be entering Le Mans, with the first entry coming in 1976 in Grand International class with Hershel McGriff both driving a Dodge Charger of his own and, Richard Brooks and Dick Hutcherson entering with a Ford Torino.
Jim France says NASCAR is entering Le Mans with “the winningest team”
NASCAR Chairman, and CEO Jim France in the announcement of a historic collaboration with IMSA are one of the goals of his late father who had been wanting NASCAR to have a visible role to play at the global level. He went on to say NASCAR has the winningest team in its entry with the likes of Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet, and Goodyear and said they will be looking forward to showcasing NASCAR’s technological capabilities in Le Mans.
“From the early days of NASCAR, it was important to my father that we played a visible role in international motorsports, and there is no bigger stage than the 24 Hours of Le Mans,” said Jim France.
“In partnering with Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet and Goodyear, we have the winningest team, manufacturer, and tire in NASCAR history. We look forward to showcasing the technology in the Next-Gen car and putting forward a competitive entry in the historic race,” Jim France added.
“It is a privilege” Rick Hendrick on his team’s plan to join 24 hours of Le Mans
Rick Hendrick acknowledged that he is privileged to have the opportunity to participate and represent NASCAR in 224 hours of Le Mans and shared his admiration towards Jim France, NASCAR Chairman, and CEO for coming up with the idea. Rick Hendrick went on to say it is a humbling and challenging opportunity for team Hendricks adding the team is ready to put out a bold product in France.
“Participating in one of the truly iconic events in auto racing and representing NASCAR and Chevrolet on the world stage is a privilege. Jim deserves tremendous credit for having the vision for the project, and we thank him for trusting our organization with the responsibility,” said Rick Hendrick.
“Even though Garage 56 is a ‘class of one,’ we are competitors and have every intention of putting a bold product on the racetrack for the fans at Le Mans. It’s a humbling opportunity — one that will present an exciting challenge over the next 15 months — but our team is ready,” said Rick Hendrick.
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Justin P Joy
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