Next year, Garage 56 will host a Chevrolet Camaro LZ1 entered by the Hendrick Motorsports team making its first appearance in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car will be a modified version of the new generation (called "Next Gen") competing in the 2022 Cup Series, the main NASCAR championship. NASCAR CEO 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."

Rick Hendrick, NASCAR takes on the 24 Hours

Rick Hendrick is another major motorsport figure from the U.S. to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, like Ford partner Chip Ganassi (LMGTE Pro winner in 2016), Roger Penske this year preparing Porsche's return and Michael Andretti with various projects. Founded nearly four decades ago, Hendrick Motorsports secured its first win back in 1995 in the NASCAR Cup Series. Now the team boasts 282 victories and 14 titles, won by Jimmie Johnson (from 2006 to 2010, then 2013 to 2016), Jeff Gordon (1995, 1997, 1998 and 2001), Terry Labonte (1996), Chase Elliott (2020) and Kyle Larson (2021).

Prior to this upcoming endeavor at Le Mans, 24 was already a lucky number for Hendrick Motorsports as the racing number given to Jeff Gordon by Rick Hendrick throughout his career in the Cup Series, culminating in 93 wins and four titles and placing him third in the hierarchy of winners in the championship's history. Also, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet and Goodyear's Garage 56 program will be led by Chad Knaus, Jimmie Johnson's crew chief for his seven NASCAR titles. 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 race track for the fans at Le Mans."

Shared history between Le Mans and NASCAR

Fireball Roberts and A.J. Foyt at Daytona and Le Mans – The winner in 1962 at the Daytona 500, the most important race of the NASCAR season, Fireball Roberts took his first start in the 24 Hours that year at the wheel of a Ferrari 250 GTO fielded by Luigi Chinetti's NART. He finished sixth along with Bob Grossman. Ten years later, A.J. Foyt's victory at the Daytona 500 made him the only driver in history to win both Daytona and Le Mans (with Ford in 1967 with teammate Dan Gurney).

Le Mans, NASCAR and American independence – 1976, the year of the bicentennial celebration of American independence, saw two NASCAR coupes on the starting grid at the 44th 24 Hours of Le Mans. The #4 Dodge Charger was entrusted to Doug and Hershel McGriff and in the #90 Ford Torino figured Dick Hutcherson. Third at the race in 1966 with a Ford MkII shared with Ronnie Bucknum, he completed the American marque's stunning hat trick. For the 1976 running, he joined forces with fellow countryman Dick Brooks and French driver Marcel Mignot. The two cars were forced to retire unfortunately, but eventually made their way back to the 24 Hours circuit for the Le Mans Classic.

Chevrolet Camaro, 40 years on

In 1982, in addition to the creation of a new top class of prototypes called Group C, two Chevrolet Camaros entered by American team Stratagraph took the start in the 50th 24 Hours of Le Mans. They both finished the race, but only the #80 driven by Billy Hagan and Jim Felton reached the classification (17th). The other car – shared by Dick Brooks, Hershel McGriff (competitors in 1976 in NASCAR coupes) and Tom Williams – failed to do so due to insufficient distance covered.

As it stands, the Camaro will make its big return to Le Mans in Garage 56 for the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours. The Camaro is Chevrolet's other iconic sports car in addition to the Corvette which already holds a special place among GTs seen at Le Mans. Chevrolet Vice President of Motorsports and Performance Vehicles Jim Campbell: "While many know us as the winningest manufacturer in NASCAR, we also have had great success with our Corvette Racing program at Le Mans, with eight class wins in 21 starts since 2000. At Chevrolet, we love to compete and we can’t wait to get started on this program."

Ten years after its creation in 2012, Garage 56 is now a new symbol of the current increased collaboration between Le Mans and the U.S., especially in the context of the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours. ACO President Pierre Fillon: "Garage 56 is a special opportunity at Le Mans since this race has been a leader in technological process for the auto industry over its nearly century long existence. We will continue to work with NASCAR and all their partners as they work toward their proposed 2023 Garage 56 project."

The drivers recruited to take the wheel of the "Next Gen" Camaro for this project will be announced soon.

PHOTOS
- SEBRING (FLORIDA, U.S.), 17 MARCH 2022. From left to right above (Copyright - Larry Hedrick): Jim France (NASCAR and IMSA CEO), Steve Phelps (NASCAR President), Rick Hendrick (Hendrick Motorsports owner), Jim Campbell (Chevrolet Vice President of Motorsports and Performance Vehicles), Stu Grant (Goodyear CEO), Pierre Fillon (ACO President) and John Doonan (IMSA President).
- LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS and LE MANS CLASSIC (Copyright - ACO ARCHIVES): the Ford Torino and Dodge Charger from 1976 and the two Chevrolet Camaros from 1982.