The entry of the NASCAR in the Innovative Car category at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans is owed to Jim France, the CEO, chairman and executive vice president of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1's participation in the Centenary was an undeniable success. The car was a favourite of the 325,000 spectators on the scene thanks to its aggressive look and the inimitable sound of its 5.5-litre V8 engine (680 hp).

The Spirit of NASCAR at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Engineers from NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet, Goodyear and the IMSA worked for two years to make Jim France's vision come to life. The collaboration surpassed all hopes, on and off the track. With the help of seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, 2009 Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button and two-time 24 Hours winner Mike Rockenfeller, the #24 Chevy Camaro ZL1 brought the spirit of the American championship to endurance racing fans across the Atlantic.

The car proved to be a major favourite of fans, the media and even other competitors right from the outset, consistently figuring at the top of the timesheet in the LMGTE Am category. The #24 held its own for 20+ hours until gearbox problems took it off the track for more than an hour. The Chevy Camaro ZL1 crossed the finish line in 39th place. Jim France: "It was incredible." The project was inspired by his father, NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., who brought two stock cars to the 1976 24 Hours of Le Mans. "It took thousands of hours of work to make this happen. And it's simply wonderful how the team performed all week."

The photo

The Hendrick Motorsports #24 Chevy Camaro ZL1 was a standout during the Pit Stop Challenge. Not equipped with pneumatic cylinders (unlike all the other cars entered in the 24 Hours Centenary), the team's mechanics used a jack to change the car's tyres. It took them 10.364 seconds to switch out four tyres during the Pit Stop Challenge, claiming a podium finish alongside the winner, Team Peugeot TotalEnergies.