So, Jimmie Johnson is back in action. However, that is not the only big news in NASCAR this year. Apart from the seven-time champion’s return, news about the upcoming entry by Garage 56 at Le Mans also made the headlines. Headed by Hendrick Motorsports Vice President of Competition and Johnson’s former crew chief Chad Knaus, the project will help NASCAR get one step closer to endurance racing.

While talking to Dale Earnhardt Jr and Mike Davis on the recent episode of the Dale Jr Download, Chad Knaus revealed his plans for the NASCAR Garage 56 into the 24 hours in Le Mans. Talking about the recent unveiling of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 test car made especially for the project, Knaus revealed how he and his team made sure to keep the car design closer to NASCAR cars.

Hendrick Motorsports VP on the Le Mans rules for car design

When the host asked if there are any specific rules for Garage 56, Knaus replied, “There are. They’re mainly from the safety standpoint and race configuration standpoint.

“So, we’ve got a Morelli system in the car, which all the cars over there have and they kind of let you know what’s happening on the track, where the safety and the speed zones are, and how to do all of that. All that’s got to be put in the car clearly – headlights, tail lights, safety seat belts…”

Well, after what happened with Knaus almost seventeen years ago, it’s great to see him be so specific about the inspection and car design rules. Back in 2006 when Knaus was working as a crew chief with Jimmie Johnson, he was accused of making illegal modifications to the #48 during the Daytona 500.

Chad Knaus Unveils His Feelings Going into His Last Few Races as a Crew Chief

As reported by the Washington Post, in a post-race inspection, it was found that Knaus raised #48’s rear window to alter the aerodynamics of the vehicle. As a result, he was removed from the race and Hendrick Motorsports announced that Darian Grubb would be replacing him.

Chad Knaus reveals the pre-race process 

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During his conversation with Dale Earnhardt Jr, Chad Knaus revealed the pre-race process at Le Mans. Moreover, the Garage 56 lead said that even though it is a neat and great show, he does not think it would be a good idea for NASCAR to do something like this every weekend.

While talking about the pre-race inspection, Knaus talked about how a process called scrutineering takes place before the race. He said that everything is shipped to Le Mans and the big semi-containers are unloaded in the garage area. And after that, the process for inspection begins. He said,

“We put up wall boards and get all our equipment set up and surely there afterwards, you load your race cars, everybody does onto a flat-bed style truck.

“Drive it down to the middle of Le Mans and whatever number it is, I don’t know how exactly they pick the cadence. And the team is there and the car goes through inspection right in the middle of Le Mans.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Jimmie Johnson Headlines NASCAR’s First Entry in the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Garage 56 is a collaborative project of NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet, and Goodyear. Aimed at getting a step closer to endurance racing, the livery for the project was unveiled at Sunday’s Daytona 500.