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NASCAR & Hendrick Motorsports Succeed in Leaving a Lasting Impact With Glorious Le Mans Feat Despite Drama Kicking In, As Proud Fans Come Together in Admiration

Published 06/11/2023, 2:28 PM EDT

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The recent few days certainly have been a rollercoaster ride for racing fans. Two reasons can be attributed to it: Firstly, the NASCAR Cup Series returning to a popular road course, and secondly, earlier this week, the NASCAR community witnessing its proud project Garage 56. Developed in connection with the winningest team, Hendrick Motorsports, it is set to unveil its full glory at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Not only was the upgraded Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 star of the event with many clicking photos when it passed by, but Hendrick Motorsports #24 car also finished 39th overall after completing 285 laps. Their maiden effort turned out to be a massive hit. Additionally, with the Cup-Series-styled car proving it could hang with the GTE cars, NASCAR Garage 56 was a runaway success, to say the least.

Grage 56 NASCAR entry shines bright after finishing 39th overall

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The centenary event of the iconic 24 Hours race also had an added delight as NASCAR brought out its brainchild Garage 56 project car, developed in connection with Hendrick Motorsports and Goodyear. Not only was the Chevy a treat for the fans but the American pushrod V8 stood out from the rest as it proudly sang its glory.

At one point, the ZL1 ran as high as 27th and was ahead of the entire GTE-Am field after 20 hours until things went south for the HMS team. The car developed a mechanical issue that halted their advance 1 hour later. While it was Jenson Button behind the wheel at this stage of the race, Mike Rockenfeller took the car through its gears as he set the track ablaze with an impressive time at 3:50.512.

That too with the 7-time Cup Series champ, Jimmie Johnson also part of the team, fans literally had a ball. Soon NASCAR joined the fun as they tweeted out the milestone to its fanbase while its driver, Jenson Button expressed his gratitude to be part of such a wonderful team.

As per Motorsports.com, Button said, “Obviously the crowd are here to celebrate everyone that’s taking part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But to hear the cheer for our car as it went past here … it’s been a long journey for these guys getting the car ready for Le Mans. Lots of long hours, but what an amazing group of people to produce what they have with this car. Taking it from a Cup car and making it into an endurance car for Le Mans. Staggering. The best in the business. I’m proud to be working with these guys.” 

Fans laud the milestone as they join the celebration online

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With everything falling into place except for the uncalled fault in the car, NASCAR’s maiden venture into the world of endurance racing has been widely praised by the racing community. Not only was the Cup car a great sight for ardent fans but the Chevrolet gave a tight competition to the more advanced GTE cars while the American promotion showcased its capabilities, pushing beyond its boundaries.

Hendrick Motorsports also lauded its crew for its superb performance. The proud team even tweeted an album that displayed the Blue Chevy on the track.

Soon after fans were left in high spirits as fans joined the celebrations online as they tagged and commented their suggestions. Two fans were left awestruck by the car as they commented,

Awesome!!! Congratulations!!!”

“Incredible performance!”

Congrats!!! Would love to see a setup like this for the road courses and short tracks in the Cup Series.”

Whereas an avid JJ fan mentioned his favorite driver in the team,

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“What a way for Jimmie and his Hendrick career to end. That’s how ya do it, doin it in style Jimmie, and Chad being there was so good to see too”

On the other hand, a thoughtful member pointed out the significance of the exhibition,

Never felt more represented in an international competition and you all did not disappoint. Thank you for showing the world what NASCAR is capable of on a short schedule, can’t wait to see what comes with another year of development, gearbox improvements for sure.”

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What did you think of NASCAR’s 24 Hours of Le Mans? Tell us in the comments down below.

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Written by:

Kishore R

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Kishore is a NASCAR Writer at EssentiallySports. With a degree in engineering, Kishore's love for automobiles, particularly the roaring naturally-aspirated V8s, naturally led him to NASCAR. Kishore's writing is characterized by his intense passion for the sport, as well as his ability to conduct in-depth research and analysis.
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Edited by:

Nischal Kandpal