Hendrick Motorsports’ Garage 56 project culminated in a remarkable achievement at the 100th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The No. 24 Garage 56 Camaro ZL1 successfully completed the grueling endurance race, showcasing NASCAR innovation on the world stage. This article recaps the highlights of this historic event and what it means for the future of motorsports.
Garage 56 Le Mans Race Recap: Mission Accomplished
The primary objective for the Garage 56 Camaro team was clear from the outset: finish the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Against a field of 62 diverse entries, the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 crossed the finish line in 39th position. This accomplishment is particularly significant considering the unique nature of the Garage 56 entry, an innovative project outside the traditional racing classes.
Despite not competing directly against other cars in a specific class, the Garage 56 Camaro demonstrated impressive pace and reliability. For a significant portion of the race, it ran ahead of many entries in the GTE class, a benchmark often cited by the team.
The Drive Line Challenge
The race was not without its challenges. Around the 15-hour mark, the team encountered a drive line issue that necessitated a garage visit and cost them approximately an hour of track time. This setback tested the resilience of the team, but they swiftly diagnosed and rectified the problem, demonstrating the engineering prowess of Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR. The ability to overcome this mechanical hurdle and return to the race was a testament to the team’s preparation and expertise.
Performance Benchmarks
Throughout the 24 hours, the Garage 56 Camaro completed 285 laps, equating to roughly 2,413 miles on the demanding Circuit de la Sarthe. To put this into perspective for NASCAR fans, this distance is approximately equivalent to four Coca-Cola 600 races, NASCAR’s longest event. This feat underscores the endurance capabilities of the modified Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the robust performance of its Chevrolet RO7 engine.
Key Stats and Numbers
- Finishing Position: 39th overall out of 62 entries
- Laps Completed: 285 laps (approx. 2,413 miles)
- Drive Line Repair Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Goal: To finish the race – achieved successfully
The Team Behind the Garage 56 Camaro: A Collaboration of Expertise
The Garage 56 Camaro project was a collaborative effort, bringing together the best minds from Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR, Chevrolet, IMSA, and Goodyear. This partnership was crucial to the project’s success, combining expertise from different facets of motorsports.
Star-Studded Driver Lineup
The driver lineup for the No. 24 Garage 56 Camaro was a major highlight, featuring racing legends from Formula 1, NASCAR, and sports car racing. Jenson Button, Jimmie Johnson, and Mike Rockenfeller shared driving duties, bringing a wealth of experience and skill to the team. Jordan Taylor served as a backup driver and coach, further strengthening the team’s depth.
- Jenson Button: Formula One World Champion
- Jimmie Johnson: Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion
- Mike Rockenfeller: Two-time Le Mans winner
- Jordan Taylor: Four-time IMSA Champion (Backup Driver/Coach)
Johnson expressed his pride and fulfillment after the race: “My heart is full. For all the reasons we know – coming here with NASCAR, Hendrick, Chevrolet, Goodyear. Many of the people here working were on different teams that I won races and championships with. There were so many familiar faces, to have this experience was just off the charts.”
Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR Expertise
The project was spearheaded by Hendrick Motorsports, with NASCAR Hall of Famer and team owner Rick Hendrick emphasizing the importance of doing it “right.” Seven-time championship-winning crew chief Chad Knaus oversaw the entire Garage 56 initiative, while former Cup Series crew chief Greg Ives managed the race operations. This leadership ensured that the project was executed with the highest level of professionalism and attention to detail.
Knaus reflected on the team’s passion: “I feel like we had already captured the trophy right when they dropped the green flag. The thing I’m most proud of is that this wasn’t really anybody but a few people’s full-time job. Everybody accepted this task as a passion project and something that they wanted to participate in. And when you get people like that put together, you can do anything.”
Pit Crew Excellence
The Hendrick Motorsports pit crew, accustomed to the fast-paced demands of NASCAR pit stops, proved their mettle on the international stage. They even won the GTE class in the Le Mans Pit Stop Challenge, showcasing their speed and efficiency. This victory highlighted the transferable skills of NASCAR pit crews to endurance racing formats. The pit crew consisted of Dawson Backus, Cody French, Jarius Morehead, Mike Moss, and Donovan Williams.
Garage 56 Camaro: A Unique Machine
The Garage 56 Camaro was not just a race car; it was a rolling laboratory for innovation. Based on the Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 used in the NASCAR Cup Series, it underwent significant modifications to prepare it for the unique demands of Le Mans. While retaining many of the core systems of its NASCAR counterpart, the Garage 56 Camaro incorporated features essential for 24-hour endurance racing.
Key modifications included:
- Lighting System: Headlights and taillights for nighttime racing.
- Fuel Capacity: A larger fuel cell for extended stints between pit stops.
- Braking System: Carbon brake discs for enhanced braking performance and endurance.
- Tires: Specially designed Goodyear Eagle race tires optimized for Le Mans conditions.
These modifications transformed the familiar NASCAR stock car into a machine capable of competing in one of the world’s most challenging races, demonstrating the adaptability and potential of American stock car technology.
Race Day Updates: Key Moments from the 24 Hours
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a race of constant evolution, and the Garage 56 Camaro team provided regular updates throughout the event. Here are some key moments:
- Start: Mike Rockenfeller took the green flag, navigating initial wet conditions.
- Early Stints: Jimmie Johnson and Jenson Button rotated driving duties, gaining valuable track time and experience.
- Tire Pressure Issue: Goodyear’s tire pressure monitoring system detected a pressure loss in a rear tire, allowing for timely pit stop and tire change.
- Weather Changes: Drivers adapted to changing weather conditions, including rain showers, utilizing both slick and wet tires.
- Drive Line Issue and Repair: The team faced and resolved a drive line problem, showcasing their problem-solving skills under pressure.
- Finish: Jimmie Johnson brought the Garage 56 Camaro across the finish line, completing the 24-hour race.
These updates illustrate the dynamic nature of endurance racing and the constant adjustments required by the team to optimize performance and overcome unexpected challenges.
Conclusion: Garage 56 Camaro’s Legacy at Le Mans
The Garage 56 Camaro project was more than just a race entry; it was a statement. It demonstrated the global appeal of NASCAR and the engineering capabilities of American motorsports. By successfully completing the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Garage 56 Camaro team achieved their primary goal and exceeded expectations, proving that innovation and collaboration can lead to remarkable results on the world stage. This historic run at Le Mans will be remembered as a significant milestone for NASCAR, Chevrolet, and the Garage 56 initiative, paving the way for future innovation in motorsports.
