24h Le Mans
By racing at – and finishing – the 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary, the #24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 won the hearts of many fans. Drivers Mike Rockenfeller, Jimmie Johnson and Jenson Button also demonstrated the speed of this modified NASCAR Cup car with its signature sound.
The #24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was specially built for the 24 Hours of Le Mans’ “Garage 56” Innovative Car class. Based on the NextGen model that competes in the NASCAR Cup, it rapidly became a firm favourite with fans who were thrilled to see it reach the chequered flag. “I wish we could come back and do it again,” said seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, after the end of the race.
The unusual sight and signature sound of the car turned heads as it sped around the Circuit des 24 Heures among the Hypercar and LMP2 prototypes, and the LMGTEs. The Chevy was soon at home in the famous turns and on the iconic Mulsanne Straight, covering a total distance of 3,883.50 km in 24 hours. The trio of drivers proved that the ZL1 was no slouch either, placing it ahead of the LMGTE Am field in qualifying. “I know we p****ed off some GT cars out there because we were racing them and all of that, but you know what, it’s a race!” said Chad Knaus, Hendrick Motorsports Vice President of Competition. “We were over here to race, and that’s what we did. I think the fans loved it. I think the people in Le Mans loved it when we went down for scrutineering, and I’ve seen nothing but smiles on people’s faces every time they’ve seen that race car.”
Johnson, 2010 Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller and former Formula One world champion Jenson Button will long remember this unique experience. The only fly in the ointment was a gearbox issue late in the race that prevented the Cup car finishing ahead of Corvette Racing’s LMGTE Am-winning #33 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R.
The #24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will next head across the English Channel to make an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month. It will then probably take pride of place in the Rick Hendrick’s vast collection of historic vehicles.
