Jenson Button driving the NASCAR 24 Hours of Le Mans 2023

Defying all predictions, the Team Hendrick Motorsports announces the presence of Jenson Button, World Champion of Formula 1 2009, driving the Chevrolet Camaro NASCAR Garage 56 for 24 Hours of Le Mans 2023.

Jimmie Johnson, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Mike Rockenfeller, former winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Jenson Button, 1 Formula 2009 world champion, will therefore share the wheel of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Next Gen, which should be approved by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) in the coming weeks.

The Chevrolet Camaro and its champions take the road to Le Mans © Hendrick

The Garage 56 project is a partnership between NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet and Goodyear, the team, manufacturer and tire manufacturer with the most titles in the 75-year history of NASCAR.

Live from the press conference at Daytona @ Valentin Glo

Jimmie johnson could not miss this opportunity to represent his discipline of heart on the greatest race ofEndurance of the world. During his illustrious career, Johnson won a record seven NASCAR Cup series championships and 83 races for Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet. He recently became a co-owner of the Legacy Motor Club team and will compete in the Daytona 500 next month. 

" I am very enthusiastic. The 24 Hours of Le Mans was at the top of my list of races I dreamed of competing in,” said Johnson. “Seeing this wish come true – and partnering with everyone and this group of drivers – is truly an incredible opportunity and I’m grateful to be a part of it.” »

Jimmie Johnson, Mike Rockenfeller and Jenson Button © IMSA

Mike rockenfeller, who notably won the 24 hours of Le Mans 2010, the 24 hours of Le Mans 2005 in the GT category, the ROLEX 24 at Daytona 2010 and the German championship of DTM 2013, was the lead test driver for the Garage 56 project. He drove the car on all track tests and spent countless hours behind the wheel on the simulator.

“So far, this project has been a great collective adventure,” Rockenfeller said. “Being involved from day one was already a great honor, but to be associated with Jimmie and Jenson at Le Mans is incredible. »

Before the timer, you will have to defy the elements © Hendrick

Jenson Button had one of the most prolific careers in F1 history. Crowned with 15 victories and 50 podiums in addition to his 2009 World Champion title, he is widely considered one of the best British drivers of all time.

“As a lifelong motorsport enthusiast, there are certain cars I have always dreamed of driving, certain drivers I have dreamed of facing or supporting and events I have wanted to participate in,” said Button. . “This June, many of these dreams will come true in one event when I have the opportunity to shine NASCAR on the world stage alongside my partners in crime Jimmie and 'Rocky' for the 100th anniversary of the race the most prestigious in the world. I'm really looking forward to sharing this adventure with NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet and Goodyear, as well as current and future NASCAR fans around the world. »

All three drivers will participate in two days of testing next week at Daytona International Speedway.

Drivers, start your engines! © Hendrick

Rumors of a return to the wheel of Jeff Gordon were buzzing on the web, but very logically the new shareholder of Hendrick Motorsports does not appear in the line up of the Chevrolet Camaro Garage 56. A driver such as Gordon who won the 24 Hours of Daytona knows the constraints of such a race, and if the story would have been beautiful for the centenary edition, we will have to be content to meet him in the stands where his immense experience of competition will be precious. 

One step closer 💪@JimmieJohnson, @mikerockenfell3, and @JensonButton will be behind the wheel of the #NextGenG56 when we take on the challenge of @ 24hoursoflemans in June 👏

An all-star cast for a truly special event. pic.twitter.com/aVz8ySo5tL

— NASCARG56 (@nascarg56) January 28, 2023

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