A new film shows something rare in racing. Hendrick Motorsports took a bold step in 2023. Their No. 24 Chevrolet ZL1 went to Le Mans 24. It was not built for this kind of race. Yet, it stood strong among sleek, fast rivals. Three drivers, each with a big name, led the charge. One issue changed their path, but not the goal. Now, a new Prime Video story captures it all.
Key Highlights
- American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans” highlights Hendrick Motorsports’ 2023 Le Mans 24 entry.
- The documentary highlights the No. 24 Chevrolet ZL1’s performance, reaching 27th and leading the GTE-Am field.
- Drivers Jimmie Johnson, Jenson Button, and Mike Rockenfeller tackle specialized racing challenges.
- A drive line issue tested the team’s resilience, ultimately finishing 39th after 285 laps.
- Produced by NASCAR Studios, the film emphasizes motorsport innovation and endurance.
Documentary Announcement and Overview
As the motorsport world enthusiastically anticipates the release of “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans” on Amazon’s Prime Video, viewers are poised to gain an in-depth understanding of a groundbreaking venture in racing history.
Scheduled for release on June 12th, just days before the 93rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this documentary offers an unprecedented look at the intersection of American stock car racing and international endurance motorsport.
It chronicles Hendrick Motorsports‘ and NASCAR’s audacious entry into the 2023 Le Mans 24, where their powerful stock car, distinguished by its sheer size and power, captivated spectators.
The contrast of the robust NASCAR machinery against the sleek Le Mans prototypes provides a compelling narrative, enriched by the car’s notable performance in the Pit Stop Challenge.
Driver Lineup and Race Performance
In an extraordinary display of racing skill, the driver lineup for the NASCAR entry at the 2023 Le Mans 24 was a blend of diverse and accomplished talent, featuring Jenson Button, Jimmie Johnson, and Mike Rockenfeller.
Button, a 2009 Formula 1 champion, brought a wealth of open-wheel expertise, while Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, added immense oval racing experience. Rockenfeller, the 2010 Le Mans 24 overall winner, contributed invaluable endurance racing knowledge.
The No. 24 Chevrolet ZL1 showd impressive performance, climbing as high as 27th in position and leading the entire GTE-Am field after 20 hours. This achievement highlighted the team’s synergy and the vehicle’s robustness, as they encountered no notable issues.
However, their fortunes shifted after 20 hours and nine minutes, when the car suffered a drive line issue while Button was driving. This mechanical setback marked the team’s primary major challenge in an otherwise stellar race.
Recovery and Race Completion
Despite the setback, the No. 24 Chevrolet ZL1 team exhibited remarkable resilience during the final hours of the 2023 Le Mans 24. Chad Knaus, a renowned figure in NASCAR, orchestrated a swift repair, enabling the team to rejoin the race with resolve.
The vehicle, driven by Mike Rockenfeller, impressively recorded its fastest lap time at 3:50.512 upon returning to the track, showcasing the team’s resolute spirit and technical skill.
The Garage 56 entry, although initially aiming to surpass the entire GTE field, remained focused on their primary goal—completing the grueling 24-hour endurance race. This was a considerable challenge, given that typical NASCAR events span only four to five hours.
Ultimately, the car placed 39th in total, successfully completing 285 laps on the formidable 8.5-mile Circuit de la Sarthe. This achievement highlighted the team’s ability to overcome adversity and fulfill their objective against formidable odds.
Production Team and Future Projects
Following the remarkable endurance displayed by the No. 24 Chevrolet ZL1 team at the Le Mans 24, attention shifts to the behind-the-scenes efforts of the production team chronicling this endeavor.
The documentary, brought to life by NASCAR Studios, Griffin Van Malssen, and director Brad Lockhart, captures the essence of motorsport competition and endurance. Executive producers include Jeff Gordon and HMS, alongside NASCAR’s Tim Clark, John Dahl, Amy Anderson, Tally Hair, and Matt Summers, whose combined expertise guarantees a compelling narrative.
Looking ahead, Amazon is collaborating with Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) on another documentary, focusing on driver Kyle Larson‘s ambitious attempt to complete the Indy 500 / Coke 600 double. This follows his previous year’s unexpected failure.
News in Brief: NASCAR Le Mans Documentary Release
The documentary provides an insightful look into NASCAR’s ambitious entry at Le Mans, showcasing the engineering expertise of their 700hp machine and the resilience of the driver lineup. Despite challenges, their resolve led to a commendable race completion, highlighting teamwork and innovation. The production team, known for capturing the essence of motorsports, plans future projects that explore deeper into racing’s cultural impact, promising to engage audiences with stories of perseverance and victory in the face of adversity.
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