On May 1, Amazon Prime Video released the official teaser for American Thunder, spotlighting NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon alongside Rick Hendrick. The high-profile documentary chronicles NASCAR’s ambitious Garage 56 effort at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, with the film set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video starting June 12. Racing fans and newcomers alike now get a rare, inside look at one of American motorsport’s boldest international ventures, and the energy around Jeff Gordon’s involvement as vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports is unmistakable.
The story captured in American Thunder is nothing short of historic, revisiting the moment when America’s stock car legacy, led by icons like Jeff Gordon, made its presence felt on the world stage. As anticipation for the June premiere heats up, NASCAR’s decision to retell this journey through Jeff Gordon’s perspective has already struck a chord with viewers. Social media has been buzzing since NASCAR reposted Prime Video’s teaser, which quickly captivated viewers with up-close paddock scenes and exhilarating race footage. After nearly five decades away, NASCAR’s dramatic return to Le Mans—with Jeff Gordon at the heart of its leadership—marks a pivotal moment for racing culture and for those who’ve followed his career both in and out of the driver’s seat.
Commemorating NASCAR’s 75th anniversary, the Garage 56 entry was born from deep collaboration between Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet, Goodyear, and NASCAR. The documentary’s cast of voices includes not just racers, but figureheads who have steered the sport’s legacy. Jim France, the current CEO and son of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr.; owner Rick Hendrick; championship-winning crew chief Chad Knaus; and Jeff Gordon, now vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports, all provide first-hand insight into the challenges and triumphs of this project.
Jim France’s presence in the teaser is particularly moving. Referring to his father’s 1976 attempt to field stock cars at Le Mans—a race where hopes were high, but both cars had to retire prematurely—France says, “This time, we wanted to honor history and finish what was started.” His words underline how the 2023 campaign, with Jeff Gordon’s direct involvement, wasn’t just an experiment or an exhibition, but a redemptive effort to rewrite a storied past.
The 2023 Garage 56 car, a #24 Next Gen Chevrolet ZL1, boasted a superstar driving roster: Jimmie Johnson, Formula One champion Jenson Button, and Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller. Under the stewardship of Greg Ives and Chad Knaus, and with backing from Jeff Gordon and the entire NASCAR and IMSA staff, the team set out with a clear goal: to finish the 24-hour classic, overcoming the mechanical gremlins that had haunted past efforts in 1962 and 1976.
From the start, the Chevy Camaro ZL1 drew the attention of fans and onlookers. Its thunderous V8 created a soundtrack unique to Le Mans that resonated with every lap. Button opened with a well-judged start, keeping pace with GTE-Am class leaders, before handing off to Rockenfeller at dusk. The German ace leveraged his endurance racing prowess, helping the team navigate through the most challenging, light-to-dark transitions the race could offer, recording the car’s fastest lap at 3:50.512.
As darkness took over, Jimmie Johnson took the wheel, and the car became more than just a novelty—Garage 56 was running with real intent, drawing crowds in the paddock and along the circuit. According to pit reporters, “The sound of that V8 echoing through the night made the Camaro an instant favorite—it was something special.” Still, adversity loomed, as mechanical issues with the gearbox and diffuser forced unscheduled pit stops around the 16-hour mark. The crew’s resolve, shaped by leaders like Jeff Gordon, was put to the test. Adapting strategies and refusing to lose momentum, the team overcame each challenge to restore the Camaro’s position on track.
As dawn broke, the car was back in form. Jenson Button completed the race, steering the Camaro past the finish line at 4 p.m. local time after 285 laps and just over 3,800 kilometers—a formidable achievement that placed them 39th out of 62 competitors. While not in contention for the overall podium, the effort was celebrated by Le Mans veterans and fans worldwide as a validation of what American racing, led by visionaries like Jeff Gordon, could accomplish on the global stage.
The significance of Jeff Gordon’s role in American Thunder extends beyond a single race or a single year. By blending firsthand perspective and leadership with personal experience, Gordon reflects the sport’s spirit of resilience and ambition. The documentary promises to inspire a new generation of fans, highlighting not just the technical and strategic hurdles, but the powerful personal stories that fuel these attempts. As the June 12 premiere approaches, observers expect American Thunder to reinforce the storied bond between NASCAR, its legends like Jeff Gordon, and racing’s greatest arenas. The aftermath of this documentary release could spark renewed interest in international racing efforts, opening doors for future American entries and deepening appreciation for the drivers and leaders who take on motorsport’s toughest challenges.
