Jeff Gordon promotes NASCAR Le Mans documentary on TODAY show as the much-anticipated film, American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans, prepares for its Prime Video release on June 12. This new documentary explores the effort behind NASCAR’s 2023 entry into the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Gordon and several notable figures collaborating to introduce a NASCAR stock car to the iconic French race.
The film centers on the Garage 56 project, a unique NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 crafted for Le Mans in France. The car was driven by an accomplished trio, including seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, as part of a rare opportunity—the Garage 56 invitation has been extended only five times since its inception in 2012. This invitation allowed a NASCAR stock car to compete against purpose-built sports cars in an event dominated by specialized racing machines, presenting an array of technical and strategic hurdles for the team.
During his appearance on the TODAY show, Jeff Gordon outlined the challenges of adapting a NASCAR stock car for an endurance race like Le Mans. He pointed out that the differences in design create a particularly tough environment for NASCAR vehicles, which are not engineered with the same specifications as their endurance-racing counterparts. Gordon, a four-time Cup Series champion and now vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports, emphasized the rarity and prestige of this Garage 56 invitation, describing it as a singular experience in international motorsports.
Gordon also highlighted the perseverance and ingenuity needed to make the car competitive. The documentary delves into the technical adjustments, teamwork, and the strong sense of national pride that fueled the project. Hendrick Motorsports, working alongside Chevrolet, Goodyear, and other partners, took on significant risks and set high goals, aiming to represent America with distinction on the Le Mans stage—not simply to participate, but to stand out. As Gordon reflected on these efforts, he offered viewers a firsthand account from his leadership perspective at Hendrick Motorsports.
“We were fast. We didn’t just go there to just show up. We were there representing America, Chevrolet, Goodyear, NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports. It sends chills up my spine just thinking about it and this documentary does an amazing job of really capturing the behind-the-scenes and the challenges that it really created,”
—Jeff Gordon, vice chairman
The documentary, set to debut on Prime Video, shines a light on the behind-the-scenes stories, offering racing fans a chance to witness the determination and collaboration involved in the Garage 56 entry. Along with the documentary, Prime Video will be the exclusive streaming home for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series races in Mexico City and Pocono, broadening access for motorsports enthusiasts and cementing streaming’s role in event coverage.
Jeff Gordon Connects with Fans on Social Media Ahead of Release
In the days leading up to American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans, Jeff Gordon engaged his followers by sharing content from his TODAY show appearance on Instagram. The behind-the-scenes selfie video served as both a personal update and an enthusiastic endorsement of the documentary, urging fans to tune in when it premieres for Prime Video subscribers on June 12.
Gordon’s Evolving Role in NASCAR Leadership
While Gordon last raced full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series during the 2015 season, his influence in the sport remains prominent. Following a stint as a commentator for NASCAR on FOX from 2016 until 2021, he transitioned to executive leadership with Hendrick Motorsports, taking on the role of vice chairman. This new position allows Gordon to continue shaping the future of the organization while maintaining a visible presence in the racing world.
The release of American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans marks another chapter in Gordon’s multifaceted career and underscores the importance of the Garage 56 initiative. The documentary promises to provide fans with an immersive view of the risks, challenges, and accomplishments that defined the project and to celebrate American innovation and teamwork on a global stage.
