Days After Sending the Motorsport Industry Into Frenzy, Hendrick Motorsports Drops Massive Announcement That Might Change Le Mans’ Structure

Hendrick Motorsports surprised the NASCAR world by announcing their Le Mans project. The Rick Hendrick-owned team took upon the chance to represent NASCAR in the prestigious test of endurance. The project named Garage 56 saw NASCAR return to Le Mans after decades.

After receiving their due credits for their contribution to making the initiative a success, they have revealed their plans to continue showing up at the event. Although things aren’t that concrete, it seems the possibility will not be ignored for Hendrick Motorsports.

HMS crew chief at Le Mans, Greg Ives, implies the same in his latest Ch 90 SiriusXM radio channel appearance.

Hendrick Motorsports Crew Chief Discloses Possible Plans of Le Mans Return for NASCAR

NASCAR’s winningest team joined forces with the best tire and car manufacturers in Goodyear and Chevy. They boasted an incredible roster of champions like Jenson Button, Mike Rockenfeller and, of course, Jimmie Johnson. Having led the team onto the track, Ives has now got a good idea, if they plan on doing that again.

From his understanding of the potential return of NASCAR next year, he said, “As for the future, you know, I don’t necessarily see us running more cars, you know, at a Le Mans race because of this. I do see the potential, probably, you know, in a year or two.” He shows his skepticism over an immediate return.

“It’s a bit influential to the program which we are all doing, and I don’t know what his (John Doonan’s) vision is. He was a large part of making all this happen and prepared the program, so I don’t know where that falls in line.” said Ives who saw his team finish 39th at the historic event.

The #24 Chevrolet Camaro went as high as 27th in the race. Definitely a good return for the division and especially for NASCAR President Jim France continuing NASCAR’s founder Bill France Sr’s legacy.

Read More: Kenny Wallace Savagely Mocks NASCAR & Hendrick Motorsports for Going Berserk Over Achieving Their Meager Le Mans Goal

I Don’t See This Dying Out: Ives Shares His Optimism About Future Le Mans Plans

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“You know I really don’t get into all that or the politics behind that. I was mainly focused on what we had going on. Whenever there’s one, you know, it’s not necessarily a race but when you get two there definitely is so I don’t see this dying out,” said Ives, clearing his name from having any hand in major decisions.

Most of the big decisions were left up to the executive bodies as the crew focused on enhancing their vehicle’s performance.

“I definitely see there’s a future somewhere along the line. I don’t know the timeline or when or where. But I definitely see the success and the durability, the drivers being part of something that maybe bigger than just the 3-4 hours set lap race and try to put a little bit more endurance into it.”

Ives emphasizes on the importance of durability, stating the obvious demand for the event. The vehicle faced a transaxle dislocation problem that needed to be addressed immediately. The driver at that point, Jenson Button, was seen slowing down amid the dry noises. Although the Xtrac transaxle kept up with time till that point, it turned out to be too much in the end. But overall, with Jimmie taking the car past the flag, the race ended on a good note.

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