Despite Turning His Back on Chevrolet After Massive Achievement, Jimmie Johnson Weighs on Historic Team’s Success

There have been occasional dark clouds that were cast over the preparations for Le Mans. As Hendrick Motorsports‘ brainchild, Garage 56 made its debut across the Atlantic, and gave tough competition to the other hypercars from Ferrari and Porsche. It was surely a moment of pride moment for the world of American stock racing. It was an even prouder moment for HMS and Chevrolet, the manufacturer of the Camaro ZL1.

Even though Chevrolet may have shined on the tracks of Circuit de la Sarthe, it seems that the American manufacturer is in trouble, especially with the person with whom they partnered up for the success at Le Mans.

Jimmie Johnson delivers his soul-gratifying race at Le Mans

Hendrick Motorsports Garage 56 may not have been eligible for any awards in the long endurance race, but competing in the most prestigious endurance race was surely a dream come true for many, especially Jimmie Johnson.

The 7x Cup Series champion was roped in the role of piloting the “Le Monster” by Rick Hendrick after laying the final groundwork for the racing competition. He had revealed, “I haven’t talked to Jimmie yet. I’m sure he would do it if he didn’t have a conflict.”

After hearing the news, the driver expressed, “I just need to make sure I’m available, and I want to go there and race. I’ve been working in the direction of racing in LMDh [IMSA’s new top prototype next year] and LMP2.”

And as promised, Johnson delivered a stellar performance in Le Man, as the V8-powered car finally took the chequered. Apart from a few mechanical hiccups the Chevrolet Camaro finished at 39th, the position it started from. As the race finally came to fruition, the veteran driver was asked, “How’s it feel to take the checkered flag at Le Mans?”

To this, Johnson replied, “Awesome. I wish we could come back and do it again. This moment, like with everybody, I hate that it is over. […] I hope to come back without a doubt and do this race again. But this moment in time, this group of people, it won’t happen again. It’s just impossible.”

But all good things must come to an end. However, to relive the memory for one last time and show gratitude to everyone involved in the sport. Mike Rockenfeller took the initiative and posted a picture of the whole team on Instagram and added the words, “Thanks again to my team @teamhendrick. You guys are just unbelievable. I am so proud to say that I have been one of your drivers.”

And Jimmie Johnson acknowledged the team’s hard work and posted the picture as a story with the word, “Truth!”

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The co-owner of LMC is set to bid adieu to Chevrolet after Le Mans Success

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But the post comes days after the co-owner of Legacy Motor Club is on the search for a new manufacturer for the team and is set to join Toyota, after leaving Chevrolet. This news come crashing for the team Chevrolet as they had a long-standing partnership and were still riding the waves of the success of Le Mans. 

In an ambitious project, Toyota jumped at the opportunity when it presented itself and is set to increase its market share in NASCAR. The news was revealed by David Wilson, the Racing Development president, on Sirius XM NASCAR’s Radio. “One hundred percent. Yes, you’ll see him in a Toyota. That will be very moving and emotional for me, personally and professionally, for Toyota. Now, I’ll let Jimmie fill in the blank. But I’ll just say that Jimmie Johnson will be racing a Toyota Camry before he is done as a race car driver.”

As the news gained attention, even fans jumped on the opportunity and slammed Chevrolet.

Nevertheless, it is to be seen how the team performs under the new manufacturing partners. Will they be able to give a strong competition to the winningest manufacturer or will it fall outright on its face? Only time holds the answer to it.

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