HMS’ Secret Weapon Makes a 4-Word Confession on Harsh Conditions in the 2nd Biggest Racing Series in the World

2023 has certainly been a monumental year for NASCAR. From hosting its first-ever street course in Chicago to finishing the crown jewel endurance race of them–the 24 hours of Le Mans–the American promotion captured the fan’s imagination, celebrating its 75 glorious years of elite racing pedigree as the Cup Series Chevy letting its mighty roar echo in France.

The organization’s Next-Gen Camaro ZL1 was a runaway hit from day 1 with fans clicking pictures and rushing to hear the rumbling V8 sing its glory at Circuit de la Sarthe. Not only did the ambitious Garage 56 project deliver the sounds and sight of NASCAR, but it proved that it could also beat the superior GTE cars in their own game, finishing the 24-hour marathon race 39th in the 62-car field.

Reflecting on the achievement, Garage 56 driver and one of 4 drivers who piloted the Hendrick Motorsports partnered Racey Blue Camaro got real about running in the 2nd biggest racing promotion in the world.

Rick Hendrick’s driver and NASCAR’s pride explains what it’s like to race in Le Mans

The stakes were high. It took 2 years of precise planning and countless hours of toil of several executives from NASCAR, HMS, Goodyear, and GM to make the organization’s dream come true. While 2023 marked NASCAR’s 75 years of aggressive racing, another behemoth – the 24 hours of Le Mans celebrated its 100 years and NASCAR played its part by rolling out a stellar car for its Le Mans debut.

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At the helm of the Chevy was none other than the sport’s biggest and most successful driver, the 7-time champion, Jimmie Johnson. Jordan Taylor, 2009 F1 champion, Jenson Button, and 2-time Le Mans class 2 conqueror Mike Rockenfeller joined the fray as they bettered the powerful and agile GTE spec car in their own element until a mechanical failure got the #56 Chevy into the garage.

While the issue was resolved after a brief stop, NASCAR’s brainchild completed the crown jewel race, finishing 39th, edging out several cars in the process. Recently, the HMS camp released a short clip of their Le Mans driver, Mike Rockenfeller, reflecting on what it’s really like to run one of the most excruciating races of them all.

“Never so. No, seriously, well, it’s I do it all my life. It’s not that difficult, you know. You wake up and you’re always full of adrenaline anyway. You don’t really sleep, maybe 1 hour or 2 hours,” said the German racing sensation. Furthermore, he took a realistic approach saying, “But when you wake up after a short nap you know especially when you jump in the car you’re ready, ready and when you fire up the engine and go you’re fully in your zone, and its no problem.”

Mike Rockenfeller’s Indy run gone wrong as the Le Mans triumphant ends up mid-20s in NASCAR

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The day wasn’t too bright for Legacy Motor Club or the 2010 Le Mans champion, Mike Rockenfeller. Despite featuring a star-studded lineup of potent international drivers, Verizon 200 at the Brickyard was more like a reality check. While it was Michael McDowell of Front Row Motorsports who aced the 2.5-mile road course, trumping the Chicago race winner, SVG, LGM’s Mike Rockenfeller had to be content with a mid-20 finish.

Replacing the rookie Noah Gragson, who has been fired from JJ’s team, the German took the seat, eyeing to make a mark at the iconic Indy track. However, things did not work out well for him and his #42 Chevy. Unlike previous races at the 14-turn track, this time the field was prepared and looked flawless, with just 1 caution coming off in the early stage of the 82-lap race.

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Reacting to his dull 24th-place finish, according to NBC, the driver was hard on himself. He said, “I think I didn’t do a good job from my end. We didn’t have the best car, that’s for sure, but we made slow progress a learned a lot this week.” He then admitted his biggest mistake of the day – speeding in the pit lane that got the driver a penalty, essentially ruining his day.