The motorsports world is abuzz with excitement as four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and current vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, Jeff Gordon, hints at future plans for Rick Hendrick’s European project. Gordon’s affiliation with the project stems from his personal experience behind the wheel of the Next Gen Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, an endeavor that left him optimistic about the possibilities ahead.
Rick Hendrick’s venture into the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023 was a triumphant success, marking NASCAR’s return to Le Mans after more than 40 years. The Garage 56 entry, featuring seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, 2009 Formula One champion Jenson Button, and two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller, was a hit among the European fans in Le Mans, France. Despite a driveline issue that sidetracked the team for over an hour, the car completed 285 laps on the 8.4-mile circuit, finishing 39th in a field of 62 cars.
This historical return to Le Mans inspired Jeff Gordon to take the Garage 56 car for a spin as part of the Ten-Tenths Motor Club in November 2023. His experience set the wheels in motion for the formulation of new plans, with Gordon expressing a desire to test the car’s potential on different tracks.
Gordon, however, acknowledged that the vehicle was not without its flaws. A tall rear gear setting led to a temporary drop in RPM, which he plans to address. “We’re going to tune it up a bit more specifically for Ten Tenths,” he shared, highlighting the car’s impressive power, grip, acceleration, and advanced technology.
The Garage 56 entry at Le Mans was the culmination of over a year of collaborative work between NASCAR, Chevrolet, IMSA, and Goodyear. This marked the first NASCAR entry at Le Mans since 1976 when Dick Hutcherson and Herschel McGriff took modified Cup cars for a spin. Gordon emphasized that the Garage 56 car was specifically designed for the European motorsports event, boasting tremendous capabilities, downforce, and tire.
Rick Hendrick’s organization, which was only a fledgling entity in the motorsports world four decades ago, has since soared to impressive heights, securing 313 Cup Series victories and 14 championships. His relentless pursuit of motorsports glory is evident in the recent Le Mans effort.
Jenson Button, a key player in the Garage 56 entry and the 2018 champion of the Super GT Series, showered praises on Hendrick’s team following his Le Mans experience. He expressed gratitude for their professionalism and enthusiasm, stating that it was exactly the kind of environment he sought.
With Jeff Gordon gearing up to bring the Garage 56 entry back into the spotlight, the future seems bright for Rick Hendrick’s European project. Motorsport enthusiasts can only wait with bated breath to see what the iconic HMS team will unveil next.