Jimmie Johnson made headlines in 2023 by competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving a specially modified Chevrolet Camaro under the Garage 56 program. This unprecedented NASCAR entry at France’s legendary Circuit de la Sarthe showcased how Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports engineered a stock car to take on the best of European endurance racing, proving that NASCAR’s Le Mans challenge was a serious endeavor, not a mere experiment.

The Journey of Jimmie Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports

Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, began his career in 2002 with Rick Hendrick’s storied team, Hendrick Motorsports. Over nearly two decades, Johnson built a reputation for calmness under pressure and dedication to technical improvements. After retiring from full-time NASCAR competition in 2020, Johnson expanded his experience by racing in IndyCar and sports cars, broadening his understanding of international racing disciplines.

His opportunity to compete at Le Mans came through a collaboration involving Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR, Chevrolet, IMSA, and Goodyear. This project aimed to challenge traditional perspectives and bring NASCAR technology to a global endurance platform. Reflecting on the moment he was invited, Johnson said,

“When Rick (Hendrick) called, I couldn’t resist the opportunity. It’s been a big dream of mine to go to Le Mans and compete and experience what Le Mans is all about.”

—Jimmie Johnson, Race Driver

Engineering a NASCAR Camaro for Endurance Racing

The transformation of a Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 into a contender at Le Mans was a significant engineering feat. European teams accustomed to specialized prototype cars were taken aback when Hendrick Motorsports presented a reimagined stock car built for an endurance challenge. Jimmie Johnson pointed out one of the technical hurdles:

“Watching Chad and Hendrick Motorsports adapt the car for the environment, you need a much bigger fuel cell. Where do you put that? That’s a traditional NASCAR vehicle.”

—Jimmie Johnson, Race Driver

To meet the demands of a 24-hour race, the team installed a larger 32-gallon fuel cell, much bigger than the standard NASCAR specification, repositioned centrally to maintain optimal balance. This modification not only increased the car’s range but also improved weight distribution, a crucial factor for handling on the long Circuit de la Sarthe.

Weight reduction was another major focus. Johnson explained,

“One big aspect we had was the weight. We need to get weight out of the car. And so, with a big fuel cell on it, to watch the car kind of more fully come together and the performance behind it was really a lot of fun.”

—Jimmie Johnson, Race Driver

By integrating carbon-fiber components, lighter wheels, and optimized chassis elements, engineers removed approximately 525 pounds from the Camaro, bringing it closer to the weight class of GTE endurance racers. The team also equipped the car with endurance-specific features, such as headlights, taillights, upgraded brakes, and aerodynamic refinements including dive planes and bodywork adjustments. These changes blended NASCAR’s rugged durability with the agility required for Le Mans’s demanding road course.

During practice sessions, Johnson noted the surprising pace of the adapted Camaro, saying he was

“really surprised me in what it could do.”

—Jimmie Johnson, Race Driver

The Cultural and Competitive Impact of the Garage 56 Camaro

The entry of a NASCAR stock car at Le Mans challenged longstanding international assumptions about the discipline. Johnson observed significant interest from competitors and fans alike, highlighting the cultural resonance of the effort:

“The interest that other competitors had in this car was something that I’ll never forget. We certainly had a chip on our shoulders because, internationally, you know, NASCAR guys don’t feel like we’re as respected as we probably should be. To not only outrun the GT cars but to annoy all the LMPT cars as we did, people just couldn’t believe it.”

—Jimmie Johnson, Race Driver

Despite a respectable pace, a driveline failure forced the Camaro to retire from the race, ending its bid prematurely. Still, the project demonstrated that stock car technology, with proper adaptation, could be competitive and durable on the world’s toughest endurance stage. This milestone coincided with NASCAR’s 75th anniversary, symbolizing its evolving technical capabilities and the expanding reach of American motorsport culture.

Behind the Scenes: The Role of Chad Knaus and Hendrick Motorsports

Chad Knaus, renowned for his technical acumen, played a central role in reengineering the Camaro for Le Mans. His expertise guided the team through the complex challenges of adapting a NASCAR vehicle to the high demands of endurance racing. Hendrick Motorsports’ commitment to innovation was evident in every aspect of the build, from the fuel system redesign to chassis lightening, all executed to meet the strict ACO regulations governing the event.

Prime Video’s Documentary Captures the Le Mans Experience

In addition to the racing spectacle, Prime Video chronicled the Garage 56 journey in the series American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans. This documentary offers fans unprecedented access to the team’s preparation and the unique challenges they faced. Johnson commented on the filming process:

“Ordinarily, when there’s a documentary crew, it can be kind of an irritation because you’re trying to work. You’re trying to win a race. And there was a different agenda with this project. I think it might be the most relaxed docu-style or honestly documentary series. The camera crews were there as we were trying to invite them in to show how unique this experience was, and all the work, effort and energy that went into it,”

—Jimmie Johnson, Race Driver

This project is part of Prime Video’s broader effort to enhance NASCAR coverage beyond live racing, emphasizing storytelling that connects with fans by revealing the humanity behind the competition. The series is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, bringing this historic campaign to a global audience.

A New Chapter for NASCAR and International Motorsport

Jimmie Johnson’s run at Le Mans under the Garage 56 banner redefined expectations about NASCAR’s capabilities on the international stage. By blending engineering innovation with a relentless competitive spirit, Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports proved that NASCAR technology could adapt and compete in one of the world’s most prestigious endurance races. This achievement not only elevated Johnson’s career but also opened the door for future cross-disciplinary competition, demonstrating NASCAR’s growth and the potential for American racing to thrive in diverse motorsport arenas.

As NASCAR continues to evolve, the lessons learned from this groundbreaking project may influence future collaborations and technological developments. The commitment shown by Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports, and their partners underscores a passionate drive to push boundaries and expand the sport’s global footprint.