Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula One world champion, will join a three top driver line-up, representing NASCAR 56 Garage entry at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans next June, NASCAR announced on Saturday in Daytona.
Ex-F1 driver Jenson Button, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, and former 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller will compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as part of the NASCAR Garage 56 project next June.
The entry is a joint effort by NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet, and Goodyear to enter the grid of the iconic race in a singular event that will celebrate its 100th anniversary.
The stellar driver line-up will share driving duties at the wheel of the Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 challenger, set to run in next week’s two-day test at Daytona International Speedway with all drivers present.
“As a lifelong racing fan, I have always dreamed of racing certain cars, with and against certain drivers, and competing in certain events,” Button stated.
The 43-year-old Briton, who in 2009 captured the FIA Formula One world championship, retired from the pinnacle of motorsport at the end of the 2016 season, adding 15 wins, eight pole positions, and 50 podiums to his name.
“In June, a number of those dreams will come true in one event when I get to bring NASCAR to the world stage alongside my pals Jimmie and ‘Rocky’ for the 100th anniversary of the most prestigious race in the world,” he added.
Button Partners in Crime
Johnson’s remarkable career includes seven NASCAR Cup Series championships, winning 83 races for Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet.
Recently, the American became part owner of the NASCAR Cup Series team LEGACY MOTOR CLUB that will take part in next month’s Daytona 500.
Last December, the 47-year-old from California helped test the Garage 56 car at the Sebring International Raceway.
“I’m super thrilled, it’s been at the top of my bucket list to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans someday,” Johnson outlined.
“To have this opportunity come, and to partner with everybody and this driver line-up, is truly an incredible opportunity and one that I am thankful to be a part of.”
Rockenfeller, the lead test driver for the Garage 56 project, completes an all-star team.
“It has been a great journey with the whole team and project,” Rockenfeller stressed.
Adding: “To be involved as a driver from day one until now was already a great honor, and now to have Jimmie and Jenson alongside me as teammates…
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