Published 12/21/2022, 5:37 PM EST
Earlier this year, NASCAR dropped a massive bomb that took everyone by surprise. As it turned out, the stock car series announced plans to field a car in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This was a joint effort of NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports, called Garage 56. Admittedly, the likes of Ford and Toyota did not appreciate the stunt, and Denny Hamlin was particularly incensed.
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He accused NASCAR of showing bias towards HMS. Especially since there is a chance that HMS could gain some unfair advantage by running in the race. However, it is worth mentioning that the Le Mans gig isn’t HMS’s first rodeo away from the NASCAR arena. Though known primarily as one of the most successful teams in NASCAR with 14 NASCAR Cup Series championship titles, HMS has stuck its fingers in a few different pies.
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Hendrick Motorsports’ ventures beyond NASCAR
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During the 1980s, the organization dabbled in sports car racing shortly after its establishment. They partnered with Chevrolet’s Motorsports Technology Group. The product of that partnership was the Corvette Grand Tour Prototype (GTP) race car. Between 1985 and 1988, the Corvette GTP competed in the IMSA GT Series. Safe to say, the team enjoyed success at Road Atlanta and the West Palm Beach street course in 1986.
AVONDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 07: #9: Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet Camaro NAPA Auto Parts races #5: Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet Camaro HendrickCars.com during the NASCAR Cup Series championship race on November 7, 2021 at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The drivers steering the car to victory were Doc Bundy and Sarel van der Merwe. Furthermore, Hendrick Motorsports also attracted top racing drivers like John Andretti, Michael Andretti, and Bobby Rahal, among others. Now the team is aiming to grab a second bite of the international cherry. The best way for this is the 24 Hours of Le Mans next season with its ambitious Garage 56 team.
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Of course, the team’s entry is not guaranteed, as they need an official invitation for the June 11–12 event. Nevertheless, the outfit is hard at work preparing for it. Recently, a test car underwent a few test sessions at Virginia International Raceway and Carolina Motorsports Park.
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