Jeff Gordon’s excitement was palpable as he discussed NASCAR’s historic venture into the 24 Hours of Le Mans on the TODAY show. The four-time NASCAR champion reflected on the groundbreaking project, which is now featured in Prime Video’s documentary “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans,” which premiered June 12.
Gordon emphasized how the mission represented more than just racing; it was about showcasing American motorsport excellence on the world’s biggest endurance racing stage.
Jeff Gordon Reveals NASCAR’s Le Mans Mission to Represent America
The documentary chronicles the ambitious Garage 56 entry, featuring a specially modified Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 built by Hendrick Motorsports. Gordon, now vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, stressed the magnitude of the challenge facing the team.
The NASCAR stock car isn’t designed to race at Le Mans. The competition, the technology, the endurance—it’s a different world.
The project fulfilled a long-held dream by NASCAR Chairman Jim France, echoing a vision first attempted by his father, Bill France, in 1976. The 18-month engineering process transformed a car built for three-hour oval races into a 24-hour endurance machine.
“We didn’t just go there to show up. We were there representing America, Chevrolet, Goodyear, NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports. It sends chills up my spine just thinking about it,” Gordon added with evident pride.
NASCAR’s Le Mans Documentary Captures Global Racing Impact
The film showcases an elite driver lineup featuring seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button and Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller. Their preparation, camaraderie and emotional journey carrying the American flag internationally take center stage.
“This documentary does an amazing job of really capturing the behind-the-scenes and the challenges that it really created,” Gordon noted about the production.
Despite a late-race transmission issue, the NASCAR Camaro finished 39th overall at Le Mans 2023. The achievement resonated far beyond the final standings, with Le Mans viewership spiking 59% compared to the previous year.
The “NASCAR effect” generated massive social media engagement, with Garage 56 content accumulating over 18 million TikTok views. The overwhelming positive reaction has accelerated NASCAR’s international expansion talks with new series and potential races in Brazil, Montreal, the Middle East and India now under consideration.
The documentary, executive produced by Gordon and directed by Brad Lockhart, streams exclusively on Prime Video across 240+ countries and territories. For Gordon and the entire team, the legacy extends beyond competition. It represents American ingenuity, determination, and the power of bold dreams on motorsport’s global stage.