Revving Up for Le Mans: NASCAR’s Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Unveiled for Garage 56 Entry
When it comes to the world of motorsports, few events capture the hearts of racing enthusiasts quite like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This legendary endurance race has seen some of the most iconic cars and drivers in history, and it continues to be a proving ground for innovation and performance.
In a groundbreaking move, NASCAR, in collaboration with Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet, and Goodyear, is set to make its mark on this prestigious event with the unveiling of the Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which will compete as the Garage 56 entry in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Garage 56 project, which is on the verge of receiving approval from l’Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), is a thrilling partnership that brings together NASCAR, the winningest team in the sport’s history, Hendrick Motorsports, the renowned manufacturer Chevrolet, and the tire giant Goodyear. It promises to be an event that car racing fans won’t want to miss.
One might wonder how a car designed for the oval tracks of NASCAR will adapt to the demanding and diverse conditions of a 24-hour endurance race like Le Mans. Well, the transformation of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for this monumental challenge is nothing short of impressive.
The core systems and components of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 remain largely unchanged from the Next Gen race car that regularly competes in the NASCAR Cup Series. However, significant modifications have been made to ensure the car can endure the grueling Le Mans race. Notable adaptations include fully functioning headlights and taillights, a larger fuel cell, carbon brake discs, and specially designed Goodyear Eagle race tires.
Jim France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO, emphasized the importance of maintaining the authenticity of the NASCAR stock car throughout the adaptation process. “From the beginning of this project, it was important to us that the car we bring to Le Mans is a true NASCAR stock car,” he explained. “While there have been some adjustments to allow the car to compete in a 24-hour endurance race, fans in Le Mans will be treated to the full NASCAR experience.”
The development and testing of this unique race car began in earnest in August at Road Atlanta, with the accomplished two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, Mike Rockenfeller, taking the wheel. Joining him will be a star-studded driver lineup that includes seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and the 2009 Formula 1 world champion, Jenson Button. Together, these seasoned drivers will tackle the challenging 24-hour race, marking the event’s 100th anniversary in grand style. In preparation for this momentous occasion, the test car and its previous iteration have logged an impressive 3,600 miles during six rigorous testing sessions at various renowned tracks, including Road Atlanta, Virginia International Raceway, Goodyear Proving Grounds, Carolina Motorsports Park, Sebring International Raceway, and Daytona International Speedway.
NASCAR Next Gen Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Specs
Dimensions:
- Length: 195.4 inches (4,961 mm)
- Width: 78.6 inches (1,996.4 mm)
- Height: 50.4 inches (1,280 mm)
- Wheelbase: 110 inches (2,794 mm)
- Weight: 2,960 lbs (1,342 kg)
- Spoiler: 6 inches (152.4 mm)
Body and Chassis:
- Body: 2023 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 composite symmetric body featuring integral flap systems, camera mounts, and dive planes
- Underwing: Full carbon undertray with Le Mans spec splitter, engine panel, and rear diffuser
- Chassis: Steel tubing with bolt-on front and rear clips and front/rear bumpers
Transmission and Suspension:
- Transaxle: 5-speed paddle shift sequential with ramp and plate differential
- Suspension (Front and rear): Double wishbone billet aluminum control arms with adjustable coil-over shock absorbers
Steering and Wheels:
- Steering: Rack and pinion
Wheels:
- Dry Fronts – BBS-G56 forged aluminum 18” x 12.5”
- Dry Rears – BBS-G56 forged aluminum 18” x 13.5”
- Wets – BBS forged aluminum 18” x 12”
Tires:
- Dry Fronts – Goodyear Racing Eagles – 365/35R18 (day/night)
- Dry Rears – Goodyear Racing Eagles – 380/35R18 (day/night)
- Wets – Goodyear Racing Eagles – 365/35R18 (inter/full)
- Cured in-tire, passive TPMS system, Powered by Goodyear Sightline
Brakes:
- Six-piston monobloc front calipers / four-piston monobloc rear calipers – heavy-duty carbon disc packages
- Front Brake Rotors: 15” x 1.57” (381 mm x 40 mm) carbon disc with titanium bell
- Rear Brake Rotors: 14” x 1.26” (355.6 mm x 32 mm) carbon disc with titanium bell
Engine:
- NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolet R07 cast iron small block V8
- Engine Displacement: 358 cu in (5.8 L)
- Induction System: Naturally aspirated
- Fuel System: Fuel injection
- Oil System: Dry sump
- Engine Cooling: Air exits radiator through hood louvers
- Exhaust: Split-side exit exhaust
Fuel Cell:
- 32 gallons (127 L) – Total Excellium Racing 100
With these impressive specs and a team of seasoned drivers, the Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is poised to make a significant impact at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans. This innovative collaboration between NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet, and Goodyear represents a thrilling fusion of motorsports expertise and promises to deliver an unforgettable racing experience at the world’s most prestigious endurance event.
Racing fans can look forward to witnessing the full NASCAR experience on the historic Le Mans track, where this remarkable car will undoubtedly leave its mark on the annals of racing history.
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