NASCAR’s Storage 56 Le Mans Racer Completes First Check at VIR

NASCAR’s Storage 56 venture was introduced again in March of this 12 months, but it surely nonetheless appears like a fever dream. The venture revolves round coming into a modified model of the Cup Sequence’ new NextGen inventory automobile into the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, the centennial anniversary version of the long-lasting race. Hendrick Motorsports, 14-time NASCAR Cup Sequence champions, are creating the Storage 56 entry with the expressed assist of NASCAR itself, IMSA, Chevrolet and Goodyear.

The Storage 56 NextGen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 hit a monitor for the primary time for a two-day check at Virginia Worldwide Raceway (VIR) earlier this week. Images taken on the check present a number of vital variations between the Storage 56 Camaro and the usual NextGen Camaro seen within the Cup Sequence this 12 months.

Dramatic dive planes have been added to the entrance fascia and the rear quarter panels, in addition to side-view mirrors. Past the apparent modifications, Challenge supervisor Chad Knaus instructed motorsport.com about extra modifications. He mentioned, “From the chassis standpoint, it’s totally different. The engine is totally different. The suspension parts are fairly a bit totally different.”

Knaus, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Sequence Championship-winning crew chief, gave his ideas on the check as an entire in a video posted on Garage 56’s official Twitter account:

“I believe it’s an enormous milestone for us. Doesn’t go with out its challenges, after all. However, that’s why you come to the racetrack to check. I believe with all of the individuals and all of the assets which were right here at VIR right now, it exhibits the significance of this program and what a giant dedication it has been for everyone.”

Knaus was clearly not the one behind the wheel out on monitor. Mike Rockenfeller was enlisted to be this system’s check driver. Rockenfeller has raced within the 24 Hours of Le Mans ten instances, famously successful the 2010 version of the endurance traditional with Audi. Whereas not a full-time Cup Sequence driver, Rockenfeller has raced a NextGen Camaro twice on street programs this previous season with Spire Motorsports.