Sometimes bringing together a bunch of random champions in an attempt to achieve success is not the wisest idea in the world.
For the Garage 56 sqaud however, this is a gamble that they hope will pay off, as 2009 F1 champion Jenson Button and seven-time NASCAR cup series champion Jimmie Johnson will be joining the team for this year’s Le Mans 24-hour race.
The pair will be linking up with 2010 Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller with Garage 56, meaning the team boast a trio of champions from all different avenues of racing.
Have a NASCAR driver taking part in Le Mans may seem like a slightly odd combination but in a statement released by the team, Johnson expressed his delight at being able to take part in such an iconic race.
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“I’m super thrilled – it’s been at the top of my bucket list to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans someday,” he said.
“To have this opportunity come – and to partner with everybody and this driver lineup – is a truly incredible opportunity and one that I am thankful to be a part of.”
After retiring from Formula 1 in 2017, Jenson button has tried his hand in the Super GT GT500 championship, impressively winning the championship itself in 2018.
Having been on the sidelines for a while now, Button has said it is a dream come true to race at Le Mans with his close friends.
“As a lifelong racing fan, I have always dreamed of racing certain cars, with and against certain drivers and competing in certain events,” he said.
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“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.
“I’m really looking forward to sharing this journey with NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet and Goodyear, and current and future NASCAR fans from around the world.”
The team will drive a Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at the event which has been customised and adapted for the event, with a new chassis and suspension being part of the car’s Le Mans overhaul.