Garage 56 NASCAR Programme Progresses

Road Atlanta last week saw the first track test for the test mule of the NASCAR, Chevrolet and Hendricks Motorsport ‘Garage 56’ 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours effort.

The first #NextGen56 test is underway! This test car, run by @AX_Racing and driven by test driver @mikerockenfell3, will serve as the starting point for the development of our Garage 56 entry that will compete at Le Mans. pic.twitter.com/HfWi2vZwQd

— NASCARG56 (@nascarg56) August 29, 2022

A new kind of @NASCAR

Sound WAY up pic.twitter.com/5yeoZTWrox

— NASCARG56 (@nascarg56) August 29, 2022

The Goodyear-shod ‘Gen 7’ Camaro was driven by Mike Rockenfeller, himself now a NASCAR Cup series starter after starting for Spire Motorsports at Watkins Glen last month, rolled out for a two day test last Monday and Tuesday with the car running through systems checks and starting the process of tyre testing with Goodyear.

“To be here now, the first guy to drive the test car for the project, I think that’s an honor.”

Test driver Mike Rockenfeller talks about his first experience with the #NextGen56 test car! pic.twitter.com/1t8dKoO4AI

— NASCARG56 (@nascarg56) August 30, 2022

There is still no confirmation of the full technical specification of the car with rumours continuing that the car will feature a hybrid powertrain.

Day

Test driver Mike Rockenfeller is pushing this test #NextGen56 car to the limit on the second day of our initial test. pic.twitter.com/1H6XVxIhyH

— NASCARG56 (@nascarg56) August 30, 2022

NASCAR media have reported that after protests from Toyota, all test and race data will be ‘open source’ for all NASCAR Cup competitors

The test was supported by Action Express Racing with good weather for both days on track, Hendricks Motorsport’s VP of Competition, Chad Knaus proclaiming himself pleased with the early progress with car development and further testing to follow shortly.

“This test is really critical today.”@chadknaus of @TeamHendrick talks the importance of this test for the development of the #NextGen56 car. pic.twitter.com/xqXig6hz5a

— NASCARG56 (@nascarg56) August 30, 2022