Le Mans champion Mike Rockenfeller has been tapped by Legacy Motor Club (LMC) to drive the No. 42 NASCAR Chevy for the next two weekends. Rockenfeller will race the Indy Road Course on August 13th, 2023, and Watkins Glen on August 20th.
Rockenfeller was part of the Garage 56 program that put a NASCAR Next Gen Camaro on track at Le Mans in June, and worked closely with fellow driver and LMC part-owner Jimmie Johnson to compete in the endurance race. This weekend’s race at Indy will be Rockenfeller’s first time in the Cup Series on that particular course, and it’s worth noting that he does have two Cup Series starts under his belt already, having competed at Watkins Glen and the Charlotte Roval in 2022.
“After racing with Jimmie in IMSA for two years and together in the Garage 56 program, not only were we teammates, but we are now great friends,” said Rockenfeller. “To get to race for him in the NASCAR Cup Series for LEGACY M.C. with him as a co-owner is such a true honor. It’s going to be a huge challenge as I have never raced at Indy. I was dreaming about being in a Cup Series car again and I’m thankful for the opportunity. I will try my best in this short timeframe to come together with the team and have a great race in Indy.”
Johnson said he’s thrilled to have his friend take the wheel of the No. 42 NASCAR Chevy Camaro for the two forthcoming road course events.
“Rocky and I were teammates and helped develop the G56 program,” said Johnson. “I couldn’t think of a better person to assist our Club in this tough situation. These back-to-back road course events will be great for Rocky from the technical side as they will bring out his expertise. Rocky is extremely knowledgeable and talented, and I know he will get us the best results possible.”
As a reminder, Noah Gragson, the regular driver of the No. 42 NASCAR Chevy for LMC, was suspended last weekend due to liking a racially insensitive meme on social media. At this time, it’s not clear when, or if, he will be reinstated.
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Comments
It will be interesting to watch.
Hope he wrecks on the first lap . I believe everyone is getting sick and tired of the Nascar pandering ! george floyd was a drug addicted thug that resisted arrest ! Noah Gragson is a very talented race car driver. I hope he gets picked up by a good team like Hendricks next year where he actually has a chance to win!
This politically correct movement in a country that might allow a criminal to run for president seems more than a little misplaced.