This Race Killed The Myth That The Stock Car Is A One-Trick Pony

NASCAR fans have marveled at the sheer power on display when these stock cars zoom around a track in pursuit of a win. But can they do more than go fast and turn left?

That’s what drivers want to find out in the upcoming 24-hour Le Mans race.

A promising start

When you think of Le Mans, you might picture the heavily modified GT cars that have won the endurance race in the past. But there’s always a place for different types of vehicles to participate.

Sometimes they perform well, but in many cases the race proves that it’s just too demanding. As for the newest generation of stock cars, it appears that the chance for success is pretty high.

During pre-race testing over the weekend, the NASCAR entry — a much larger car than the others competing in Le Mans — proved its capability.

Many skeptics thought its big engine and high curb weight would be a serious disadvantage. Some even thought it might be dangerous to other drivers to encounter the slower stock car during the race.

In the end, however, the stock car posted better times than any of its production-based competitors.

A tale of two eras

Nearly 50 years ago, a pair of NASCAR racers took on Le Mans. Although the vehicles drew plenty of attention, neither of them had the stamina to complete the daylong race.

But that was a much different time and stock cars bore little resemblance to the high-tech, more aerodynamic machines that currently dominate the sport.

Next Gen stock cars were introduced last year and include:

• A new five-speed sequential transmission
• A fully independent rear suspension
• A smooth undercarriage

Combined with steps to reduce weight, there’s a good chance that this could be NASCAR’s year to dominate Le Mans.

Chris Agee June 7th, 2023

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