American SpeedFest 10, Powered by Lucas Oil, strengthens its ties with NASCAR following confirmation that the NASCAR Next Gen Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the Le Mans 24 Hours will be displayed at Brands Hatch on 17/18 June.
NASCAR will enter the machine at the 24 Hours of Le Mans a week prior to American SpeedFest, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. Seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will share driving duties with 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button and former 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller.
The NASCAR Next Gen Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has been specially adapted to take a NASCAR-style stock car back to the 'twice around the clock' endurance classic for the first time since 1976, when a Ford Torino and Dodge Charger entered the race.
The Garage 56 exhibit will feature the car on static display in a bespoke fan zone at SpeedFest 10, with spectators able to take a closer look at this unique machine.
This exciting addition to the SpeedFest programme comes in addition to a thrilling on-track line-up headlined by the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, with NASCAR demonstrations and a curated selection of themed support races.
There will be an extensive range of off-circuit attractions too, including a huge American car display, the new SpeedFest Country music festival and a Live Action Arena headlined by monster truck shows.
Jerome Galpin, NWES President – CEO, said: “It’s an honor to bring the Garage 56 NASCAR car to the British audience which has been one of the best for the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series all over the past ten years. The car and its participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans are the perfect tools to put NASCAR even more under the spotlight in Europe and showcase the direct link with the NASCAR official European series. I am sure the fans will once again enjoy the show provided by EuroNASCAR: emotions, close door-to-door racing, unparalleled access to teams and drivers in a unique American atmosphere.”
Chad Seigler, NASCAR Chief International Officer, said: “The American SpeedFest at Brands Hatch regularly attracts tens of thousands of race fans from across Europe and this year’s 10th anniversary edition will be no different. We’re excited to offer our fans the opportunity to see the NASCAR Next Gen Garage 56 car in person immediately following the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The project has been an important initiative for NASCAR to bring the sights and sounds of our sport to one of the most prestigious races in the world.”
Weekend tickets are available in advance for £45 (with weekend camping an additional £29). Advance adult admission is £25 for Saturday and £30 for Sunday. Reductions are available for 13-15-year-olds and under-13s go FREE. All tickets include admission to the full American SpeedFest 10 race event in addition to the Live Action Arena and SpeedFest Country music stage. For more information, please visit www.speedfest.co.uk.