J.C. France lifts his 2014 Chevrolet Camaro, wrapped in the Garage 56 livery, to victory at the Le Mans Classic after key leaders retire.
J.C. France Wins at Le Mans Classic
In a decisive final lap, J.C. France—a grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr.—steered a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro, adorned with a Garage 56 wrap, to the top of the podium. The move came after Andrew Jordan, piloting the 2013 PEAK Toyota Camry, spun off the Mulsanne straight, pulling into the corner on the finish line and forcing the 2013 leader into retirement. Following Jordan’s exit, Kurt Busch, who had been tussling for the lead in the 2020 Monster Energy Chevrolet Camaro, and Dave Roberts in the 2012 Miller Lite Dodge Charger, were also forced to surrender their positions as the race neared its conclusion.
France held the advantage against Nigel Armstrong, who drove the 2007 Menards Toyota Camry, navigating a tight finish to secure second place. Behind them, Ryan Gemmell, the 2021 RAM: Race for The Seat champion, completed the podium in the 2002 Perrier‑wrapped Chevrolet Monte Carlo, styled to resemble the fictional Jean Girard vehicle from the film Talladega Nights.
Podium and Incidents
The 35‑minute contest was punctuated by a series of spins and mechanical failures. The most significant incident unfolded entering the final bend: Gary Moore’s 1994 Ford Thunderbird clipped the Oldsmobile Cutlass (1964) driven by Robin Haas. The collision launched Moore’s car into the air for a brief moment before both vehicles spun in unison.
Weekend Schedule
HSR NASCAR Classic, a marquee event presented by Goodyear, returns on Sunday, July 5. Race 2 is scheduled for 10:25 a.m. local time (4:25 a.m. EDT), while the finale, Race 3, will commence at 3:25 p.m. local time (9:25 a.m. EDT). Live coverage will be broadcast on the HSR and IMSA YouTube channels.
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