Kurt Busch to Pilot His Winning NASCAR Chevy at Le Mans for 50th Anniversary

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – May 19, 2026

A legendary American driver, a race-winning American stock car, and the world's most famous endurance racing circuit are set to converge in a celebration of motorsport history. Newly inducted 2026 NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch will compete in the Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) NASCAR Classic presented by Goodyear at the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe near Le Mans, France. The event, scheduled for July 2-5, will not only mark Busch's debut in the premier vintage racing series but will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of NASCAR's groundbreaking first appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Busch, a driver whose career is defined by both championship-winning consistency and remarkable versatility, will be behind the wheel of a car that holds deep personal significance: his No. 1 Monster Energy Chevrolet. This is the very chassis, formerly of Chip Ganassi Racing, that he drove to a triumphant victory at his home track, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, in 2020. In a grand gesture, team owner Chip Ganassi gifted the car to Busch as a permanent trophy of that win, making its return to the track an event in itself.

A Champion's Dream on Hallowed Ground

For Kurt Busch, the opportunity to race at Le Mans represents the pinnacle of a storied career that has seen him conquer nearly every major challenge in American motorsport. With 34 NASCAR Cup Series victories, a 2004 series championship, and a coveted Daytona 500 win in 2017, his place in racing history is secure. His 2026 induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame serves as the ultimate validation of his legacy. Yet, the allure of Le Mans remained an unfulfilled dream.

"Having this opportunity to race at Le Mans is a dream come true," Busch stated, his excitement palpable. "There are few places in the world with the allure, prestige and pageantry of a motorsport venue like Le Mans." His participation adds another legendary circuit to a personal world tour of racing's most revered venues. "I've been fortunate to win the Daytona 500, compete in the Indianapolis 500, tour Nürburgring, experience Fuji Speedway, and now race at Le Mans. The kid racer in me gets to live out another dream."

This is not just another race for Busch; it's a personal pilgrimage. His successful 2014 attempt at the Indianapolis 500, where he finished an impressive sixth, demonstrated his adaptability beyond the traditional NASCAR oval. Now, he brings that same spirit of adventure to the historic 8.467-mile French circuit, a track that has tested the world's greatest drivers and machines for over a century.

Bridging History: 50 Years in the Making

The event carries a profound historical weight, celebrating the 50th anniversary of a bold transatlantic venture. In 1976, NASCAR, in a partnership with the race organizers, sent two hulking stock cars to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The entries—a Dodge Charger driven by Hershel and Doug McGriff and a Ford Torino piloted by NASCAR legends Dick Hutcherson and Bobby Allison—were a culture shock to the European racing establishment. Their thunderous V8 engines echoed through the French countryside, a stark contrast to the sleek European prototypes.

While neither car finished the grueling 24-hour race, both succumbing to mechanical failures, their presence was a landmark moment. It was a demonstration of American racing ambition on a global stage and left an indelible mark on the history of both NASCAR and Le Mans. The 2026 HSR NASCAR Classic is a direct tribute to that pioneering spirit.

"What makes this event even more special is that this is the 50th anniversary of NASCAR sending a car to compete at Le Mans," Busch explained. "This is a one-and-only opportunity to race on the historic track with my race-winning Monster Energy Chevrolet from Las Vegas in 2020." The event serves as a powerful bridge, connecting the ambition of 1976 with a modern celebration of NASCAR's heritage, all at the same legendary venue.

From Oval King to Road Course Contender

Bringing a NASCAR Cup car to Le Mans is a monumental technical challenge, and Busch's No. 1 Chevrolet is no exception. The car, originally engineered for the high-banked, left-turn-dominant world of oval racing, has undergone a complete transformation to tackle the demanding road course of Circuit de la Sarthe. This complex task was entrusted to the experts at Hendrick Motorsports, a team renowned for its engineering prowess.

Hendrick Motorsports supplied a fresh engine and performed a comprehensive overhaul to convert the chassis for road-course duty. This involved significant modifications to the suspension, braking systems, transmission, and aerodynamics to handle the track's mix of long straights, like the famed Mulsanne Straight, and tight, technical corners. After the extensive rebuild, the car completed a successful shakedown session at Road Atlanta to ensure it was prepared for the unique demands of Le Mans before being transported to France.

This meticulous preparation underscores the seriousness of the effort. It's not merely a parade lap; it's a competitive endeavor to showcase the power and engineering of a modern NASCAR machine on a global stage, adapted for a discipline far from its original design.

A Showcase of Historic Power

The HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Goodyear will unfold over three days as a support series for the prestigious Le Mans Classic, a globally celebrated event that draws historic racing cars and enthusiasts from around the world. The format ensures plenty of track time, with two qualifying sessions followed by three intense 35-minute sprint races. This structure will give fans ample opportunity to see and hear Busch's Chevrolet at full song.

Historic Sportscar Racing, operating under the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) banner, is North America's leading organizer of vintage racing events. Its presence at Le Mans signifies the growing global appreciation for historic American race cars. For fans of both American stock car racing and international motorsport, the sight of Busch's Chevrolet thundering down the Mulsanne Straight will be a powerful tribute to 50 years of transatlantic racing history.