The first ever HSR NASCAR Classic unfolded at the historic Circuit de la Sarthe, bringing together a blend of stock‑car tradition and endurance racing in a three‑race showcase that concluded on Sunday. The event marked a milestone for the HSR series, pairing the prestige of Le Mans with the excitement of NASCAR‑style competition.
A Weekend of Firsts and Setbacks
JC France seized the opening race, piloting a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro to the checkered flag. His victory set the tone for a weekend that would feature both triumphs and unexpected challenges across the grid.
Andrew Jordan, driving a 2013 Toyota Camry, dominated the latter two events, but a sudden mechanical failure on Saturday threatened his sweep of the weekend. Despite the setback, Jordan still managed to claim victories in races two and three, underscoring the competitiveness of the Camry platform.
Other class winners included Nigel Armstrong in Stock Car B, Christopher Allen in Stock Car C, Peter Klutt leading Stock Car D, and the Schwartz duo capturing the Grand National category in a 1974 Dodge Charger. Scott Dolfi added a triumph in the Stock Car Truck division with a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado.
Mechanical issues also affected several drivers, including Ryan Gemmell and Kurt Busch, who fell out of the race due to gremlins under the hood. Meanwhile, Joe Nemechek secured a podium finish in a 2006 Toyota Camry, and Mike Skeen rounded out the podium in a 2012 Dodge.
The event also highlighted the growing partnership between HSR and its sponsors, with PEAK, Old Spice, Miller Lite, Menards, Folgers and Mobil 1 all visible throughout the circuit. NASCAR’s involvement, alongside teams like Michael Waltrip Racing and Kyle Busch Motorsports, signals a continued push to blend grassroots stock‑car racing with the prestige of Le Mans.
Fans left the track with a sense of anticipation for future editions, even as the organizers grapple with the challenges of mechanical reliability and the logistics of staging a multi‑class NASCAR weekend at a historic venue.