A Historic Convergence
The 2026 HSR NASCAR Classic will descend upon the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe next year, marking the 50th anniversary of NASCAR’s first foray into the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
At the heart of the event is Kurt Busch’s 2020 championship Chevrolet, a machine that was originally presented to him by team owner Chip Ganassi after his historic victory.
Hendrick Motorsports has taken the classic livery and adapted it for the unique demands of the French circuit, blending American stock‑car engineering with the precision of endurance racing.
Busch, a veteran with 34 Cup Series wins and a 2004 championship, adds another layer of narrative by pairing his Monster Energy branding with a car that once shared the track with a 1976 Dodge Charger and a Ford Torino.
The weekend will feature two qualifying sessions and three 35‑minute sprint races, giving fans a taste of both tradition and modern spectacle, while Historic Sportscar Racing, operating under the IMSA banner, orchestrates the festivities.
The event also serves as a tribute to the drivers who paved the way, including legends such as Bobby Allison, whose career intersected with the early experiments that linked NASCAR’s oval‑track dominance to Europe’s endurance circuits.