Jenson Button, a British racing driver who won the 2009 Formula One World Championship has announced his participation in this year’s 24 hours Le Mans competition.
“This is a total surprise—I was on my way to Disneyland and took the wrong road,” Button joked when he was unveiled at the 24 Hours of Daytona, where a number of highly-anticipated new Le Mans racecars made their debut. “I’ve always thought of myself as a race car driver, and now that I’m done with F1, I’m looking for something new to do. This is a great challenge, no doubt.”
Since leaving F1, Button has tried his hand at a number of different types of racing. With the Radford 62-2, he even worked on developing a road car. This is his second chance to finish Le Mans after failing to do so in 2018.
Button, with the NASCAR Camaro, will race Mike Rockenfeller, who has won Le Mans with Audi, and Jimmie Johnson, who won the NASCAR Cup Series seven times.
“Before I went there, I thought Formula One was the best.” “But the Le Mans race is so unique. It’s a big event for teams. We must all work together to do well and get something out of it.”
His participation began when Rockefeller asked him to join him at Sebring for a Camaro test drive. “I haven’t driven the car yet,” Button said, “but I was at the test in Sebring, where I watched and listened to what the drivers had to say about it.”
The Camaro will be upgraded so that it can go from oval tracks to the testing 8.5 miles of Le Mans. For example, it will have real headlights and taillights instead of the stickers that are usually used in NASCAR.
“We’re doing everything we can to bring the NASCAR spirit to Le Mans,” Johnson said. “That’s really how this programme was made and what it’s meant to do. Even that big V8 engine. Everyone in France is going to love hearing that thing scream down the straightaways.
“Yes, people of northwest France, NASCAR is really coming to your town.”
What you should know about the 24 Hours Le Mans race
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an endurance race that has been held every year in Le Mans, France, since 1923.
The hundred years old competition is considered one of the hardest races in the world because the drivers have to stretch themselves and their cars to the limit for 24 hours straight.
Its track is over 8.5 miles long and has a mix of high-speed straights and tight, technical corners that put both the driver and the car to the test.
Le Mans is different from other races because it is based on teamwork and planning. Since the race lasts 24 hours, the teams must not only have fast cars, but also a good strategy for pit stops, reliable drivers, and a well-coordinated effort from everyone to keep the car in good shape and fix it if it breaks down.
It is a true test of both mental and physical endurance, as the pressure is high and the conditions are tough. The races often end in a thrilling way, with several cars crossing the finish line close to each other.
The winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans isn’t just the fastest car. Strategy, preparation, and the ability to handle the intense pressure of a 24-hour race are also important.
