The inaugural HSR NASCAR Classic at the Le Mans Classic delivered a fitting tribute to NASCAR’s history, with J.C France claiming victory in the opening race on Saturday at the Circuit de la Sarthe. 

Driving the Garage 56-inspired No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro, France stayed in contention throughout the sprint, before grabbing the lead in the closing laps as several frontrunners ran into trouble. 

Andrew Jordan appeared destined for victory until his car slowed dramatically on the final lap, while others also fell victim to fuel or mechanical issues, opening the door for France to take the checkered flag, ensuring a dramatic finish at the first-ever NASCAR Classic race, held as part of the Le Mans Classic celebrations.

As reported on hsrrace.com, the event also marked the return of the 2004 Cup Series champion Kurt Busch, who piloted his No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro and finished third.

He became one of the biggest attractions of the weekend as NASCAR celebrated five decades since its first appearance at Le Mans.

Sunday's action belonged to Andrew Jordan, who bounced back from Saturday's heartbreak to win the second feature race in a 2013 Toyota Camry.

Jordan converted his pace into victory after narrowly missing out a day earlier, while Busch delivered an impressive run to finish third and secure a podium finish in his return to racing.

What Kurt Busch and J.C France said after the race

J.C France’s victory in the Saturday race of the HSR NASCAR Classic was called a full-circle moment, as his victory came on the 50th Anniversary of NASCAR’s first race at the Circuit de la Sarthe. 

Speaking to the Historic Sportscar Racing channel after the race, France described the thrill of the experience and also highlighted a close call he experienced in the beginning. 

“Yeah, that was amazing. Uh, first time actually driving. I've been on the sim here, but it's very different. Uh, was just trying to learn the track and not take anybody out and going into Arnage on the first lap. Almost took out three other cars. Got a little late on the brakes, but I was able to click my times down. A lot of fun. It's just amazing.”

Before the race, Kurt Busch had said that racing a NASCAR machine at Le Mans was a true bucket list item for him, and after the race, he described the experience as feeling similar to starting at Daytona or Indianapolis. 

“Phenomenal. I mean, it felt like we were at starting Daytona or Indianapolis, and just the pace we ran up through the front straightaway and then off through one and two through the bridge. It was fantastic.”

Read more at the RFK Racing Digest!

Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason