STATESVILLE, N.C. — Two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller will drive Legacy Motor Club’s No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for two NASCAR Cup Series road course races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course and Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.
Legacy M.C. co-owner Jimmie Johnson was teammates with Rockenfeller at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans aboard NASCAR’s Garage 56 project, where they completed the event alongside former Formula 1 champion Jenson Button.
“After racing with Jimmie in IMSA for two years and together in the Garage 56 program, not only were we teammates, but we are now great friends,” said Rockenfeller. “To get to race for him in the NASCAR Cup Series for Legacy M.C. with him as a co-owner is such a true honor. It’s going to be a huge challenge as I have never raced at Indy.
“I was dreaming about being in a Cup Series car again, and I’m thankful for the opportunity. I will try my best in this short timeframe to come together with the team and have a great race in Indy.”
This weekend’s race at the Indy Road Course will be Rockenfeller’s first time competing at the 2.439-mile road course. The August 20 event at Watkins Glen will be the 39-year-old German racer’s second start at the famed road course.
He competed for Spire Motorsports twice last season, with a best-finish of 29th at the Charlotte Roval.
“Rocky and I were teammates and helped develop the G56 program,” said Johnson. “I couldn’t think of a better person to assist our Club in this tough situation. These back-to-back road course events will be great for Rocky from the technical side as they will bring out his expertise. Rocky is extremely knowledgeable and talented, and I know he will get us the best results possible.”
Last week, Legacy M.C. suspended full-time driver Noah Gragson following actions the team felt “do not represent the values of our team.”
JR Motorsports driver Josh Berry filled in for Gragson at Michigan last week, where he finished 34th after an accident.