When NASCAR introduced {that a} NextGen inventory automobile can be racing within the 24 Hours of Le Mans, there have been questions shortly turned to its potential competitiveness. Efficiency upgrades had been understandably made alongside modifications to permit the Camaro to run at nighttime safely. Now, the Storage 56 automobile is topping timing sheets over a single lap. Might it keep out entrance for twenty-four hours?
Many puzzled if the Storage 56 Chevy Camaro would even sustain in opposition to groups fielding the Ferrari 488 GTE, the Porsche 911 RSR and the Chevy Corvette C8.R. The No. 24 Camaro ended the official Le Mans take a look at day final Sunday forward of the 21 GTE Class entries by 2.3 seconds. Within the first observe session earlier right this moment, the inventory automobile was forward of its GTE rivals by 5.5 seconds.
Whereas the Storage 56 automobile was fitted with aerodynamic dive planes and carbon brakes, it is likely to be the Camaro’s pre-existing energy benefit inflicting the distinction. The inventory automobile makes use of the identical 5.86-liter V8 engine as in NASCAR Cup Sequence competitors. The engine can produce over 750 horsepower, an enormous distinction in comparison with the 600-horsepower Ferrari 488 GTE Evo earlier than aggressive balancing. At Le Mans, 85 % of the lap is at full throttle.
The Storage 56 automobile has the velocity, and pit stops received’t be a difficulty. The workforce’s pit crew received at school within the Le Mans pit cease problem regardless of utilizing a handbook ground jack. The Camaro was additionally fitted with a bigger gas tank, much like the opposite automobiles in GTE. Like with many contenders at Le Mans, whether or not the Storage 56 groups go away France victorious or not will seemingly come all the way down to reliability.