How Weight Loss Is Key for NASCAR Garage 56 Entry at Le Mans

• Jenson Button, co-drivers Jimmie Johnson and Mike Rockenfeller will have to keep the Garage 56 entry on the 8.5-mile track and out of the harm’s way if it is to meet the goal of running for 24 hours.

• Raced at 3,200 pounds in NASCAR sans driver, the NASCAR Chevy Camaro ZL1 has officially lost 240 pounds.

• To lose weight, the Camaro has lighter wheels, far more carbon fiber panels and bodywork made from the same molds used for NASCAR Cup cars that is significantly lighter.

Will “The Beast,” as Jenson Button refers to the Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1, make it to the finish of the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

The usual factors will come into play. Button, co-drivers Jimmie Johnson and Mike Rockenfeller will have to keep the Garage 56 entry on the 8.5-mile track and out of the harm’s way, which comes in the form of the faster prototypes and the GT cars, which turn lap times close to those of the Camaro.

But consider the gravel traps in case of error. They can be treacherous and bring a swift end to the race of any car getting stuck in them. Yet, before the first competitive race lap, the gravel traps have been helpful to the Camaro ZL1 of Hendrick. For the tractors used at Le Mans to lift cars from the traps, there is a maximum weight and cars must pass a “lift test” in scrutineering.

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest arrived at 2,960 pounds for the Camaro to pass its lift test, which is done without the driver. Raced at 3,200 pounds in NASCAR sans driver, the Camaro has officially lost 240 pounds. To lose weight, the Camaro has lighter wheels, far more carbon fiber panels and bodywork made from the same molds used for NASCAR Cup cars that is significantly lighter.

Lighter is better for driving, braking, long straights and hopping the ubiquitous curbs thousands of times in a 24-hour race. A lighter weight also means the engine builders at Chevy, Hendrick Motorsports and ECR, the engine building operation of Richard Childress Racing, could keep an eye on the endurance of the car’s V8.

Given that the Camaro has a sequential gearbox and a paddle shift, the iron block V8 is the biggest concern about finishing if the car stays on the track.