NASCAR’s Answer to ‘Drive to Survive’ – ‘American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans’ Release Date
April 23, 2025
Prime Video is gearing up to unveil a high-octane motorsport documentary titled “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans,” premiering globally on June 12. The feature-length film chronicles NASCAR’s daring mission to enter the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans — a first-of-its-kind journey for American stock car racing on one of the sport’s biggest international stages.
From “Garage 56” to “American Thunder”: The Evolution of a Dream
Formerly dubbed “Garage 56,” the documentary now bears the title “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans” and will stream exclusively on Prime Video in 240-plus countries and territories. The addition of the film under Prime membership takes the number of compelling sports titles on the platform even higher.
A Race Too Old Meets American Muscle
The 24 Hours of Le Mans, held every year in France, is widely regarded as one of the toughest and most iconic endurance races in the world. Historically, it has existed to push both men and machines to their limits; the 2023 edition marked 100 years of the race and set the stage for entry by NASCAR.
This was a moment long and hard fought for by Chairman and CEO Jim France, who had dreamed all his life of seeing an American stock car contend against Europe’s best. His vision had been that of a bold challenge: take a Chevrolet Camaro built for NASCAR’s short, oval races and convert it into something that would survive 24 hours on the unforgiving Circuit de la Sarthe.
Hendrick Motorsports Takes the Lead
To help make that dream happen, France called on Hendrick Motorsports, the most successful team in NASCAR history. Within a span of 18 months, a specially modified race car was built for the endurance format.
The project also received assistance from three legends of the racing world: Jenson Button, Jimmie Johnson, and Mike Rockenfeller, each bringing their worldwide prominence and credibility toward the project. Their aim was: to put forth American racing at Le Mans and whether or not finish the race alongside world-beaters, those formidable prototypes, Ferrari and Porsche.
The Story Behind the Film
“American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans” will be directed by Brad Lockhart under the auspices of NASCAR Studios along with producer Griffin Van Malssen. The work will be executive produced by Jeff Gordon, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, in conjunction with other NASCAR executives, including Tim Clark, John Dahl, Amy Anderson, Tally Hair, and Matt Summers.
Suggested Viewing for Racing Fans Across the Globe
The documentary will release on June 12, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look into an audacious project that married American guts to the traditional world experience in racing. “American Thunder” promises to be a tale of innovation, ambition, and undying love for the racetrack, whether you’re a lifelong NASCAR fan or a universal motorsport admirer.
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