Mike Rockenfeller, a two-time winner of the 24 Hours of LeMans, has been tapped by LEGACY MOTOR CLUB to pilot the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro in the next two NASCAR Cup Series events at Indy’s Road Course and Watkins Glen.
The 39-year-old driver, who made his debut in the NASCAR Cup Series at Watkins Glen with Spire Motorsports in 2022, will have sponsorship from Sunseeker Resorts for his two-race stint in the entry.
Just hours after scoring a fifth-place result in the GTP Class at Road America in the IMSA Weather Tech SportsCar Series, Rockenfeller got a call from Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, asking for a driver for the series’ two upcoming road course events.
Johnson and Rockenfeller competed in the IMSA Series together for Action Express for two seasons and were both an integral part of the Garage 56 project with Hendrick Motorsports, in which they competed in the 24 Hours of LeMans with Jenson Button, who will also be competing in Sunday’s event at Indianapolis.
Saturday’s on-track activity from Indianapolis, Indiana will mark the first time that Rockenfeller has made laps around the 2.439-mile road course. However, it will be the third time that the Altnau, Switzerland native will be in a NASCAR Cup Series entry.
“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.”
Rockenfeller, a three-time winner in the NASCAR Rolex Grand-Am Sports Car Series, was tapped to replace Noah Gragson, who was suspended by both LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and NASCAR, after liking a questionable Instagram post of a George Floyd meme. Floyd’s death in May of 2020, while in police custody, sparked riots across the United States.
“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.”
According to a report from Jordan Bianchi of The Atheltic, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB has cut all ties with Noah Gragson, in response to this incident. However, as of the time of publishing, the organization has yet to officially confirm anything more than his suspension.
