The roar of a thousand horses thunders through the French countryside, a symphony of speed alien to the cobblestone streets of Le Mans. This isn’t Daytona; this is different. The 24 Hours of Le Mans, a crucible where legends are forged and machines are pushed to their breaking point, is about to witness an American invasion. Rick Hendrick, a NASCAR titan, dares to challenge the world, pouring millions into a singular dream. Jeff Gordon, a name synonymous with stock car racing, watches with bated breath, knowing the legacy of NASCAR hangs in the balance. Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time champion, steps into the unfamiliar cockpit, wrestling with new technology and a relentless track. Chad Knaus, the crew chief genius, battles against the clock, adapting to endurance racing’s grueling demands. But can brute American power truly conquer the nuanced art of Le Mans, or will this audacious gamble end in a fiery, unforgettable defeat?
American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans Movie Overview
Title | American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans |
---|---|
Release Status | Released |
Release Date | 2025-06-11 |
Runtime | 1 hours and 38 minutes |
Genre | Documentary |
Original Language | En |
Spoken Language | English |
Country | United States of America, France |
Production Co. | NASCAR Studios |
American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans Movie Cast
Name | Character |
---|---|
Jenson Button | Self |
Jimmie Johnson | Self |
Mike Rockenfeller | Self |
Jordan Taylor | Self |
Chad Knaus | Self |
Greg Ives | Self |
Ben Wright | Self |
Jessica Rowe-Hook | Self |
Evan Kureczka | Self |
Dawson Backus | Self |
Cody French | Self |
Jarius Morehead | Self |
Mike Moss | Self |
Donovan Williams | Self |
John Doonan | Self |
Jeff Gordon | Self |
Rick Hendrick | Self |
Jim France | Self |
Billy Crudup | Self – Narrator (voice) |
American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans Movie Storyline
“American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans” plunges into the ambitious endeavor of Hendrick Motorsports, led by the determined Rick Hendrick, as they embark on a historic journey to compete in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans with a roaring NASCAR stock car. The film opens with the audacious announcement, met with both excitement and skepticism from the racing world. We follow the meticulous and often turbulent preparation, witnessing the innovative engineering required to adapt a car built for oval tracks to the rigorous demands of Le Mans’ Circuit de la Sarthe. Jimmie Johnson, a NASCAR icon, grapples with the transition to endurance racing, partnering with seasoned sports car drivers like Jenson Button, who offers invaluable expertise but also clashes with the NASCAR-centric mindset. Chad Knaus, the crew chief, faces immense pressure to bridge the gap between two vastly different racing cultures, battling mechanical failures and strategic dilemmas as the team navigates the intense qualifying rounds. As the race begins, the American team encounters fierce competition from established European teams, pushing the limits of their car and drivers. The film culminates in a nail-biting final lap, testing the team’s resilience, teamwork, and the very spirit of American racing as they strive to prove that a NASCAR machine can conquer the world’s most challenging endurance race.
American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans Movie Details
American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans is a gripping documentary that plunges into the heart of Hendrick Motorsports’ audacious venture to conquer the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Narrated with palpable energy, the film meticulously charts NASCAR’s unprecedented participation in the iconic European endurance race, coinciding with its monumental centennial celebration. The narrative tension builds as the team, including luminaries like Jimmie Johnson, confronts the daunting technical and logistical hurdles inherent in adapting a NASCAR vehicle for the grueling demands of Le Mans. Beyond the intense garage preparations spearheaded by figures such as Chad Knaus, the documentary keenly observes the reactions of both American and European audiences, capturing their awe, skepticism, and eventual admiration for this cross-cultural automotive challenge. The film vividly showcases the clash of racing philosophies as drivers like Jenson Button navigate the unique contours and traditions of Le Mans. Moreover, the documentary doesn’t shy away from emphasizing the broader themes of innovation, perseverance, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence, making this high-octane journey as emotionally resonant as it is visually exhilarating, highlighting key figures, including Mike Rockenfeller adding depth to the racing narrative. It is an immersive story about crossing boundaries, challenging expectations, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of motorsports.
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American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans Movie FAQs
What is the movie “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans” about?
The documentary follows Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR’s journey to compete with a NASCAR car in the 2023, 24 Hours of Le Mans race, celebrating its centennial. It explores the technical challenges, preparation, and public reaction to NASCAR’s participation in this iconic European endurance race.
When was “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans” released?
The movie was released on June 11, 2025.
What genre is “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans”?
The movie is a documentary.
Who are some of the notable people featured in “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans”?
The documentary features Jenson Button, Jimmie Johnson, Mike Rockenfeller, Jordan Taylor, Chad Knaus, Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick, among others. Billy Crudup narrates the film.
Where can I watch “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans”?
Based on available information, you can watch it on Amazon Prime Video.
Who directed “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans”?
Brad Lockhart directed the documentary.
What production companies were involved in making “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans”?
NASCAR Studios was a primary production company involved.
What is the runtime of “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans”?
The runtime of the movie is 98 minutes.
What is the tagline for “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans”?
The tagline is Fueled by innovation. Driven to make history.
What is the IMDB ID for “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans”?
The IMDB ID is tt27991902.