Kurt Busch to Compete in Historic Sportscar Racing NASCAR Classic at Le Mans

Racer ^ | 19 May 2026

[WhiteHatBobby0701]

Kurt Busch will compete in the 2026 Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) NASCAR Classic at Circuit de la Sarthe, near Le Mans, France. The event runs from July 2-5, and will celebrate 50 years since NASCAR’s first attempt in the 24-hour race.

Busch, who collected 34 victories throughout his NASCAR Cup Series career, including the 2017 Daytona 500 and the series championship in 2004, will drive the No. 1 Monster Energy Chevrolet in his HSR debut. The car, a former Chip Ganassi Racing chassis, was used when Busch won at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2020. Ganassi later gifted Busch the car as an additional trophy from the victory.

Since then, the car has received a fresh engine from Hendrick Motorsports and undergone a complete overhaul to prepare it for road-course competition rather than its original oval-track setup. The field is expected to include 40 entries.

“Having this opportunity to race at Le Mans is a dream come true,” Busch said. “There are only a few places in the world with the allure, prestige and pageantry of a motorsport venue like Le Mans. I’ve been fortunate to win the Daytona 500, compete in the Indianapolis 500, tour Nürburgring, experience Fuji Speedway, and now race at Le Mans. The kid racer in me gets to live out another dream.”

In preparation for the event, Busch participated in a shakedown session at Road Atlanta last month. Following the session, the car was loaded into a shipping container and transported to the Le Mans paddock ahead of the event.

The HSR NASCAR Classic will run over three days during the 2026 Le Mans Classic weekend. Serving as a support series.

“What makes this event even more special is that this is the 50th anniversary of NASCAR sending a car to compete at Le Mans,” said Busch. “This is a one-and-only opportunity to race on the historic track with my race-winning Monster Energy Chevrolet from Las Vegas in 2020.”

[WhiteHatBobby0701]

The car Kurt Busch will drive in the Le Mans Classic is his September 2020 Las Vegas win car, where Clark County Democrats ordered the South Point 400 held behind closed doors.

Now retired, Kurt is entering vintage races with the cars he raced in various disciplines. Now the car will be driven in full song at La Sarthe with fans in the tribunes.

[Red Badger]

Not Kyle?................

[JBW1949]

That ain’t NASCAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Hoboto]

NASCAR is the worst form of racing. Don’t know why people see the thrill in it.

[WhiteHatBobby0701]

Real vintage Cup cars being raced. It’s becoming popular for now former Cup drivers to own their own vintage winners and race them. Drivers will race cars which they won races in these events for fun. Bill Elliott owns a few former Evernham Dodges he races. The more these drivers own them to race in HSR races, the less likely they will be used in ARCA and wasted in crashes.

[JBW1949]

The “real” NASCAR has been gone for quite a while...

I worked in the pits for Elmo Langley back in the early ‘70”s...

NASCAR ain’t NASCAR any more.....

[JBW1949]

The “real” NASCAR has been gone for quite a while...

I worked in the pits for Elmo Langley back in the early ‘70”s...

NASCAR ain’t NASCAR any more.....

[packrat35]

I agree. I can’t tell you the exact time the real NASCAR died, but what we have now isn’t real NASCAR.

[bosco24]

“NASCAR is the worst form of racing”

Fortunately, you don’t have to watch it.

[Bob434]

they started their woke and BLM coddling crap AND the moronic ‘Stages’, then lyin bubba wallace came out lyin about racism and all nascar got behind him DESPITE it being proven that there was NO racism- and I quit watchin-

[Bob434]

a 2020 car is a vintage racecar?

[ridesthemiles]

KURT SUFFERED A CAREER ENDING INJURY SOME YEARS BACK-—

WHY IS HE BEING ALLOWED TO RACE AGAIN?

I DO ADMIRE BOTH THE BUSCH BROTHERS-—BUT THIS DOESN’T SEEM RIGHT

[WhiteHatBobby0701]

Historic Sportscar Racing where he can drive demonstration laps. He is not legally racing at this level. He’s been cleared to race only in vintage racing on road courses. No speedway racing, just driving vintage cars for show. Vintage racing prohibits contact.

He raced against Jeff Gordon and Bobby Labonte in the recent Vintage IROC race at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Alexander Wurz-designed Ten Tenths Motor Club (a 1.7 mile road course). Scott Joy (Mike’s son) won a Vintage Trans-Am race there.

[WhiteHatBobby0701]

A Gen 6 car is already qualified for vintage racing because of expiration of homologation.

Busch will race in the SC/A class, which is for “Cup Series chassis and body work up to the 2021 season”.

HSR is a NASCAR-owned series that races any number of vintage series. If you have a vintage F1 car that was raced, you are allowed to race it in HSR. HSR cars must be five years old at minimum or homologation has expired. Any GT3 or Prototype whose homologation has expired is also eligible (five year rule waived). For example, the Porsche 991 GT3 R is legal as of January 1, 2026, when the homologation expired. Any Nissan GT-R GT3 produced in 2025 and raced in Super GT or any GT3 series this season will allowed in HSR as of January 1, 2027 because of homologation expiration that makes these cars no longer eligible to participate in GT3. Kenny Habul owns Peter Brock’s Group A 1987 Bathurst winner in Charlotte. That could be driven in vintage racing.

https://www.hsrrace.com/car-eligibility/

[big truck]

I was hoping they meant cars from the 70s and 80s - Monte Carlos, Torinos, Chargers. Ones that could win on Sunday and be bought on Monday.

Guess not.

[WhiteHatBobby0701]

Yes, you can race those in HSR. They are classified as SC/GN. If Dale Earnhardt, Jr. races his dad’s 1980 Monte Carlo, that is classified as SC/GN. If someone races DW’s 1971 Mercury Cyclone he owns (an ex-Mario Andretti 1967 Daytona winning Ford Fairlane, a Holman & Moody mistake that they didn’t keep the car in that trim but it was sold numerous times and it was a car that won with every driver except one), then it’s SC/GN. Any vintage Petty car could go SC/GN. But even by 1970 it wasn’t a stock car anymore.

[Bob434]

[[because of expiration of homologation.]]

OK that’ll be just about enough of that Mr! LOL

Thanks for the explaination

[Bob434]

Yup me too!

[WhiteHatBobby0701]

Well, NASCAR HSR has announced the field for the July 3-5 race in France.

Here is a list of the field:

15 - Rodney Reston. HMS 823 (2021 Camaro). Car was previously SHR 2013 Holden with Danica Patrick and Kurt Busch driving. Later a 2018 Camaro driven by James Davison.

6A - Christopher Allen. Banjo's Performance Center 1989 Ford Thunderbird. Car was used by Roush in 1989 and 1990 on road courses, driven by Mark Martin. Two podium finishes. Crashed in FP1 at Watkins Glen, and car scrapped. Car restored by Rhine Enterprises in NC. Normally displayed at Cannonball Members Club in Philadelphia, has 1990 Mark Martin livery.

4 - Scott Dolfi. 2016 NEMCO Chevrolet Silverado driven by John Hunter Nemechek. Carries a later livery from the driver of the truck at the time. Two Truck wins. Restored by Joe Nemechek. HSR and SVRA winner.

15 - Andrew Jordan. 2013 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota Camry, in No. 15 Peak Antifreeze livery of Clint Bowyer. Finished second in spring 2013 race at Richmond (NOT the car involved in the Singapore Sling).

4 - Christophe Schwartz. 1973 Petty Enterprises Dodge Charger. In No. 4 Paul Feldner Olympia Beer livery of 1976. Two USAC Stock Car Championships, 1974 by Butch Hartmann, 1977 by Paul Feldner.

3 - Michael Parsons. Childress RC-02 No. 3 Dale Earnhardt Snr 1992-94 Chevrolet Lumina. One pole (1992). Used only on road courses.

71 - Robin Haas. Banjo Matthews Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme driven and owned by Dave Marcis. Was built in 1979, later changed to 1981 specification (shorter wheelbase, smaller car). Sponsored by Transmissions Unlimited of Utica, MI in era.

22 - Jeff McKee. Roush chassis 735. Used by Wood Brothers for Trevor Bayne in 2012-13, later Rick Ware Racing. Car was used by Penske and Shell as a show car in 2021, where the car carries the Joey Logano 2021 livery though it never raced in the livery, it was used by Shell as a show car. In Gen 6 2018 Ford Mustang livery never used in racing.

23 - Robert Mau. 1996 Travis Carter Racing Banjo Matthews Ford Thunderbird. Used 1994-98. Driven by Hut Stricklin, Jimmy Spencer, and Hideo Fukuyama. Was in museum before using a Yates drivetrain and improved brakes.

90 - Jean Alvergnas. Donlavey Racing No. 90 1976 Ford Gran Torino. Used in NASCAR competition, the car later was an exhibition car at the 1976 24 Heures du Mans.

6 - Peter Klutt. 2016 Dodge Challenger. Used in Canada Series.

42 - J. Paul Haynes. 2018 Chevrolet Camaro. Used from 2008-18 in various bodies as road course car in Canada Series.

60 - Victor Corda. RK-648 Ford Mustang, 2011. Was used in O'Reilly Series by Greg Biffle in 2009-10 (No. 16 3M), Carl Edwards in 2011 (No. 60 Fastenal, which is the livery used), and Michael Annett in 2012 (RPM No. 43, Pilot Flying J).

91 - Lee Saunders. Arnold Motorsports No. 50 car, 2011. Used by Jimmy Spencer in 2005 Cup Series season. Carries Bill Elliott's 200e-era No. 91 from Evernham Motorsports as a show car.

2 - David Roberts. Penske PRS-0111-749. Driven by Kurt Busch at Richmond in 2011. Was later road racing car for Brad Keselowski in 2012. Roberts is the retired Chairman and CEO of an associate sponsor on the car.

7 - Larry Carroll. Aaron Dudley chassis driven by Ed Berrier in Greased Lightning cleaner livery at intermediate tracks. 1992 Chevrolet Lumina. Car painted as an Ed Whitaker No. 7 Mac Tools Chevrolet with Harry Gant driving (though it isn't authentic). Period-correct O'Reilly Series drivetrain. Likely ineligible for race win because it is not authentic livery when raced.

24 - Carlos de Quesada. Hendrick Motorsports Chassis 4-11-667. Used in two races by Jeff Gordon, then used for NASCAR EFI testing. Car has been painted in actual period-correct Gordon livery (the last DuPont paint scheme).

88 - Jim Norman. Cliff Stewart Racing Chassis No. 8. Authentic No. 88 Gatorade Pontiac for Rusty Wallace in his rookie season. Crew chief does not have a race log from it, but recognised it as being used in 1984 season.

47 - Joe Nemechek. NEMCO O'Reilly chassis wrapped for Talladega Nights movie scheme. Driven by his son John Hunter, raced at Watkins Glen in ARCA East, and then used for testing.

6 - Curt Vogt. Travis Carter Racing Ford Thunderbird, painted to resemble a Mark Martin Valvoline No. 6 car. Ineligible for win because not authentic livery.

59 - John McCormick. O'Reilly Series No. 59 JTG Racing Ford Fusion chassis on road courses by Marcos Ambrose.

12 - Gary Moore. Bobby Allison Motorsports Mane n' Tail Ford Thunderbird. Road course car originally raced by Derrike Cope in 1995 livery.

21 - Donnie Gould. 1983 Wood Brothers Ford Thunderbird. 3rd at Daytona 500, won Firecracker 400 (Baker's last Cup win) by Buddy Baker. Converted to road course car in 1984, Bobby Rahal, Kyle Petty, Neil Bonnett, Dale Jarrett, Morgan Shepherd (podium 1993 Watkins Glen) Carries 1993 body and livery.

22 - Chris Stillwell. 2007-09 O'Reilly Series Roush Ford, driven by numberous Roush drivers, wrapped in a Penske Discount Tire No. 22 O'Reilly scheme. Not eligible for win.

30 - Patrick Paul. Bahari Racing Pontiac, 1997. Some period-incorrect Pennzoil decals on actual Johnny Benson car. May not be eligible for win.

48 - Patrick Womack. Hendrick Motorsports 540, 2009. Two wins with Jimmie Johnson (Phoenix 11/2009, Loudon 7/2010). Retired at 2011 Coca-Cola 600 with the Memorial Day livery and the "You have got to be Foxtrot kidding me" by Chad Knaus as the engine failed, forcing Mike Joy to apologise -- Fox was also fined by the FCC.

43 - Alex Elbrow. 2020 tribute chassis to Richard Petty's 1966 Plymouth Belvedere, not eligible for HSR race win.

25 - Stanley Fulton. Hendrick Motorsports HMS0306384. 2007 Homestead, used by Casey Mears.

44 - Nigel Armstrong. No. 44 ARCA Toyota Camry driven by Frank Kimmel, using Menards livery.

96 - Buz McCall. No. 96 Hess Racing chassis McCall fielded in Cup competition as a 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo used by Robby Gordon and later Ron Fellows in Cup competition, Caterpillar sponsorship.

24 - James C. France. Former Hendrick chassis used by Kurt Busch on road courses (No. 41 Haas Holden Commodore). Later TriStar Racing Chevrolet Camaro, and the car is improperly wrapped as a Garage 56 Camaro from 2023. France is son of James France of NASCAR.

43 - Christopher Evans. Roush RK-761 used by Richard Petty Motorsports from 2011-17 by Marcos Ambrose, Sam Hornish, Brian Scott, and Aric Almirola on road courses. Carries 2017 Almirola livery. Won Watkins Glen in 2011 with Ambrose. Part of the Christine Marie Motorsports collection located in Indiana, PA USA.

1 - Raymond Webb. A former Chip Ganassi Racing car driven by Kurt Busch, car was acquired by Spire Motorsports (No. 7) with Corey LaJoie. Used as a show car for Ross Chastain at Trackhouse with Fraternal Order of Moose livery.

8 - Kurt Busch. Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet Camaro he won in September 2020 at Las Vegas. Has been given special permission by NASCAR to be renumbered No. 8 as a tribute to his late brother Kyle as the car roams down the Mulsanne, it will be a tearful car as Kurt takes the special tribute number on his actual race winner down the four mile straight.

55 - Ryan Gemmell. Built for Talladega Nights, for Sascha Baron Cohen, the transmission is a standard T-10 that wasn't in the car for the movie because he couldn't drive it. Not eligible for race win.

26 - Ricky Doonan. Built for Talladega Nights, for Will Ferrell. Not eligible for race win.

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