03-06-2025
American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans OTT Release Date - When and where to watch this feature-length documentary
American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans OTT Release Date - There's something undeniably electrifying about the sound of a roaring stock car, the scent of burnt rubber, and the thunder of speedway glory. But now, that quintessential slice of American motorsport is going global, straight into the heart of endurance racing's elite battleground. American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans, the highly anticipated feature-length documentary, is set to drop on June 12, 2025, on Prime Video.
The story that had to be told
For decades, NASCAR has been defined by its homegrown heroes, beer-and-burgers attitude, and the unmatched intensity of American oval racing. Meanwhile, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, arguably the crown jewel of endurance racing, has been steeped in European tradition, pushing the limits of man and machine over a full day of hellish speed.
So when NASCAR announced it was entering the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours with a modified stock car in the experimental "Garage 56" class, it raised more than a few eyebrows. Could a thunderous, V8-beating beast built for the banks of Daytona hold its own on the twisting, high-speed corners of Circuit de la Sarthe? American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans answers that question with grit, gasoline, and a whole lot of heart.
What's in the documentary?
This is a front-row seat to a racing revolution. The film dives deep into the garage, follows the team through sleepless nights, and captures the raw nerves of the drivers who strapped into the beast that shook France. The documentary chronicles Hendrick Motorsports' ambitious journey, backed by Chevrolet, Goodyear, and NASCAR itself, as they developed a special version of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
The car was fine-tuned not for Talladega, but for Le Mans' punishing straights, chicanes, and night racing. Expect stunning behind-the-scenes footage, intense engineering debates, and emotionally charged moments as the Garage 56 entry goes from concept to the grid.
Meet the people behind the wheel
The film features commentary and interviews from some of the biggest names in racing. Behind the wheel of the car were three heavy-hitters:
Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula One World Champion
Jimmie Johnson, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champ
Mike Rockenfeller, a Le Mans veteran and former winner
Also expect appearances from team engineers, pit crew members, and executives, such as Jim France (NASCAR CEO), who saw this moment as the culmination of a decades-long dream to bring NASCAR into the global spotlight.
