NASCAR brought a modified Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, run by powerhouse team Hendrick Motorsports, to showcase a high-powered stock car to a European audience at the world famous 24-hour race earlier this month.
The prime mover behind the programme was NASCAR president Jim France, who wished to honour his father Bill Sr – the man who first brought NASCAR machinery to Le Mans in 1976.
Button believes that the enthusiastic response of the huge crowd at Le Mans proves that NASCAR could build a following in Europe if it brought its American stars across the Atlantic in their Cup cars.
“I think there needs to be a way to get the European fans to understand the personalities within the sport, as much as enjoying the racing,” said Button. “I think it could be big, and doing a race in Europe next year would be great.
“You have got to jump on what we did at Le Mans, and I think it had such a big following – I saw so many memes and it went crazy on social media. It could be easily forgotten, so I think it needs to be jumped on as soon as possible.
“A race in Europe would be great.”
Source: Autosport