Column: Le Mans effort brought pride and joy to NASCAR industry

So many viewed NASCAR’s trip to the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a bit of a joke, nothing more than an expensive “ science project ” marketing play to take a beast of a car to the most elite endurance race in the world. Rick Hendrick sensed the doubt — maybe even disdain — and understood that racing’s wine-and-cheese crowd had little use for American hillbillies running “NASCAR’s” at their centenary celebration. The Garage 56 project more than exceeded expectations.