Jenson Button Announces Plans for Full-Time Racing Comeback in 2024

Jenson Button Announces Plans for Full-Time Racing Comeback in 2024

After his impressive performance at Le Mans 24 Hours in NASCAR’s Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro, as well as participating in a part-time road and street course schedule in the NASCAR Cup with Rick Ware Racing’s Ford Mustang, Jenson Button has expressed his intention to return to full-time racing next year. This would mark his first full season since his Super GT campaign in 2019.

Since then, the 2009 Formula 1 world champion has engaged in sporadic racing endeavors, including appearances in the British GT, Goodwood Revival, Nitro Rallycross, and Extreme E.

In anticipation of the upcoming NASCAR Cup Chicago Street Race, Button revealed his plan to either make a comeback in the World Endurance Championship or embark on a debut season in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. In 2018, Button participated in four races in the top class of the WEC, driving for SMP Racing’s BR Engineering LMP1 car, where he achieved an overall podium finish in Shanghai.

“I didn’t anticipate desiring to undertake a full season again due to the demanding schedule,” Button explained. “But now, I feel compelled to race in something next year and commit to the entire season. It’s gratifying to participate in one-off races, but they don’t allow you to unleash your full potential. That’s why the opportunity to compete in three races here in the Cup is truly beneficial. It enables me to spend more time with the team, work in the simulator, and establish a strong collaboration with my engineer and crew chief to enhance our skills and understanding.”

Button continued, “Therefore, yes, I aim to compete in a full season next year, provided time permits. I need to strike a balance as this year has been extremely busy. It will involve endurance racing, either in IMSA or WEC.”

When asked about his interest in racing in IMSA’s GTP class, Button replied, “Absolutely, I would consider it. Who knows what the future holds? It could be WEC, IMSA, or perhaps more NASCAR races. But I will certainly seek guidance from Jim France.”

Button acknowledged the bond he has developed with NASCAR president and Grand-Am founder Jim France, who maintains a keen interest in the sport and owns the Action Express Cadillac team. Their connection was forged through the immense interest generated by the Garage 56 project in NASCAR.

Button expressed his gratitude to Jim and Rick Hendrick, the formidable team owner, for granting him the opportunity to compete at Le Mans alongside them. He observed Jim’s deep passion for NASCAR and his strong desire to integrate NASCAR into the endurance racing world. Jim’s presence was notable at most of their tests, and his infectious excitement every time the car passed demonstrated his genuine love for racing.

“The weekend couldn’t have gone any better. Jim was elated, and he was awake for almost the entire race! Sharing that joy together was truly amazing,” Button added.

Reflecting on his diverse racing experiences, Button stated that he thoroughly enjoyed participating in various series over the years because he simply loved racing and had the privilege to pursue his passion in different cars.

“At this point, I have nothing to lose. I’ve achieved my goal of winning the world championship in F1. Now, I’m racing because I genuinely adore it. I thrive on learning new things and facing challenges. Without those, I wouldn’t continue to race,” Button concluded.

Read Also:

• Knaus Proud of NASCAR Le Mans Garage 56 “Passion Project”
• Johnson: “My Heart Is Full” as Garage 56 NASCAR Achieves Le Mans Target
• Marco Andretti Considers Acura IMSA GTP Opportunity with WTRAndretti

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More about full-time racing comeback

• Jenson Button’s Racing Career
• NASCAR Official Website
• World Endurance Championship Official Website
• IMSA SportsCar Championship Official Website