The 91st running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans kicks off this weekend, and the most surprising inclusion in the field of racers is the #24 NASCAR Cup Camaro ZL1 from Hendrick Motorsports.

To celebrate this unlikely Le Mans entrant, Chevrolet has introduced a highly limited special edition of the Camaro ZL1 inspired by the racing car. Shown as a rendering at a "Meet the Team" event at Le Mans, the Garage 56 Edition is said to capture the "feeling of the racecar" with a unique exterior design.

The unique model receives Riptide Blue paintwork (new for MY2024) and a distinctive graphics package inspired by the racer. This includes a prominent white stripe with gold edging that flows over the hood and trunk lid. The white stripe flows into a monochromatic version of the stars and stripes, which adorns the roof and engine cowl.

The hood also features NASCAR's 75th-anniversary logo, mirroring the one found on the race car. Elsewhere, Chevrolet has added Hendrick Motorsports branding to the sail panels, along with satin-finished side mirrors and a black-painted fuel door with carbon fiber trimmings.

More importantly, the special edition Camaro will wear a NASCAR-style spoiler at the rear and dive-planes up front.

Chevrolet has yet to share interior images, but the ZL1 Garage 56 Edition will receive Garage 56 logos on the floormats and the steering wheel. Just 56 examples will be offered to American consumers (a nod to the Garage 56 class), and owners can choose from three additional exterior decals, such as a NASCAR windshield header sticker and door decals with the number 24.

As with the regular ZL1, power is derived from a 650-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine.

"When adapting a race car appearance into a production car, you want to showcase themes, proportions, and colors without making the car look out of place on the street," said Marc Mainville, senior manager at GM's Motorsport Design Studio. "The Garage 56 Edition captures the feeling of the race car while allowing the car's athletic lines to be in the forefront."

If you're wondering what "Garage 56" stands for, allow us to explain. Introduced in 2012 as an experimental class for "innovative and extraordinary vehicles," this category enables teams to showcase unique or unusual vehicles. Because they do not have to adhere to certain regulations, these vehicles aren't technically part of the competition and, therefore, are ineligible to win any accolades.

Despite this, Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports, and NASCAR see the Garage 56 class as an opportunity to showcase the strengths and talents of a NASCAR Camaro and prove its mettle in one of the most grueling races in the world.

2024 is the final model year for the sixth-generation Camaro, so this Garage 56 Edition is a rather fitting send-off for GM's muscle bruiser - a final Collector's Edition was also revealed earlier this week.

As the Camaro doesn't have much time left, it makes this year's Le Mans entry all the more special for the much-loved muscle car. Chevrolet says the Garage 56 Edition will go into production later this year at the Lansing Grand River facility in Michigan. Expect pricing to be announced at a later date.

After months of testing, the Hendricks Motorsports Camaro will go up against a field of dedicated racing cars and Le Mans Prototypes and hopefully shine a light on NASCAR and Chevrolet. Number 24 will be piloted by an expert team of drivers, including Jenson Button, Jimmie Johnson, and Mike Rockenfeller.