Mike Rockenfeller to pilot Spire Motorsports No. 77 at Watkins Glen International, Charlotte ROVAL

Mike Levitt/IMSA

     It was revealed Tuesday afternoon (8/20/2022) that Mike Rockenfeller will join Spire Motorsports at Watkins Glen International next weekend, and the Charlotte ROVAL later in the season to pilot the team’s No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

Rockenfeller holds certain racing accolades, most notably winning the 24 Hours of LeMans, twice. Additionally, Rockenfeller holds a DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) Championship to his name. In terms of the NASCAR competition, Rockenfeller is a rookie, although outside of the sport Rockenfeller has had his fair share of seat time.

Today, the German race car driver finds himself in a factory deal with Audi, although Rockenfeller has been making starts in sports car racing series’ since the 2000’s. 

Some of that time spent in sports cars was done on road courses specifically Watkins Glen International. In 2006 Mike Rockenfeller finished third in the IMSA, Six Hours at the Glen, and would later compete on a team with famed drivers like Jimmie Johnson and Kamui Kobayashi. 

Heading into Charlotte’s ROVAL layout, Rockenfeller will have little to zero experience on such track, but will hopefully have the racing experience behind him to adequately adapt.