Former F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen returning to NASCAR at Circuit of the Americas
Bob Pockrass
FOX NASCAR Insider
Former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen left the door open for a return to the motive force’s seat after his NASCAR Cup Series debut final August at Watkins Glen.
He will make that return with the identical workforce as he drives the Trackhouse Racing No. 91 Cup automotive at Circuit of the Americas on March 26.
Raikkonen, who was operating nicely till he received caught up in an accident at Watkins Glen, at the very least has important expertise on the racetrack this time — he has competed at COTA in eight F1 races, together with successful the 2018 race on the street course in Austin.
“I had a fantastic time in NASCAR,” Raikkonen stated. “There was a lot to learn in a very short amount of time, but everyone was very helpful, the competition was a big challenge.
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“This time I get to race on a observe I’m acquainted with, so there will not be as steep of a studying curve. I need to have enjoyable but in addition do in addition to we will.”
Trackhouse co-owner Justin Marks began the “Project91” car as a way to help get internationally known drivers into the Cup Series, which he hopes will expand the worldwide interest in NASCAR.
“I feel you noticed the fan reception the world over and Kimi’s efficiency within the automotive was proof of the idea,” Marks said. “Kimi’s following is huge and it is nice for NASCAR [and] Trackhouse plus I feel Kimi actually enjoys our racing.”
The Finnish driver will bring sponsorship from technology company iLOQ and also have sponsorship from Trackhouse partner Onx, a home building and design company.
Raikkonen on his NASCAR debut
Former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen discusses his accident at Watkins Glen and what he loved about his first Cup Series weekend.
Trackhouse director of efficiency Darian Grubb, a former Cup crew chief who gained a title with Tony Stewart, will as soon as once more information the Raikkonen effort.
Under NASCAR’s testing coverage, Raikkonen will get no testing previous to going to COTA for the race weekend. He was allowed one check final 12 months to study the automotive however as a result of solely that one check is allowed.
“I’m sure there are a lot of drivers that would like to have a chance to try NASCAR,” Raikkonen stated. “It’s not very easy, so maybe it will open some doors in the future for more chances to try and get more Europeans into the sport.”
Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent a long time overlaying motorsports, together with the previous 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene journal and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass, and join the FOX Sports NASCAR Newsletter with Bob Pockrass.
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