intensify! Kamui Kobayashi About to compete in his second NASCAR Cup Series race at COTA. Kobayashi once again drives the No. 67 Toyota Camry, and after making his NASCAR debut at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last year, he will compete for the 23XI Racing Team in the EchoPark Grand Prix scheduled for March 24.
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47-year-old Kobayashi is a Japanese racing driver. Although he is primarily a Formula 1 driver, he is also a two-time FIA World Endurance Champion. In addition, Kobayashi also won the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona twice. Kobayashi will represent 23XI Racing at the season-opening race at Circuit of the Americas in Texas. The team will drive their third car with full-time drivers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. Don’t forget, Reddick is the defending COTA track champion.
Kobayashi Kamui’s NASCAR journey ignites Japanese interest
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The EchoPark Car Grand Prix, scheduled to be held on March 24, will welcome new competitors from different event formats. Kamui Kobayashi of 23XI Racing and Shane van Gisbergen of Kaulig Racing will compete in the first race of the 2024 Cup Series season at COTA Raceway.
Kobayashi said in an interview with NBC Sports: “I’m here to experience NASCAR, but at the same time I want to expand NASCAR’s interest in Japan, where I think there’s a lot of potential“.
Even before his debut in 2023, he said, “I want people in Japan to understand the amazing world of NASCAR. The sound of a V8 engine is incredible, and I want people to think, ‘This is what motorsports should be like. “It’s true that some people might think it’s unfair because they won’t be penalized for contact, but I think it’s best to put that aside because the faster guy will still win. “
After a challenging first game last season, Kobayashi agreed. I have already expressed, “First of all, I was waiting for the caution. It never happened. I absolutely loved it. Thank you. 77 laps was quite long by accident; I think I learned a lot. We had good pace, too. I got hit, but This is NASCAR. But the racing on the field is great. It’s a really cool championship; I’ve had a great experience here. Thanks to Toyota, Toyota Gazoo Racing North America, for all the support.”
Tyler Reddick to Defend Championship at COTA Circuit
In last season’s EchoPark Car Grand Prix, Tyler Reddick led a total of 41 of the 75 laps en route to victory. Reddick passed Kyle Busch in his No. 45 Toyota for Team 23XI. Despite starting second on the pole, Reddick struggled in the first stage of the race. However, he then showed his absolute authority by winning stage two and sweeping the checkered flag.
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Reddick has competed in three races at the COTA circuit, winning the latest one and finishing in the top five and top 10 in the other two races.
However, Redick’s average grade at COTA is 5.0, which ranks fourth. Chase Elliott, Ross Chastain and Alex Bowman are ahead of him in terms of average grade on the field.
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With the EchoPark Car Grand Prix taking place at COTA on March 24, fans are looking forward to Kamui Kobayashi’s comeback and Tyler Reddick’s title defense. Kobayashi’s mission is to expand NASCAR’s presence in Japan and give the event global reach, while Reddick’s track record ensures exciting racing for 23XI Racing fans.