P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Kamui Kobayashi to run NASCAR Cup race at COTA
Kobayashi, aged 37, made history as the first Japanese driver to compete in a Cup race in two decades at the Indianapolis Road Course last year. Despite starting 28th, he finished 33rd following a few on-track incidents during the race. Having expressed his lifelong dream to race in NASCAR, even before pursuing Formula 1, Kobayashi has found success in sports car racing, winning two FIA World Endurance Championships and the Le Mans 24. Notably, Kobayashi also serves as the team principal for Toyota Gazoo Racing WEC and has secured victories in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. His next NASCAR appearance is scheduled at COTA where he will drive the No. 67 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing. Reflecting on his NASCAR debut, Kobayashi shared his enthusiasm for the series, appreciating the unique racing dynamics and the absence of penalties for contact, and despite challenges, he deemed it a “dream come true.”
