P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sportscar ace Kobayashi to make NASCAR Cup appearance at COTA
Kobayashi, 37, made history by becoming the first Japanese driver in 20 years to run a Cup race at the Indianapolis Road Course last year, finishing 33rd after starting 28th. Despite a few on-track incidents, the 2021 Le Mans 24 Hours overall winner fulfilled his lifelong dream of racing in NASCAR, an ambition he had even before aiming for Formula 1. Prior to NASCAR, he competed in F1, starting 75 races and earning one podium in the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix. With success in sportscar racing, including two FIA World Endurance Championships, Kobayashi currently serves as the team principal for Toyota Gazoo Racing WEC. As a two-time Rolex 24 at Daytona winner, Kobayashi will drive the #50 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing at COTA, joining full-time drivers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. Despite some early challenges in NASCAR, including spins and contact with Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Kobayashi considers his NASCAR journey a “dream come true” and aims to introduce the sport to a wider audience in Japan.
