Although the majority of NASCAR’s viewership comes from the United States, the sport’s allure goes beyond the borders of America, and it has a lot of untapped revenue potential in nations like Japan. Moreover, the return of Kamui Kobayashi for his second NASCAR Cup Series at COTA has sparked excitement in the Japanese motorsport fanbase.
Previously, the 37-year-old Kobayashi had stated his wish to see NASCAR thrive in Japan. Recently, reporters caught him again emphasizing the unique appeal of its “sound” compared to other motorsports, hinting at its potential to draw audiences worldwide.
Part-time Japanese NASCAR driver compliments the sport’s distinctive sound
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Speed, thrill, and the ‘noise’ of NASCAR are the things that have kept fans glued to the sport for years. International road racing superstar Kamui Kobayashi, who is scheduled to make his second start in the NASCAR Cup Series at Circuit of the Americas, recently shared an intriguing nugget on NASCAR’s sound that will excite fans.
While speaking with Sportsnaut’s Matt Weaver at a media session at Bristol this past weekend, Kobayashi felt confident about the possibility of NASCAR returning to Japan. The former Formula 1 driver went on to say that NASCAR’s distinctive sound may win over fans in his own country. He said, “It is very different than any type of motorsport. It’s the sound. NASCAR has amazing sound. It’s amazing compared to any type of car, even Formula 1.”
Today at Bristol, @MattWeaverRA asked Kamui Kobayashi about whether a NASCAR race in Japan would be successful. He had an interesting answer: More than anything, the *sound* would be appealing. Kobayashi says NASCAR's sound distinguishes it from other international motorsports.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) March 16, 2024
The racing world is becoming more and more excited as Kobayashi’s endorsement of NASCAR’s global appeal raises talks about the sport’s possible international expansion. NASCAR fans in Japan will get to see their racing idol make his second appearance in the Cup series next weekend, this time under Denny Hamlin‘s supervision.
Kamui Kobayashi returns with 23XI Racing next weekend at COTA
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Kamui Kobayashi will be competing on behalf of team 23XI Racing at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix on March 24. After debuting at the Indianapolis Road Course last year, the road racing superstar is returning this year for Denny Hamlin’s team.
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Announcing his return on Wednesday, the 23XI team took to social media, “He’s back. Kamui Kobayashi rejoins 23XI Racing for his second career NASCAR Cup Series start as he takes on COTA with teammates Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick.”
He’s back 😉
Kamui Kobayashi rejoins 23XI Racing for his second career #NASCAR Cup Series start as he takes on COTA with teammates Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. #teamtoyota pic.twitter.com/Ifkmss21wE
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) March 13, 2024
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Kobayashi will be the center of attention this time around, even though Tyler Reddick won last season here. As the new face at COTA, there’s a buzz of excitement surrounding his potential to surprise the crowd and challenge the defending champion. Watching Kobayashi try to leave his imprint at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix Race is sure to be an exciting weekend for NASCAR fans.