USA Today via Reuters
Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron (24) leads the field during the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 2 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron (24) leads the field during the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 2 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier, reports confirmed that EuroNASCAR drivers Loris Hezemans and Jacques Villeneuve will join NASCAR. In the case of Villeneuve, it will be a return to the Cup Series. The 1997 F1 world champion recently tested a Cup Series car at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval. This was for the new team, Team Hezeberg in the #27 Ford in partnership with Reaume Brothers Racing.
In the coming week, the 2022 Cup Series paddock will visit the Daytona International Speedway for the next test. Rest assured, the Team Hezeberg outfit will definitely be among them. Although the team is operating on a limited schedule, the organization plans to include the Daytona 500 on its agenda.
Jacques Villeneuve, who tested a Cup car at Charlotte road course for Team Hezeberg (No. 27 Ford fielded with Reaume Brothers Racing), is scheduled to test for the team next week at Daytona. The team's Daytona 500 plans/2022 schedule (Loris Hezemans to do road courses) still TBA.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 3, 2022
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As per some reports, Hezemans is expected to run in road course events. Since the two drivers are sharing the car, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Villeneuve will drive on ovals. So it does beg the question, will the Canadian driver compete in the 2022 Daytona 500?
Will the F1 champion be second time lucky at the NASCAR Daytona 500?
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As mentioned before, Villeneuve has competed in the Cup Series, back in 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2013. He made his Cup debut at the Talladega Superspeedway where he finished in 21st place, his highest finish to date. Later in the same season, he raced at the Phoenix Raceway where he was classified at 41st.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 14, 2021; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (9) and NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Dillion (3) lead the restart of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In 2008, he had a shot at competing in the Daytona 500, but he failed to qualify. On all three occasions, he raced for Bill Davis Racing in the #27 Toyota. Later on, in the 2010 season, he raced for Braun Racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, finishing 29th. Finally, he competed at the Sonoma Raceway for Phoenix Racing, finishing 41st.
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He was a little more successful in the Xfinity Series with three 3rd place finishes in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Now, with Team Hezemans, this could be a chance for redemption for the 50-year-old. The big question is, will he be back for the Daytona 500 for his unfinished business?
READ MORE: Reports: Former F1 Champion Could Compete in 2022 NASCAR Cup Series
