Jenson Button Shuts Down Interviewer Doubting the “Not Ideal” Element of Chicago: “We’re Here to Get the Best”

We are just hours away from the start of one of the most anticipated racing events this year. More news is popping up in the NASCAR nation as we head to Chicago for the sport’s inaugural street course races on Saturday and Sunday. Moreover, making his second appearance in the Cup Series is former Formula 1 champion, Jenson Button (first being at COTA). Ahead of his race on Sunday, the Rick Ware Racing driver shared his thoughts about the not-so-ideal street course.

Not only did the 2009 F1 champ give a befitting reply to NBC reporter Nate Ryan for asking him about the track’s infamous “90-degree corners,” but an optimistic Button also mentioned the nuances of the track, revealing his champion mindset going into his second Cup race.

Jenson Button gives a befitting reply: “We should deal with what is put in front of us.”

Purists and old-school fans despise the idea of incorporating a tight street course into the schedule as they feel the sport is gradually losing its core values. However, several younger fans, who also contribute to revenue and viewership, are all in for the idea of racing a Cup car on a street.

Though, this debate has been going on for quite some time now, F1 champ and NASCAR’s Garage 56 driver Jenson Button revealed his thoughts about the track infamous for its bizarre “90-degree corners” and tight lanes. During the media briefing before the race, the 43-year-old gave a befitting reply to a journalist, making his thoughts loud and clear.

Citing the number of these notorious turns, the reporter asked, “What was your reaction to how many 90-degree corners there are on this course? There may not be a lot of passing opportunities, which isn’t ideal.” To which the F1 champ simply questioned back, “I mean, what’s not ideal?” The Rick Ware Racing driver then said, “I mean, we’re here to get the best out of whatever we race on, right? It shouldn’t be dictated by what we think is best for us in the car. We should deal with what is put in front of us.”

READ MORE: Joey Logano Gets Real on His Chances of Winning at Chicago

Furthermore, the 43-year-old veteran also detailed the nuances of the track, mentioning the challenges.

Button points out the “overtaking turns” while mentioning the dangers lurking on the course

Despite Sunday’s race being just his second adventure in NASCAR, Button is all set and ready to go as the enthusiastic driver detailed the challenges on the track. Continuing his answer to the reporter, Button added, “The 90-degree corners: It definitely gives us some opportunity to pass. Not every 90-degree corner is going to give you that opportunity. I think Turn 1, Turn 2, Turn 5 and the last corner are the main overtaking places.” 

He then cited turn 9 to be a hard nut to crack as the narrow lane and the long-flowing left turn can be quite a challenge to maneuver through. The 43-year-old Brit then listed the first major hurdle, “First of all, keeping our car out of the wall, but also trying to thread the needle to go through that section. It’s going to feel extremely quick. The speeds won’t be extremely high, but when the barriers are that close, it feels unbelievably fast. It feels like they are narrowing in on you throughout the race,” said the veteran.

As the Mobil1-backed driver acknowledges the track as “a challenging track,” Button quickly addressed the next hurdle. “You have to throw the bumps into it, you’ve got the overpasses, it’s going to be tough for us to learn in 50 minutes, to have confidence in the car and track, to push it and brake where we think we can brake, because one little lock-up and you’re in the wall. It’s not like you have a safety net like you have on most road courses.”

The optimistic driver concluded his words on a high note, confident and defiant about the challenges on the track: “Tricky, but well up for the challenge. I think we can put on a good show.”

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