A versatile talent celebrated across Formula 1, endurance racing, and NASCAR, recently shared candid insights into his motorsport journey. Reflecting on his stint with 23XI Racing in 2023, he expressed a heartfelt desire to return to NASCAR despite the challenges of balancing his packed schedule with commitments in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).

Endurance racing icon Kamui Kobayashi currently is set to take part in the Rolex 24 for Wayne Taylor Racing. He already stamped his authority on the race by putting his team into the lead merely 5 hours into the 24-hour race. Despite his prowess in endurance racing, his passion for stock car racing remains undiminished. Prior to the Rolex 24 this year, he talked about his aspirations to drive in NASCAR again.

Kamui Kobayashi has a specific track type in mind

Speaking candidly in a recent interview during the Rolex 24, Kamui Kobayashi revealed his ambitions to try oval racing in NASCAR. “I want to race, really. I want to race an oval race at one point. Yeah, I think that’s a big race,” he stated, highlighting his interest in mastering this unique aspect of American motorsport.

However, Kobayashi acknowledged the challenges of balancing his current commitments with pursuing this dream. “Not yet so far. I think we have been getting more projects all year round,” he explained. “If you have an opportunity, I wanted to do it, of course. But this year’s projects so far I think [are] gonna keep quite busy myself more than last year.”

The Japanese driver’s schedule remains packed with WEC races, endurance, rally, and other racing series. Making it difficult to manage time for a NASCAR return in 2025. Despite these challenges, Kamui Kobayashi’s openness about his future keeps the prospects open for return. “In the future, I think we are very open. If I have [an] opportunity, I wanna do it, and I want to get more experience in that,” he said, leaving fans optimistic.

Kamui Kobayashi’s brief NASCAR stint may have just been a page in his stacked career, but it highlighted his adaptability and passion for racing in diverse disciplines. His debut with Michael Jordan co-owned 23XI Racing in 2023 was a statement to prove his adaptability. Stepping into a completely different racing environment, Kobayashi managed to hold his own against seasoned NASCAR drivers. During the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course event, Kobayashi’s calculated driving style stood out. While he didn’t finish at the front (33rd place finish), his willingness to learn and compete with NASCAR regulars earned him respect.

Kobayashi’s journey through the years and NASCAR ambitions

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Kamui Kobayashi’s racing pedigree is undeniable. Rising to popularity in Formula 1 with Toyota and Sauber, he earned acclaim for his fearless driving and strategic overtakes. His standout moment came in 2012, when he secured a third-place podium finish at the Japanese Grand Prix, becoming a national hero.

After his Formula 1 stint, Kobayashi transitioned to endurance racing, where he found remarkable success. Competing with Toyota Gazoo Racing in the FIA WEC, he clinched victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2019 and established himself as one of the sport’s most reliable and competitive drivers.

Looking ahead, Kamui Kobayashi’s potential NASCAR return would not only benefit the series but also get him North American appeal. His popularity in Japan and his status as a Le Mans winner could attract a new wave of international fans to stock car racing. Furthermore, his oval ambitions align with the essence of NASCAR, offering him the chance to prove his mettle here.

For now, Kamui Kobayashi remains focused on his commitment to endurance racing. His dedication to Toyota Gazoo Racing and his Rally cars has been keeping him busy. However, his candid remarks about oval racing and his willingness to seize future opportunities suggest that his NASCAR story is far from over. So what do you think, will he return to the top tier of stock car racing? Let us know in the comments.