?I?m Really Pissed Off About That? ? Kamui Kobayashi Reveals the Problem SVG Created for Him

The NASCAR Cup Series shifts its spotlight to the renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s not just the track that’s brimming with history and anticipation. A global cast of racing stars converges. Each bearing their own tales of triumph and ambition. NASCAR welcomes international luminaries like Shane van Gisbergen, Brodie Kostecki, Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller, Jenson Button, and Kamui Kobayashi.

The spotlight, however, finds its focus on Kamui Kobayashi. Despite a storied career spanning Formula 1, Formula E, IMSA, and the World Endurance Championship, his lifelong dream has been to conquer NASCAR’s hallowed grounds. This weekend marks the realization of that dream, as he takes the wheel for 23XI Racing in the Cup Series. Yet, amidst the anticipation, Kobayashi admits that he is facing a unique challenge on his debut.

Kamui Kobayashi jokingly admits to facing a unique challenge in Indianapolis

Shane van Gisbergen became the first driver in over 60 years to win on a Cup Series debut. That’s no easy feat, and Kobayashi knows this well. Even though he has a wealth of experience from racing in multiple motorsport categories, he had always wanted to race in NASCAR. However, his excitement for his NASCAR debut is tinged with a hint of frustration. Shane van Gisbergen has set the bar quite high for anyone making a Cup Series debut. Kobayashi is left to grapple with the success that SVG’s Chicago debut has etched into the narrative.

According to Forbes.com, Kobayashi spoke about his debut race. “Actually, I think SVG did an amazing job in Chicago,” said Kobayashi. “So I think [the] expectation is very high.”

“So, I’m really pissed off about that,” he added jokingly. “I’ve had a lot of, you know, experience. But still, I was dreaming to race in NASCAR one day.”

READ MORE: First Ever Japanese Toyota Driver To Race in NASCAR at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

As Kamui Kobayashi prepares to take his place on the NASCAR stage, 23XI Racing, a rising force in the sport, opens its doors to accommodate this global talent.

The President of 23XI Racing shares the team’s excitement to welcome Kobayashi

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Toyota’s involvement played a pivotal role in bringing Kobayashi to NASCAR, aligning with 23XI Racing to facilitate his debut. The partnership underscores Toyota’s commitment to fostering international talent and expanding the sport’s reach. Steve Lauletta, the president of 23XI Racing, emphasized the significance of this endeavor, highlighting the brand’s ethos and its impact on and off the racetrack.

According to Lauletta, this strategic move resonates with 23XI Racing’s ethos. “We’re only two and a half-ish years old as a brand,” said Lauletta. “And we like to push ourselves and take advantage of things that put our team on a bigger stage. And obviously with Kamui’s motorsport lineage, with his connection to Toyota, you know the fan base he has around the world, and in Japan. They will put our brand on a big stage.”

“The sponsors, the partners that we have, they’re interested in being part of this team because of what the brand stands for, what we stand for on the racetrack, but also what we stand for off the racetrack,” he later added. “And I think when you do something like this. It shows our current partners and potential partners that we’re trying new things, we’re disruptive.”

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Do you think Kobayashi will be able to repeat SVG’s heroics on his debut? Share your thoughts in the comments below.