23XI Racing’s Japanese Recruit Lets Slip True Excitement Behind ‘Experienced’ COTA Return

As NASCAR aims to widen its viewership worldwide, the ideal ambassadors to help achieve that vision have proven to be drivers like Shane van Gibsergen and Kimi Raikkonen. Both international sensations and their Cup Series debuts have opened up the world of stock car racing to a European audience unlike ever before. And now, Raikkonen’s former F1 colleague, Kamui Kobayashi, is aiming to help NASCAR establish its foothold in the Land of the Rising Sun.

The 37-year-old is all set for his second appearance in the Cup Series, driving the #50 for 23XI Racing at the Circuit of the Americas this weekend. While his first outing at Indy didn’t deliver on his expectations, Kobayashi aims to make the most of his opportunity at COTA. And to achieve that, the Japanese veteran is going all out.

Despite the Indy car heartbreak, Kamui Kobayashi looks forward to his redemption

Kamui Kobayashi may be a stranger to stock cars, but the established veteran has quite a portfolio under his belt. After ending his F1 career with a glorious podium at Suzuka, Kobayashi quickly established himself in the World Endurance Challenge, winning the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, that success failed to transition to his Cup Series debut at Indy. Kobayashi would finish down in 33rd after getting spun out twice but looked back on the experience positively.

With that said, this weekend at COTA should be far better. Kamui Kobayashi now has some experience in a stock car, and the Japanese ace is more than familiar with the famous road course. Sharing his excitement for the coming weekend, Kobayashi was quoted by RACER.com. He stated, “We’ve had more preparation. I’ve raced COTA five times already in Formula 1 and WEC. Indy, it was my first time ever racing there, but [at COTA] I have more experience.”

Although it was Kamui Kobayashi’s first time racing at Indy, the former F1 star shared that he now had a far better understanding of the handling and balance of the car. He also had a good idea of how a Cup Series weekend unfolds, taking the edge off a little. He added, “I think the second time, I can manage myself better and I’m putting in the preparation now. I’ve spent quite a lot of time in the simulator. We will see.“

For Kobayashi, there are only a handful of motorsport categories left to conquer, and the Cup Series is the perfect opportunity to help move that vision forward. Comparing the technicalities of NASCAR to other motorsports, he stated, “When you look throughout different motorsports, you have BOP (balance of performance) and it’s easier for the driver to perform at everything, but in NASCAR, I think you have more of a demand. That’s why I’m happy to be here and challenging myself.”

With his previous experience at COTA playing into the #50’s hands, he aims to make Mobil 1’s 50th anniversary a special one. But that’s not all. Kamui Kobayashi also revealed a handful of reasons why NASCAR would do wonders in Japan!

Kobayashi lists enticing reasons why the Cup Series should consider a visit to Japan

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For decades, NASCAR has been considered to be vastly different from other forms of motorsport, with some not understanding the dynamics of racing at The Oval.  However, the tides seem to slowly be turning, with the Garage 56 Le Mans entry making all the right noise in Europe. With that said, Kobayashi believes the thunderous stock car would be a welcome change for the Japanese motorsport environment as well.

For Kobayashi, the difference between a series like NASCAR and Formula 1 goes far beyond the open-wheel/close cockpit distinction.  “It (NASCAR) is totally different from European racing,” Kobayashi shared with Autoweek, “The whole event is a huge difference. I think Formula One…when we go to European races, it’s too much detail. It’s difficult to understand as a fan, but when you look at NASCAR, it is simpler. I know there is technology, but I think as a motorsports, the fans can understand what is making a difference at the end of the day. I think there is more connectivity from the fans to the drivers.”

Connection isn’t the only thing on Kobayashi’s mind when it comes to the strengths of the stock car. There’s perhaps no series with a car as ‘out there’ as the V8 stock cars. For Kobayashi, sound is a key factor. He stated, “It sounds noisy, but it’s one of the greatest sounds. If you bring it to Japan, I think people will be impressed with the sound. There’s a big opportunity to bring NASCAR to Japan. I think many people are looking forward to watching the Cup car.”

READ MORE: 23XI Racing’s Road Course Surgeon Lets-Slip COTA Worries Amidst Hope of Victory Lane Revisit

With a lot of Japanese fans tuning in this weekend to watch their hometown hero attempt to redeem himself at COTA, do you think all the stars are lining up for the Cup Series to go overseas?