Former Formula 1 World Champions Kimi Raikkonen and Jenson Button will soon return to the track, but this time in a NASCAR instead of their more familiar open-wheeled machinery
The pair will take part in the NASCAR Cup Series at Circuit of the Americas later this month for a crack at something new. Well, at least for Button.
If you remember back to last year, Raikkonen took part in the series at Watkins Glen International circuit with Trackhouse Racing as their Project91 driver.
Unfortunately the Finnish driver crashed out in the race but not before reaching as high as eighth in the field.
“I had a fantastic time in NASCAR,” said Raikkonen speaking to Formula 1.”There was a lot to learn in a very short amount of time, but everyone was very helpful, the competition was a big challenge,”
“This time I get to race on a track I am familiar with so there won’t be as steep of a learning curve. I want to have fun, but also do as well as we can.”
As for Button, this will be his first time out in a NASCAR before featuring in two more rounds later this year in Chicago and Indianapolis.
The Brit will be driving for Rick Ware Racing and supported by Stewart-Haas Racing.
The 2023 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix will see Raikkonen and Button take to the Circuit of the Americas in the NASCAR Cup Series on 26 March 2023.
Header Image: Formula 1