Formula One World Champion Kimi Raikkonen will return to NASCAR driving PROJECT91’s car at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, late in March, Trackhouse Racing announced Wednesday.
The 2007 Formula One World Champion Kimi Raikkonen, 43, will make his second appearance in the NASCAR Cup Series, the top-level racing series of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, launched in 1949.
“I had a fantastic time in NASCAR,” Raikkonen outlined. “There was a lot to learn in a very short 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.”
The Finn driver, who retired from Formula One by the end of the 2021 season, debuted at the wheel of PROJECT91’s Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 last August, racing in the Cup Series at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.
On March 26, he will drive the No. 91 Onx/iLOQ Chevrolet Camaro at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, a track he knows well from his time at the pinnacle of motorsport, crossing the finish line first in 2018 to win the United States Grand Prix with Scuderia Ferrari.
It was “The Iceman” 21st and last victory in the series across a successful career that spanned 20 years, recording 349 F1 race starts, 18 pole positions, and 103 podiums.
Trackhouse Owner and Founder Justin Marks commented: “When we announced Kimi last year, I said he was the global superstar I had in mind when we created PROJECT91. I think you saw the fan reception across the world, and Kimi’s performance in the car was proof of the concept.”
“Kimi’s following is massive, and it’s great for NASCAR, Trackhouse plus I think Kimi really enjoys our racing.”
Trackhouse Racing – a division of Trackhouse Entertainment Group – fields the No. 99 and the No. 1 Chevrolets with drivers Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Marks launched PROJECT91 last year, aiming to expand the organization’s global reach by fielding a Cup Series entry for renowned international racing drivers.
“I’m sure there are a lot of drivers that would like to have a chance to try NASCAR,” Raikkonen added.
“It’s not very easy, so maybe it will open some doors, in the future, for more chances to try and get more Europeans into the sport.”
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