As for why that may be, the new car itself has to be part of it. The addition of several more road courses, the NASCAR Garage 56 entry at Le Mans, as well as innovative programs such as Project91 and others like it have all helped to lure several international racing stars into the world of stock car racing.
2023 saw many drivers well-known in motorsports but completely new to NASCAR make surprise appearances and in one case, even reach Victory Lane. As we reflect on the 2023 season, let’s take a look back at these drivers, who came from every corner of the racing world
Pastrana and Daly in the Daytona 500
Extreme sports athlete Travis Pastrana made a real attempt at going NASCAR racing a decade ago, but found little success as a full-time driver in the Xfinity Series. Pastrana has long dreamed of running the Daytona 500, but never really found the right opportunity.
Well, with the help of 23XI Racing, he aimed to change that this year but there were no guarantees. With zero practice, he had to try and qualify for the sport’s biggest race — the Daytona 500. Somehow, he managed to do just that without any drama. He made the show on qualifying day and would go on to be a surprise contender in the closing laps of the big race.
It looked like he might even come away with a top-five finish after escape the carnage on Sunday, but one awkward push on the final lap sent him sideways down the track. A massive crash ensued, and Pastrana was in the heart of it. The incident ended the 500, but he still managed to regain control of his car and finish 11th in his one and only Cup Series start to date.
Afterwards, Pastrana called it “one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done,” and that’s something coming from the guy who modeled his entire life path after Evel Knievel.
Photo by: Lesley Ann Miller / Motorsport Images
Travis Pastrana, 23XI Racing, Black Rifle Coffee Toyota Camry
A veteran of over 100 IndyCar races, Daly had already made his Cup debut in 2022. Like Pastrana though, he was hoping to make his Daytona 500 debut in the 65th running of the event. His journey into the 500 was even more impressive than Pastrana’s, considering what he was up against.
Daly had to race his way in and the car was not going to make it easy for him. He had issues before the start of his Duel race, the car shaking violently as he exited the pits. Handling issues and a lack of a speed saw him fall off the lead lap, and yet, luck was on…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Motorsport.com – NASCAR – Stories…