Google News
As part of Trackhouse Racing's Project 91 team, former Formula One World Champion Kimi Räikkönen will be driving for the Team at Circuit of the Americas. As the first driver to take part in the program, Raikkonen made his debut last year at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.
It was a great experience for him and he emphasized that he learned a lot from such an experience.
“I had a fantastic time in NASCAR,” said Räikkönen, as quoted by motorsport.com “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”.
Justin Marks on Kimi Raikkonen
Trackhouse co-owner Justin Marks knew that hiring Raikkonen could mean big things not only for his team but also for the NASCAR
scene.
Raikkonen is a driver who has achieved many successes in his career and attracts the attention of motorsport fans. “When we announced Kimi last year I said he was the global superstar I had in mind when we created Project 91.
I think you saw the fan reception across the world and Kimi’s performance in the car was proof of the concept,” Marks said. “Kimi’s following is massive and it’s great for NASCAR, Trackhouse plus I think Kimi really enjoys our racing”.
Raikkonen is aware that many drivers want to be a part of NASCAR, but for now, it is not possible to fulfill everyone's wishes. “I’m sure there are a lot of drivers that would like to have a chance to try NASCAR,” said Räikkönen.
“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”.
