UNITED STATES: Former Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen has left the door open for future NASCAR Cup Series appearances following his solid performance at the 2023 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix held at the Circuit of The Americas.
Raikkonen made his NASCAR debut in 2022 with Trackhouse Racing and returned to the team for a one-off appearance at the 2023 race, where he delivered a solid display and ran as high as P4 before getting caught up in some wheel-banging on his way down the order.
Despite the disappointment of ultimately finishing P29 and receiving a 30-second time penalty for taking a shortcut, Raikkonen’s competitive spirit remains undiminished.
When asked if there were any further NASCAR outings on the horizon for him, Raikkonen replied, “I don’t know. I mean, nobody knows.” Kimi quipped that he would see what the future brings for him. “Right now, I have no clue,” he said.
Raikkonen’s presence on the NASCAR circuit has added to the excitement of the sport, and his potential return for more races would be a welcome boost for fans.
Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 champion, also made his NASCAR debut at the 2023 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix but struggled with heat exhaustion during the race. Nonetheless, he battled on and ultimately finished in a solid P18.
The EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix is one of the premier NASCAR Cup Series events of the NASCAR season and attracts the best drivers worldwide.
With Raikkonen’s impressive performance at the event, it is clear that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level of motorsport.
As the racing world eagerly awaits news of Raikkonen’s plans, one thing is sure: the Finnish driver has left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport and has inspired a new generation of fans with his skill and determination.
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