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Kamui Kobayashi eyes NASCAR return, dreams of conquering ovals

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
January 28, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Kamui Kobayashi eyes NASCAR return, dreams of conquering ovals

Kamui Kobayashi gets ready to climb into the no. 48 Cadillac DPi, Friday January 21, 2022 for Weather Tech Championship practice at Daytona International Speedway. Dtb Roar Day One 7

Kamui Kobayashi, a racing icon with accolades spanning Formula 1, endurance racing, and NASCAR, has revealed his ambitions to return to the NASCAR grid, this time with a desire to master oval racing. Despite his packed schedule in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and other racing commitments, the Japanese driver remains open to exploring the unique challenges of America’s premier stock car series.


Dominating endurance, dreaming of ovals

Currently competing in the Rolex 24 for Wayne Taylor Racing, Kobayashi has already showcased his dominance, leading the race within its first five hours. But his passion for racing doesn’t stop at endurance events. Speaking during the Rolex 24, Kobayashi expressed his deep interest in NASCAR, particularly oval racing.

“I want to race, really. I want to race an oval race at one point. Yeah, I think that’s a big race,” Kobayashi said, signaling his intent to embrace a new challenge in the uniquely American motorsport.


Balancing commitments: The challenge of a return

Despite his enthusiasm, Kobayashi acknowledged the difficulties of juggling his commitments across various disciplines. “We have been getting more projects all year round,” he explained. “If you have an opportunity, I wanted to do it, of course. But this year’s projects so far I think [are] gonna keep quite busy myself more than last year.”

Even with a demanding schedule that spans WEC, rally racing, and endurance series, Kobayashi remains optimistic about finding the right time to rejoin NASCAR. “In the future, I think we are very open. If I have [an] opportunity, I wanna do it, and I want to get more experience in that,” he added, leaving the door open for fans hopeful of seeing him back in a stock car.


A promising NASCAR debut with 23XI Racing

Kobayashi’s 2023 NASCAR debut with 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan, was a bold step into uncharted territory. Competing on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, the endurance ace adapted quickly to NASCAR’s unique racing style. While he finished 33rd, Kobayashi’s calculated approach and willingness to learn earned the respect of NASCAR regulars.

His debut wasn’t about results but about bridging the gap between international motorsport and the quintessentially American series. Kobayashi’s presence brought a wave of international attention to NASCAR, and a potential return could further broaden the sport’s global reach.


Can Kobayashi spark a new wave of international fans?

Kobayashi’s interest in returning to NASCAR raises a compelling question: could his presence help NASCAR tap into a broader international audience? His adaptability and star power have already made waves in multiple disciplines, and his return could serve as a bridge for fans of endurance and Formula 1 to engage with stock car racing.


The road ahead for Kobayashi and NASCAR

For now, Kobayashi remains focused on his immediate commitments, but his candid openness about returning to NASCAR offers hope for fans and the sport alike. Whether it’s tackling an oval race or another road course, Kobayashi’s return would not only showcase his versatility but also solidify NASCAR’s appeal as a melting pot for global racing talent.

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