The winner of the 2021 Le Mans race and a former Formula 1 driver will be returning to the world of NASCAR next week at COTA. Kamui Kobayashi, a well-known figure in motorsport, hails from Japan and his comeback in the premier stock car racing scene is expected to bring NASCAR’s reach beyond American shores.
Kobayashi will be making his second appearance in NASCAR at COTA, racing for 23XI Racing. NASCAR’s popularity has been growing worldwide, attracting new fans from different parts of the globe. The presence of a Japanese manufacturer in the series could potentially open doors for NASCAR in Japan, reminiscent of the races held there in the late 1990s.
The Japanese driver emphasized the aggressive nature of NASCAR’s racing format, with constant bumper-to-bumper action. This is expected to generate interest among Japanese fans and increase the popularity of stock car racing in the region. NASCAR executives and drivers have previously expressed their desire to expand the sport’s reach, and it seems that this expansion is closer than ever.
Kobayashi, with his extensive racing experience, is set to make his second NASCAR debut in the Cup Series with 23XI Racing. Having competed in various divisions of motorsport, the 37-year-old driver understands the intricacies of different forms of racing and has shared his perspective on which sport is easier for fans to comprehend.
According to Kobayashi, NASCAR is simpler to understand compared to highly technical sports like Formula 1. The straightforward format of NASCAR has the potential for significant growth, allowing the sport to attract a broader fan base beyond the borders of America.
Currently, NASCAR operates exclusively in the United States and has not held any points-paying races outside of the country. However, it appears highly likely that this will change in the near future.