Sage Karam Transition to NASCAR: In Sage Karam’s transition from IndyCar to NASCAR, he acknowledged the profound influence of Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, in providing guidance and mentorship where Karam lacked experience or insight.
Karam, renowned for his achievements in open-wheel racing, notably in the IndyCar Series and the Indy 500, sought counsel from Johnson despite his limited NASCAR exposure.
Transitioning to NASCAR presents distinct challenges, techniques, and nuances that diverge significantly from other racing disciplines, such as IndyCar. Reflecting on his interaction with Johnson, Karam stated in an interview:
“He was instrumental in directing me in areas where I lacked answers before my venture into stock car racing. His guidance was invaluable in clarifying numerous uncertainties I had encountered prior to my stock car debut. Nonetheless, I had to take charge and tackle the challenges head-on.”
Karam underscored Johnson’s unique advantage stemming from his extensive experience in both IndyCar and NASCAR, making him the ideal confidant for discussing strategies and preparations for Karam’s shift to stock car racing.
“I was confident that Jimmie would be the perfect sounding board for bouncing ideas, considering his familiarity with the Indy car I was accustomed to, combined with his wealth of knowledge in the world of stock car racing.”
Moreover, Karam highlighted his reciprocal relationship with Johnson, recalling his contribution to Johnson’s introduction to the IndyCar Series, particularly aiding him in setting up his virtual racing equipment, notably within the iRacing simulation platform:
“I provided some assistance when Jimmie initially ventured into the Indy car realm. I assisted him in setting up his iRacing setup and navigating through that realm before delving into real-world testing and utilizing the team-provided simulators.”
It’s noteworthy that Jimmie Johnson had competed in the IndyCar Series for Chip Ganassi Racing between 2021 and 2022.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who does Sage Karam drive for?
With a career spanning across various racing series, including the 2020 and 2021 IndyCar Series with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Jordan Anderson Racing, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, this driver has proven their versatility on the track. With experience in over 20 different racing teams, their expertise and skillset are unmatched.
Who is the new manufacturer of Nascar?
In the upcoming 2024 NASCAR Cup Series, Toyota Next Gen cars will be represented by three teams. Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing, who have been loyal to Toyota cars for years, will continue to be a part of the stable. Additionally, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB will be joining the TRD team in 2024, making the switch from Chevrolet. This move is sure to bring a fresh perspective to the Toyota Next Gen cars and add to the excitement of the upcoming season.
What is the difference between Gen 6 and next Gen Nascar?
The Next Gen car is a step forward from the Generation 6 model, boasting enhanced aero and downforce packages, as well as innovative technologies for the track. Its primary goal is to reduce costs and entice new original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to join the competition alongside Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota.
How much horsepower does the 2023 Nascar have?
The latest NASCAR engines, known as Next Gen, have been designed to be even less powerful than their predecessors. These engines are rated at 510 hp (380 kW) for restrictor plate racing, and 670 hp (500 kW) for all other tracks, including road courses, short tracks, and intermediate ovals. This reduction in power has been implemented to promote closer racing and more exciting competition on the track. With these new engines, drivers will need to rely more on their skills and strategy to come out on top.
