Kaulig Racing confident in Will Brown’s NASCAR return, as Supercars Champion Will Brown gets ready for his second Cup Series appearance during the upcoming Chicago Street Course event on July 7, hoping to overcome last year’s setbacks at Sonoma Raceway. With Brown recently crowned Supercars champion and the Kaulig team led by Chief Business Officer Ty Norris standing firmly behind him, the spotlight turns to what could be a breakthrough weekend in NASCAR for the Australian racer.
Will Brown Seeks Redemption in Chicago After Tough Debut
Will Brown, age 26, returns to the NASCAR Cup Series eager to build on lessons learned from his debut at Sonoma, where a promising start in practice was marred by electrical issues with his Richard Childress Racing car. This year, he joins Kaulig Racing, a team expressing robust confidence in his readiness and potential to contend with NASCAR’s elite.
Ty Norris emphasized his belief in Brown’s abilities, stating,
“We wouldn’t have done it if we didn’t think we were going to put a competitive car under him, nor if we thought he couldn’t do a great job with it, so we know he can.”
—Ty Norris, Chief Business Officer, Kaulig Racing
Norris highlighted how Brown’s show of speed was cut short at Sonoma and suggested that, had circumstances been different, the Australian could have achieved a notable result. Heading to Chicago offers Brown a fresh start and a more level playing field, as the course is relatively new for most Cup Series drivers.
Looking to the unique challenges the street circuit presents, Norris added,
“We’ve only run Chicago twice, and both of them in the rain, so it would be really incredible if it was just dry, that would be the first time for everybody, so I think Will could be right there and be competitive.”
—Ty Norris, Chief Business Officer, Kaulig Racing
Brown’s extensive road course experience, combined with the unfamiliarity of the Chicago layout for the field, positions him as a potential frontrunner if all variables align on race day. The current focus is on proper execution and maximizing possible opportunities across the Chicago stop.
Internal Competition With A.J. Allmendinger Adds Intrigue
Within Kaulig Racing, Brown will not just race the Cup field but also his own teammate, A.J. Allmendinger, recognized as one of NASCAR’s top road course drivers. The Chicago event is crucial for Allmendinger’s pursuit of a playoff berth, and Brown’s presence heightens the intra-team challenge.
Norris outlined the approach for his drivers, sharing,
“If we execute, and get to the end where hopefully it’s him and A.J. racing for the win, I really do believe that Will will be competitive.”
—Ty Norris, Chief Business Officer, Kaulig Racing
Coming off the Betr Darwin Triple Crown event from June 20-22, Brown will shift his concentration entirely to Grant Park 165, aiming to leverage his Supercars championship pedigree for a strong result on American soil. Both Norris and the rest of Kaulig Racing envision Brown not only as a future NASCAR contender like Shane van Gisbergen, but as a force capable of influencing the dynamic of the team and series.
The significance of Brown’s second NASCAR Cup Series attempt extends beyond this single race, as a strong showing could accelerate his trajectory in North American stock car racing and open new doors for other international drivers eyeing a similar path. With the Chicago Street Course representing a unique challenge for everyone in the field, Brown and Kaulig Racing have a real opportunity to make their mark as the NASCAR season intensifies.
