Kobayashi Eyes Expanded NASCAR Program for 2024: Former Formula 1 driver Kobayashi wants more NASCAR in 2024. At the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard in August, he debuted with Toyota’s 23XI Racing outfit. Kobayashi was the first Japanese Cup driver since 2003’s Hideo Fukuyama. Kobayashi, who finished in 33rd place, became the first Japanese driver to participate in a Cup race since Hideo Fukuyama in 2003. Despite a rocky start at Indianapolis, Kobayashi is in talks with 23XI Racing about receiving support to run more NASCAR races next year.
Kobayashi hopes to inspire other Japanese drivers to consider NASCAR. Toshiki Oyu and Kazuto Kotaka, his younger Super Formula adversaries, were invited to watch an American race in Indianapolis. Kobayashi added, “I think I showed [Japanese drivers] that NASCAR is possible.” A Japanese driver winning a NASCAR race would be a major step forward, he said. Even though NASCAR isn’t as popular in Japan as other racing series, Kobayashi’s childhood desire was to race. He wants to promote NASCAR’s “amazing world” and “incredible” V8 engines in his country.
After another dismal season, Kobayashi may leave Super Formula in 2024. If he did this, he might only have to worry about the eight World Endurance Championship races. I can’t do a full-time program, he added. “But I’m looking at schedules and trying to figure out how to do more races next year.”
When asked if he would ever run in an oval race, Kobayashi said he would need more practice first. “I don’t think you’re ready for that yet. So I think I would have to start with a smaller category to learn how it works. He said, “I want to do it, but I need to get ready for it more.”
Kobayashi wants to race in NASCAR, but money is an issue. He provided 23XI Racing with the starting budget for his first race, but he’s currently talking to the team about finding sponsors for future races. This collaboration may give the Japanese driver more NASCAR chances. People dislike NASCAR because there are no penalties for race crashes, according to Kobayashi. He argues, “The fast guys still win.” Thus, people should keep racing.
Kobayashi’s transfer to NASCAR is huge for him and Japanese motorsport. He enabled others to race in Cup races as the first Japanese driver in almost 20 years. Kobayashi wants to get part with NASCAR despite its issues. Depending on support and timing, his 2024 ambitions may involve a larger program. As Kobayashi solves these issues, he will remain a driver to watch for his pioneering role and future in American racing.
ALSO READ: Matt DiBenedetto Leaves Rackley WAR: What’s Next for the NASCAR Driver
