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The excitement for road course racing escalates as NASCAR ropes in specialist drivers for this thrilling event.
The Circuit of the Americas will set the stage for the opening road course race in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series, featuring esteemed drivers from around the globe, including New Zealand’s Shane van Gisbergen making his Cup Series debut.
Kamui Kobayashi of Japan, renowned for his performance on road circuits, will rejoin the fray at a track designed for the premier class of single-seater auto racing, having previously raced here in both Formula One and endurance series.
Van Gisbergen’s ambition is evident as he is slated to participate in multiple series, starting with the Xfinity series race on Saturday, ahead of his seven scheduled Cup races. “Race Everything” encapsulates his drive, reflected in his eagerness to engage in the Xfinity series. “It’s something different every week. I’m learning so much,” he declared on Friday.
This follows his surprise victory at Chicago’s street course and a respectable P10 at Indianapolis last year. His aspirations for NASCAR stem from his Australian Supercars triumphs, leading to a development program with Trackhouse Racing.
Van Gisbergen has shown promise on ovals, capturing a top-three in Atlanta and a top-ten in Phoenix. He now approaches a road course, a familiar territory where his performance is highly anticipated.
With a prior experience at COTA in Supercars, albeit on a shorter layout, van Gisbergen feels confident. He acknowledges the strong competition from drivers well-versed with the full track over the past three years.
Competition is fierce with drivers like Kyle Larson and Ty Gibbs, who are also getting extra prep in the Xfinity series. Chase Elliott aims to clinch another road course win, while defending champion Tyler Reddick looks to repeat his feat amid COTA’s challenging turns.
Kobayashi, with his illustrious career in multiple disciplines, seeks improvement from his initial NASCAR stint where he faced his first Cup race as a Japanese driver in two decades. Equipped with extensive prep and simulator sessions, he is poised for the race. Having competed in F1 and WEC at COTA, he feels more at home on this track.
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FAQ
How many road courses will be featured in this season’s NASCAR Cup Series?
The NASCAR Cup Series will feature five road or street course races this season.
What did Shane van Gisbergen accomplish in his NASCAR debut?
Van Gisbergen won his debut race at the Chicago street course race last July and finished 10th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course shortly after.
Who won last year’s NASCAR Cup Series race at COTA?
Tyler Reddick won last year’s race at COTA in triple overtime.
Which NASCAR Cup Series driver has the most road course wins?
Chase Elliott currently holds the record among active drivers, with seven road course victories.
Can Shane van Gisbergen be considered a favorite to win the road course race at COTA?
Yes, with van Gisbergen’s experience and his previous performance at road courses, he is regarded as one of the favorites to win.
Conclusion
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series’ initiation into road course races at the Circuit of the Americas promises unmatched excitement with a lineup of experienced and skilled drivers from diverse backgrounds. Drivers like Shane van Gisbergen and Kamui Kobayashi will bring a global flair to the event, showcasing their prowess on the demanding track with its unique elevations and twists. With preparation and practice in the leading up, the race is set to be a showcase of strategy, skill, and high-speed competition, further enriching NASCAR’s vibrant racing canvas.