Before Jenson Button, these F1 drivers who tried their hand at NASCAR

And one more. While it was initially expected at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 10-11) in Garage 56, Jenson Button will taste the NASCAR well before the Centenary edition. The 2009 world champion F1 will indeed be entitled to a program of three road races with Rick Ware Racing starting with the round at COTA (Austin, Texas) on March 26.

But Jenson Button is not the first former F1 driver, or world champion for that matter, to try his luck in American stock car racing. Before the English, some had different adventures with more or less success. Here is the list thanks to the invaluable help of our former editor-in-chief Christian Courtel, a great specialist and absolute memory of the discipline

Kimi Räikkönen

His name is still relevant today. The Finn made his Cup Series debut last year when he took part in the Watkins Glen round in the No. 91 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet Camaro. Before that, he had competed in the Charlotte round in the Xfinity Series (Nationwide Series at the time) and in the Truck Series in 2011. This year, Kimi Räikkönen will be there in Austin, still in the No. 91. A new path for him?

Kimi “Iceman” Räikkönen is back © Trackhouse Racing

Daniil Kvyat

This is the one that has had the most activity lately. Without driving in F1, the Russian, deprived of a program in Europe after the conflict in Ukraine, competed in three races last season on the Toyota Camry No. 26 from Team Hazeberg (Indianapolis, Watkins Glen and Roval de Charlotte), the last of which also in the Xfinty Series.

Jacques Villeneuve

The Canadian has amply proven himself on the other side of the Atlantic, notably winning the Indy 500 in 1995 when we were still talking about CART. In NASCAR, he did not have the same success with a 21^e place at Talladega in 2007. Concerning the Daytona 500, he tried his luck twice but did not qualify in 2008 before placing 22^e Last year. In the Nationwide Series, he has more success with podiums in Montreal and at Road America between 2008 and 2012.

Nelson Picket Jr.

After his forced departure from Renault in F1 in mid-2009, “Nelsinho” found refuge with Uncle Sam. Although he only competed in one race in the Cup Series (Watkins Glen 2014), the Brazilian proved himself in the second category with notably a full season in 2013 but above all a victory at Road America the previous year. The son of Nelson Piquet also participated in the Truck Series.

Juan Pablo Montoya

While a bright future was promised to him in F1, the Colombian preferred to slam the door in the middle of the 2006 season to go into exile in the United States. Returning full-time in 2007, Jean-Paul Montoya competed in 7 full campaigns, winning at Watkins Glen in 2010 without being crowned champion. After some freelance work in 2014, the former pilot McLaren ended his experience in NASCAR to concentrate onIMSA,IndyCar or the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Lella lombardi

The wonderful Italian driver came to the United States in 1977 to compete in the Firecracker 400 at Daytona. Qualified 29th, she had to retire due to mechanical failure on the 103rd lap.

Jim Clark

The legendary British driver, two-time Formula One World Champion in 1 and 1963, made a brief foray into the world of NASCAR at Rockingham, North Carolina, in 1965. Driving for John Holmon and Ralph Moody, Clark tested his skills in these demonic sedans and found, in his own words, the adventure… intriguing!

Mario Andretti

Wherever he goes, Mario Andretti wins, including in stock cars. Winner of the Indy 500 in 1969 and F1 world champion in 1978, “Super Mario” also left his mark on NASCAR. It was the late 1960s and the American was competing in races here and there. Although he never really shone, he still managed to win the Daytona 500 in 1967, the most prestigious race in the discipline.

Vic elford

Vic Elford competed in the Daytona 500, the premier event of NASCAR which he competed in 1969, 1971 and 1972, the year in which he finished 10th with a Plymouth.

Rolf Stommelen

In 1971, proof of his eclecticism behind the wheel, Stommelen entered NASCAR to compete in the Talladega race. Qualified in sixth position he had to retire. He repeated the experience the following year without further success.

Innes Ireland

Ireland competed in the first event of the season, the Daytona 500 in 1967. It would be one of the last races of his career.

Pedro Rodriguez

Two starts in 1959 and 1963 for the ultra-versatile Mexican driver, one of the most gifted of his generation. Yet another adventure for this hero of an entire people.

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