Kamui Kobayashi in NASCAR

Le Mans has definitely taken on very American colors for the centenary edition of the 24 Hours. A breath of fresh air from across the Atlantic with a little scent of NASCAR.

While the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entered by Hendrick Motorsports as part of Garage 56 continues to delight the spectators, it is the turn of Toyota to attract light with this announcement.

NASCAR Cup Debut! @TGR_WEC's @kamui_kobayashi will make his #NASCAR Cup Series debut behind the wheel of the No. 67 Camry TRD at @IMS! #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/NA9MbiR9fO

— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) June 7, 2023

Kamui Kobayashi will make his NASCAR debut on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Toyota in August behind the wheel of a car entered by 23XI Racing, the team owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan.

Kobayashi will be only the second Japanese driver to race in NASCAR's premier class and the fifth to race in one of the three national series. Kobayashi will be the first Japanese driver to race in the Cup Series behind the wheel of a Toyota, while the brand joined the main NASCAR series in 2007.

Jim France came in person to welcome the initiative © NASCAR

“It’s my dream, actually,” Kobayashi said on the sidelines of this announcement. It's a major sport in the United States, and racing in Europe I never had the chance or opportunity to race in NASCAR. I think it will be difficult for me because it is unlike anything I have experienced during my career. »

An opportunity that allows him to enrich his beautiful shared history with his heart builder. “Toyota has been in NASCAR for a long time, but there have never been Japanese drivers for Toyota. That’s what makes this opportunity so special.”

Kobayashi won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Toyota in 2021 and has never finished lower than third since 2018. He has finished on the podium six times in eight appearances in the iconic endurance race.

ALSO READ > First victory for NASCAR at Le Mans