Kimi Räikkönen successfully enters NASCAR

Engaged at the wheel of the No. 91 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, the former World Champion of Formula 1, Kimi Raikkonen made his big debut in NASCAR Cup Series by qualifying in 27^rd position out of 39 drivers entered. Of course we were hoping for a breakthrough from the Finn and this 14^rd line may seem disappointing, but being able to get ahead of regulars in the discipline such as Ty Dillon, Cole Custer, Corey LaJoie or Aric Almirola may be enough for Iceman to be happy.

It has all led up to this 🥶 pic.twitter.com/vLXbYW4Q8m

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 20

Räikkönen had previously signed on 20^rd free practice time, proof of his good and rapid acclimatization to the discipline. His teammates Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain will start respectively 9^rd and 18^rd.

Kimi Räikkönen at ease at the Glen © Sean Gardner/Getty Images

On this legendary 2,45-mile (3,94 km) road course located just outside New York, Chase Elliott placed his No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in pole position. The third pole of the season for the championship leader, his 12th career in the Cup Series.

Chase Elliott confirms being the benchmark on the road circuit © Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Teammate Kyle Larson will start second ahead of Michael McDowell in third, his best qualifying result of the year. William Byron and Tyler Reddick complete the Top 5.

Chase Elliott, #9 Kelley Blue Book Chevrolet © Sean Gardner/Getty Images

As for the other Europeans entered at the Glen alongside Räikkönen, the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2010 and champion DTM 2013, Mike Rockenfeller, signs number 33^rd time. For his second appearance in the premier division after the Indianapolis Road Course, Daniil Kvyat still does not seem to have found the keys to his Next Gen and will start in 36^rd position.  

Go Bowling at the G starting gridlen NASCAR :

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