NASCAR has had a budding relationship with F1 in recent years and Project 91 is given a lot of credit for that. Well, this relationship could grow even more, as there are murmurs of a Daniel Ricciardo possibly heading to NASCAR.
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Project 91’s intention is to find world-class drivers from different motorsports and bring them to NASCAR. The possible introduction of Daniel Ricciardo would supercharge the program as well as the sport, given the global following of F1 and the Australian himself.
The 360 view of @DanielRicciardo’s NASCAR run! 🤯👀 we think it’s the best seat in the house!
Ricciardo currently stands without a seat (pun intended) for the 2023 season of F1. He has not been at the receiving end of any attractive offers from F1 teams. There has been an offer from the IndyCar series but Ricciardo has not reciprocated the interest.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 11, 2022 McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo before the race REUTERS/Ciro De Luca
A similar interest, it now seems, is also originating from Project 91 and NASCAR. Justin Marks, the co-owner of Trackhouse Racing, said “[Daniel Ricciardo is] aware of Project 91 and he knows that there’s interest on our side, (but) I think he’s figuring out what his F1 deal is.”
By the looks of it, the 33-year-old Australian looks to be clinging on to hopes of a late offer from an F1 team. The chances of that however look increasingly slim.
Team Daniel Ricciardo voices their thoughts
Ricciardo’s fans have come to back him as this news broke out. Some have shown support for him, and have criticized McLaren’s treatment of the fan favorite.
Give him a full time ride
We will welcome him to NASCAR if he does want to come for a race or two
At the same time, some have asked to give the Aussie some more thinking time. It is a valid point given the amount of media attention his lack of certainty regarding 2023 is getting.
Stop pushing other motorsports down his throat. Let the man decide
Few don’t think the move has the legs to go the distance.
As much as I’d love to see it. He’s already expressed he has no interest in racing ovals
Others are of the opinion that the Aussie is just not good enough. They seem to be sounding the death knell for his career. A little harsh, one would think.
Hmmm not a fan of him. Better Australian drivers around
Well he better get on it. That’s DR’s only chance at relevance anymore. Come bask in it
Fans always are very emotional and passionate when it comes to their favorite teams (or rivals). One must always take these views with a pinch of salt.
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Ricciardo has been a fan favorite. His contagious smile and happy personality were always a welcome sight around the paddocks in years prior. However, the lack of all that as well as his incisive skills are a cause for concern. Fans hope they can see The Honey Badger back, happy as ever.