How NASCAR’s First-Ever Indian Driver Also Became the First Non-American to Win the Most Popular Driver Award?

It’s rare that you see a Non-American driver emerge to the NASCAR scene. Of course, the stock car racing series is synonymous with America, and Americans find the series very close to their heart. However, sometimes drivers from different nations take part in representing their flag.

Of course, the most obvious example is the pride of Mexico, Daniel Suarez. But, in 2010, there was a contender from India, Narain Karthikeyan.

And the Indian didn’t take too much time to climb his way up the ranks to become one of the most popular drivers.

After an unfortunate stint in the Formula One World Championship in the year 2005, Karthikeyan tried exploring different avenues. And in 2010, he debuted in the Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway, driving a Chevrolet and competing in the #60 of Wyler Racing. Surprisingly, the Indian has a reasonably good run, finishing 13th in his very first race in trucks.

On top of that, Narain Karthikeyan became the first-ever foreign-born driver to win the Most Popular Driver Award.

Obviously, NASCAR saw the former F1 driver’s entry as a brilliant PR strategy; a way to attract the global and Indian motorsports audience. And in a matter of hours, Karthikeyan was hot property. All anyone talked about was the Indian driving a truck in NASCAR.

Read More: “I Played Sonic…Super Mario Bros” – Danica Patrick Reveals the Gamer Girl Side of Her Personality

But how did he perform?

Narain Karthikeyan’s Performance In NASCAR

Although the driver was in all the rage when we entered, it didn’t last long. Fortunately, it all worked in NASCAR’s favor, as they attracted more audiences outside of America, including Indians! However, Narain’s performance didn’t exactly improve.

He finished his first ever race in 13th, but that seemed to be the peak of his potential. He went on to compete in 8 more races, not finishing higher than 11th. And he then left the United States and returned to the Formula One grid in 2011 to race for the HRT Formula One team.

WATCH THIS STORY: Bubba Wallace Splits NASCAR Fans Once Again With His ‘Track Walk’ at COTA; Ryan Blaney Reacts

In the end, it’s always good to see people of different cultures in the world of motorsports. Would you like to see more Indians race in NASCAR?