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“It’s Not Very Easy” – Kimi Raikkonen Reflects on the Possibility of More European Drivers in NASCAR

Published 08/21/2022, 8:15 AM EDT

The F1 champion of year 2007, Kimi Raikkonen is making his NASCAR Cup Series debut this weekend. Although he has some Truck and Xfinity Series experience, the Cup Series is a different kettle of fish. Ahead of the upcoming race, the Finnish driver spoke about competing in the sport and what it means for European racers.

He said, “I’m sure there’s a lot of drivers who’d like to have a chance and try it. But it’s not very easy, so to maybe open some doors in the future. There’s some kind of chance to try and get more Europeans.”

Of course, Raikkonen is just one of six foreign drivers on the Cup Series grid. Other non-American drivers include fellow F1 alumnus, Daniil Kvyat, Kyle Tilley, Loris Hezemans, Mike Rockenfeller and Daniel Suarez. Out of all of them, Suarez is the only one who is a full-time racer.

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What to expect from Kimi Raikkonen at Watkins Glen?

The Finnish veteran will start 27th on the grid, which is fairly impressive for his first time. He finds himself, starting alongside Ty Dillon and behind Martin Truex Jr and Ryan Blaney. For these two drivers, this race is really important, because either one of them could qualify for the Playoffs.

Currently, Blaney is in a stronger position, because he is ahead in the points standings. However, one of them needs to win the race or the next one at the Daytona International Speedway, to guarantee qualification. Without a doubt, their respective teammates will do everything in their power to ease the process.

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On the other hand, the qualified Playoff drivers will be hoping that there won’t be any new winners. Otherwise, their own Playoff chances could be jeopardized. Coming back to Kimi Raikkonen though, he will not be too bothered about the Playoff battle. He is simply there to race at Watkins Glen and kick-start the Trackhouse Racing’s ambitious Project 91.

WATCH THIS STORY: Bubba Wallace Reveals Biggest Concern With F1 Legend Kimi Raikkonen’s NASCAR Cameo: “I Hope I Don’t Junk His A**”

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Written by:

Dhruv George is a senior Motorsports author for EssentiallySports, having authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR, Tennis, NFL, and eSports. He graduated with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the Xavier Institute of Communications. Dhruv has also conducted interviews with F1 driver Pierre Gasly and Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino.

Edited by:

Vibhanshu Kumar

“It’s Not Very Easy” – Kimi Raikkonen Reflects on the Possibility of More European Drivers in NASCAR

What to expect from Kimi Raikkonen at Watkins Glen?

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