Gear Up! Kamui Kobayashi is returning for his 2nd NASCAR Cup Series at COTA. Kobayashi, driving the No. 67 Toyota Camry once again, is all set to represent team 23XI at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix Race scheduled for March 24, after his debut NASCAR race last year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

47-year-old Kobayashi is a Japanese racing driver. While primarily a Formula 1 driver, he is also a two-time FIA World Endurance Champion. In addition, Kobayashi has also won the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona twice. Kobayashi will compete in the season’s opening racing event at the Circuit of the Americas, Texas, for 23XI Racing. The team will be entering their third car alongside full-time drivers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. Not to forget, Reddick is the reigning champion at the COTA track. 

Kamui Kobayashi’s NASCAR Journey to Ignite Japanese Interest

The EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix Race scheduled for March 24 is going to witness new participating racers from different race forms. Kamui Kobayashi, representing team 23XI, and Shane van Gisbergen from Kaulig Racing will enter their first race for the 2024 Cup Series season at the COTA tracks.

While having a conversation with NBC Sports, Kobayashi remarked, “I’m here to experience NASCAR, but at the same time I want to expand NASCAR (interest) in Japan, I think there’s a big potential.”

Even before making his debut in 2023, he stated, “I want people in Japan to know about this amazing world that is NASCAR. The sound of the V8 engine is incredible, and I want people to think, ‘This is what motorsport should be like.’ “ It’s true that some people might think that it’s not fair because they don’t give penalties for contact, but I think it’s better to put that aside because the fast guys still win.”

After enduring a challenging debut race last season, Kobayashi provided his consent. He expressed, “First of all, I was waiting for a caution. It never happened. I definitely enjoyed it. Thank you. 77 laps no caution is pretty long; I think I learned a lot. We had some good speed as well. I got hit by someone, but this is NASCAR. But the racing in the field was great. It’s a really cool championship; I had a great experience here. Thank you to all of the support from Toyota, Toyota Gazoo Racing North America.”

Tyler Reddick to defend his winning title at the COTA Track

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In last season’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix race, Tyler Reddick emerged victorious by leading a total of 41 laps out of 75. Reddick outperformed Kyle Busch, driving his No. 45 Toyota for team 23XI. Although starting in pole position two, Reddick couldn’t perform well in the first stage of the race. Nevertheless, he then displayed his complete authority by winning Stage 2 and sweeping next to the checkered flag. 

Reddick has three races at the COTA track, winning the latest one and finishing in the top five and top ten in the other two.

However, Reddick’s average finish on the COTA course is 5.0, putting him in fourth place. Chase Elliott, Ross Chastain, and Alex Bowman lead him in terms of average finish on the course.

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With the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix Race at COTA on March 24, fans look forward to Kamui Kobayashi’s comeback and Tyler Reddick defending his championship. Kobayashi’s mission to increase NASCAR’s reach in Japan gives the event a global dimension, and Reddick’s track record assures exciting racing for team 23XI fans.