With the 2024 Cup Series well underway, NASCAR is pulling out all the stops this season to expand viewership overseas. While Netflix’s docuseries seem to have done wonders for the sport’s viewership in Western countries, rumors of Honda entering the sport as a fourth OEM are largely responsible for generating interest in the East. Adding to that prospect will be this year’s race at COTA where Kamui Kobayashi is all set to make his second start for 23XI racing. While the Japanese legend’s entry will help NASCAR widen its audience, Kobayashi’s teammate at 23XI Racing is feeling a little pressure pile up.

Tyler Reddick believes Kobayashi will be a formidable force at COTA

Kamui Kobayashi may be new to the world of NASCAR, but he is no stranger to the Circuit of The Americas. With a handful of WEC and F1 races at the famed track under his belt, the 37-year-old is eager to make the most of his second opportunity. With that said, Tyler Reddick believes Kobayashi will not just have a great weekend at COTA but also give Reddick and Wallace a run for their money.

Speaking on the NASCAR Live podcast, Reddick shared, “It’s added pressure. You know, I believe in his ability and what I’ve seen him do in a short time in the Next Gen car. I think back to his test, and just how quickly he’s able to adapt to this car really impressed me. I know for him, Indy didn’t go well, certainly not as well as he wanted it to.” 

Last time around, Kobayashi’s debut in the Next Gen car didn’t end with the grand result we all hoped for. However, despite the #67 finishing 33rd at Indy, Kobayashi garnered valuable experience with the Cup car. So heading to COTA, Reddick believes this experience will help the Japanese driver immensely.

He stated, “But it was a learning experience for sure and on a track that, as far as I believe at the time, he didn’t have any laps on it. So, COTA’s more familiar, it’s more of a traditional road course. Indy’s kind of its own animal. So I do expect him to do well, excited to see what he has for pace.”

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With Tyler Reddick expecting Kamui Kobayashi to be a formidable force not just for the opposition but also for himself, can the 2021 Le Mans 24 winner repeat such success in his COTA outing too? One thing’s for sure, Kobayashi is preparing like never before.

Kamui Kobayashi highlights his strengths at COTA while sidelining Indy failure

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For Mobil 1’s 50th Anniversary, Kamui Kobayashi wants to deliver a stellar performance in the 23XI Racing Camry XSE and is pulling out all the stops to ensure he’s well-equipped. Not only did his race at Indy last year help get the ball rolling but the Japanese driver also believes the team is far more prepared this time around.

For Kobayashi, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway had been a challenge in itself to master. But with his road course racing experience, there are only a few drivers as credible as the former F1 maestro. Going over how different COTA is to Indy, Kobayashi was quoted by motorsport.com, where he shared, “I’m definitely looking forward to next week. We’ve had more preparation. I’ve raced COTA five times already in Formula 1 and WEC. I think Indy – it was my first time ever racing there, but next week I have more experience, so definitely looking forward to the race.”

Reflecting on his experience at COTA and how it will be vital to his chances, Kobayashi shared, “I think I learned quite a lot about how you handle the car and how the race goes, and how the race weekend goes. I think the second time I can manage myself better, and I’m putting in the preparation now. I’ve spent quite a lot of time in the simulator. We will see.”

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While it’s safe to say Kamui Kobayashi is wasting no time to prepare for the big day at COTA, do you think Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace will perhaps find themselves fighting for position with their ‘new’ teammate?