Kimi Raikkonen relishing ‘equal chance to win’ as he makes NASCAR debut

Ex-Formula 1 racer Kimi Raikkonen says it is a draw of the NASCAR Cup Series that he will be racing on a pretty even playing field.

After retiring from Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season, it looked as though we maybe had also seen the last of Raikkonen as a racing driver. But, as it turns out, this is not the case.

Raikkonen is back in action as he makes his NASCAR Cup Series debut with TrackHouse Racing at Watkins Glen, the venue which formerly hosted the United States Grand Prix in Formula 1.

The racing action takes place on August 21, and although rival driver Denny Hamlin ruled Raikkonen out as a contender for the win, ‘The Iceman’ himself does not necessarily agree.

In something of a parallel to Formula 1, for this season the ‘Next Gen Car’ was rolled out in a bid to create a more even playing field, something which is very attractive to Raikkonen.

“I think any time there’s an equal chance to win in a series it is nice,” Raikkonen told AP.

“I think it’s good, and what I heard when I talked to people about the new car is that it is pretty even with everybody, it’s still a learning phase for all teams with the new car.”

Justin Marks, co-owner of the TrackHouse Racing Team, travelled to Raikkonen’s home in Switzerland earlier this year in an ultimately successful effort to recruit the Finn for what currently is scheduled as a one-off appearance.

Raikkonen explained that Marks was “very honest” with him, while nobody has “promised any big thing”.

However, since the cars are now designed to be more even across the grid, Raikkonen is not putting any ceiling on what he could achieve this weekend.

“I think he came as a very honest and straightforward guy and nobody has promised any big thing,” said Raikkonen of Marks.

“The only thing we can do is do our best and hope we get a good result. You never know, any category or any racing you choose, you just never know what will happen.

“And so I trusted what he was saying and they’ve been doing pretty well. In NASCAR, it can easily happen.”

Raikkonen’s appearance has come about via ‘Project91’, TrackHouse Racing’s programme designed to open up a seat to international drivers, an initiative which Raikkonen praises.

“I’m pretty sure there might be some phone calls to Justin already,” Raikkonen predicted.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for drivers from Europe because it’s not very easy to come from Europe to the U.S. to race.

“People can get challenges and maybe they can come here and have a long future because it is a good sport. I think it is great what Justin is doing.”