Kamui Kobayashi believes the sound of NASCAR racecars would be big hit in Japan

Back in the States for his second run in NASCAR, Kamui Kobayashi believes that the sport would be a big hit if it returned to Japan. In 1996 and 1997, NASCAR hosted the Thunder Special Suzuka to varying success.

More and more, the talk about international races heats up. That includes Japan, a country where NASCAR leaders have gone in recent months to explore alternative fuel methods and engine solutions, mainly around hydrogen combustion engines.

Coming back to the Cup Series with 23XI Racing at COTA next week, Kamui Kobayashi spoke with the media at Bristol this weekend. The former F1 driver was asked about a potential NASCAR return to his home country, and the driver responded positively.

When asked by Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut, Kobayashi said, “Many people [in Japan] would be looking forward to this Cup car.”

He went on, “NASCAR has an amazing sound. … Even Formula 1, it has good sound, but it’s not near the same.”

When @MattWeaverRA asked @kamui_kobayashi about his thoughts on a potential NASCAR return to Japan, he definitely sounded enthused about the potential.

“Many people (in Japan) would be looking forward to this Cup car.”

“NASCAR has an amazing sound.” … “Even formula 1, it has… pic.twitter.com/5a2HlB1J4c

— DannyBTalks (Daniel Baldwin) (@DannyBTalks) March 16, 2024

Kamui Kobayashi is an international star. He’s raced in a variety of series and at the highest levels of motorsports around the globe. When he brings up the sound that NASCAR has, he isn’t being silly or coming up with a reason just to say it – he means it.

There is something about the noise a stock car makes, that V8 power, resonates with motorsports fans. It was on display at Le Mans last season with Garage 56. When it comes to the noise and feel of a racecar, there is no replacement for a NASCAR Cup car.

Kamui Kobayashi looking for Cup Series redemption

Last season, Kamui Kobayashi made his Cup Series debut and it did not go as planned. The driver participated in the Indy Road Course race, dealing with car issues and even some heated competition courtesy of Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

By the end of the Indy race, Kobayashi finished P33. However, he is making a return in 2024 and will take on the COTA course. In recent years, former F1 drivers have flocked to this weekend to get a taste of NASCAR. Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen come to mind, and this year, even Daniil Kvyat is getting a start in the Xfinity Series race.

This year, Kobayashi has support not just from 23XI Racing and Toyota but also Mobil 1. The iconic motorsports sponsor has struck a new deal this year with Toyota. In the 50th year of the company’s existence, they are running no the No. 67 car, but the No. 50 car a few times throughout the season.

Kamui Kobayashi is the first to pilot the 23XI No. 50 car. When he takes to the track next week, he will hope to be in contention for a top-20 finish or better. However, we know these stock car drivers like to get physical at COTA. So, we’ll see how Kobayashi does in his second Cup Series stint.