Kamui Kobayashi to join Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick in third 23XI Cup Series car at COTA
Kamui Kobayashi is set to return to NASCAR, piloting the No. 67 for 23XI Racing at Circuit of the Americas on March 24.
In returning to 23XI Racing for another go-round in the Cup Series, Kobayashi will join full-time racers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, hoping to work together and have a strong afternoon at COTA.
Check out the announcement below from 23XI Racing, which they shared to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday.
“He’s back,” 23XI Racing posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Kamui Kobayashi rejoins 23XI Racing for his second career #NASCAR Cup Series start as he takes on COTA with teammates Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick.”
Continuing, Kobayashi is a world renowned driver, and he joined 23XI Racing last season for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Unfortunately, he dealt with some issues during that race, but he’s hoping to fair better this time around for the Toyota squad.
When Kobayashi first announced he’d be trying his hand at NASCAR, he revealed that it was actually one of his biggest dreams, so he’ll certainly be putting some pressure on himself at COTA.
“It’s my dream, actually,” Kobayashi told The AP last summer. “It’s such a big sport in the United States and racing in Europe, I never had the chance or opportunity to race NASCAR. I think the opportunity will be challenging for myself because it is such a different category.
“But if I have success, I think it will make more opportunities for Japanese drivers. Toyota has been in NASCAR a long time, but there has never been any Japanese drivers for Toyota. That’s also why I say I appreciate this opportunity for myself.”
Over recent seasons, the No. 67 has become a sort of guest car for 23XI Racing. For example, Travis Pastrana got in the seat for the Daytona 500, and it’s been theorized Kurt Busch could run a couple races with the number when he’s cleared and feels comfortable, if he ever decides to step into a car again.
Regardless, it’ll once again be a sight to see when Kamui Kobayashi makes his NASCAR return in two weeks, as the Cup Series takes on it’s first road course of the season.