Kimi moving to NASCAR?
#33
03-31-2011, 10:24 PM
F1 isn't as inviting as NASCAR. Plus no manufacturers that are in NASCAR are in F1 which makes it even harder.
#36
04-02-2011, 09:39 PM
#38
04-02-2011, 11:15 PM
varsha still thinks its an april fools joke
Motorsport.com
edit: more...
http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar...ory?id=6283523
Kimi Raikkonen joins Kyle Busch team
MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- Former Formula One champion Kimi Raikkonen will compete in three to five races for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Truck Series, and will debut May 20 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Busch said the 31-year-old driver, who shopped himself to several teams, approached his organization in mid-March.
"I have yet to speak to Kimi myself, but apparently there's an interest with him that he wants to run in NASCAR," Busch said Saturday at Martinsville Speedway. "And apparently we won the war.
"Kimi, from what I understand, was real adamant with wanting to work with me and our teams and put together a deal."
Busch said Raikkonen will drive a second KBM truck at Charlotte, but could see time in his No. 18, depending on what other races are run. He said Raikkonen is responsible for bringing a sponsor.
"I don't know where the money is coming from," Busch said. "My contract is with Kimi himself. I do know that there's three sponsors involved. I'll wait for their press release to see if they announce who they are, but there is money backing him."
NASCAR recently gave Raikkonen approval to compete after the rally car driver and 2007 F1 champion sent in his résumé and application. Because of his status in F1, Raikkonen does not have to compete in any other NASCAR event prior to Charlotte.
"He's got the talent to race," Busch said. "He's Formula One. He's obviously a world champion over there, and he's done real well in the rally stuff, so I can't see why he wouldn't be successful in our equipment."
Raikkonen is a former F1 teammate of NASCAR star Juan Pablo Montoya during their days with McLaren. Montoya said Raikkonen "is a cool guy" and will "fit right in."
"Kyle is one of the best in NASCAR, and being able to draw on his knowledge will be a valuable asset as I make my transition to a new form of racing. He has put together an experienced team that builds fast race trucks," Raikkonen said.
Four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon expects Raikkonen to go through growing pains, like most drivers who make the jump from open wheel.
"'ll compare it to Juan Pablo," Gordon said. "I know they are a little bit different styles, but I will compare them in the fact that they both have a tremendous amount of talent, a lot of racing experience, there's not a whole lot you can tell them because they know how to get into different race cars and adapt.
"But I will say this is one heck of a series and vehicles that are far more challenging than people realize, especially when you come off high downforce cars. I think the rally cars he's been driving probably give him more experience, or better prepared, to come over here to this series than any of his Formula One cars that were driven."
David Newton covers NASCAR for ESPN.com. He can be reached at dnewtonespn@aol.com.
Motorsport.com
edit: more...
http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar...ory?id=6283523
Kimi Raikkonen joins Kyle Busch team
MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- Former Formula One champion Kimi Raikkonen will compete in three to five races for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Truck Series, and will debut May 20 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Busch said the 31-year-old driver, who shopped himself to several teams, approached his organization in mid-March.
"I have yet to speak to Kimi myself, but apparently there's an interest with him that he wants to run in NASCAR," Busch said Saturday at Martinsville Speedway. "And apparently we won the war.
"Kimi, from what I understand, was real adamant with wanting to work with me and our teams and put together a deal."
Busch said Raikkonen will drive a second KBM truck at Charlotte, but could see time in his No. 18, depending on what other races are run. He said Raikkonen is responsible for bringing a sponsor.
"I don't know where the money is coming from," Busch said. "My contract is with Kimi himself. I do know that there's three sponsors involved. I'll wait for their press release to see if they announce who they are, but there is money backing him."
NASCAR recently gave Raikkonen approval to compete after the rally car driver and 2007 F1 champion sent in his résumé and application. Because of his status in F1, Raikkonen does not have to compete in any other NASCAR event prior to Charlotte.
"He's got the talent to race," Busch said. "He's Formula One. He's obviously a world champion over there, and he's done real well in the rally stuff, so I can't see why he wouldn't be successful in our equipment."
Raikkonen is a former F1 teammate of NASCAR star Juan Pablo Montoya during their days with McLaren. Montoya said Raikkonen "is a cool guy" and will "fit right in."
"Kyle is one of the best in NASCAR, and being able to draw on his knowledge will be a valuable asset as I make my transition to a new form of racing. He has put together an experienced team that builds fast race trucks," Raikkonen said.
Four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon expects Raikkonen to go through growing pains, like most drivers who make the jump from open wheel.
"'ll compare it to Juan Pablo," Gordon said. "I know they are a little bit different styles, but I will compare them in the fact that they both have a tremendous amount of talent, a lot of racing experience, there's not a whole lot you can tell them because they know how to get into different race cars and adapt.
"But I will say this is one heck of a series and vehicles that are far more challenging than people realize, especially when you come off high downforce cars. I think the rally cars he's been driving probably give him more experience, or better prepared, to come over here to this series than any of his Formula One cars that were driven."
David Newton covers NASCAR for ESPN.com. He can be reached at dnewtonespn@aol.com.
Last edited by IIVVX; 04-02-2011 at 11:26 PM.
