Following a surprising announcement in the Finnish Press that the 2007 F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen and WRC driver is planning to compete in NASCAR top series with his own team, NASCAR authorities has confirmed Kimi Raikkonen's entry request to race in Truck series event N.C. Education Lottery 200 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 20th.NASCAR confirmation, although simple was meant full of excitement as Amanda Jones Ellis, Manager of Communications, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series stated:
“I can confirm that Kimi Raikkonen requested and was approved for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 20."
NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp also confirmed that Raikkonen had applied for and been approved to run the truck race at Charlotte, a 1.5-mile track. NASCAR must approve new drivers before racing, although it’s approval of a F1 champion should be just a formality.
Raikkonen plans to race with his own RedBull-backed ICE1 Racing in selected NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in combination with his 8-race WRC program driving a Citroen DS3. However, there’s still no official word about his racing schedule either at ICE1 Racing or his personal website website about his NASCAR racing schedule, the car he will drive or the sponsors for his NASCAR program. All that is rumored is that Foster Gillett known from his RPM management will support somehow his NASCAR racing.
Another former F1 driver, Nelson Piquet Jr. who drives in the Truck Series for Kevin Harvick Inc. is ready to duel Raikkonen in oval tracks and commented:
“I think it's great for the series to have Kimi Raikkonen decide to enter NASCAR and race in the trucks, and it will be great for him to know what American racing is all about.
Four-time Sprint Cup champion, Jeff Gordon who has been critical about Jacques Villeneuve NASCAR effort commented positively Raikkonen's imminent arrival.
"I think it would be cool and exciting. Being a fan of Formula 1 racing, I've watched Kimi compete and win in that series, and I think it would be great to have him racing in NASCAR."
Canadian Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 F1 World Champion told Auto123.com:
“He’s going to have fun. If the news is true, he’s doing the right thing by starting in the Truck series. However, I think the driving won’t be a problem for him. His biggest challenge will be off the race track. He’ll need to open up socially. NASCAR is not a closed environment like F1 is. You need to respect the other drivers and socialise. He’s racing in different series and seems to really enjoy life. But since Kimi has not officially confirmed the news, it’s quite difficult to make comments."
