Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (AP)—Former Formula One world champion Kimi Raikkonen has signed with Kyle Busch Motorsports and plans to run next month’s Truck Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Raikkonen drove for Sauber, McLaren and Ferrari in F1. He was teammates with current NASCAR star Juan Pablo Montoya when they both drove for McLaren.
There had been reports this week that Raikkonen was going to give NASCAR a try, but Busch did not mention his involvement in any deals when asked about the Finn driver Friday at Martinsville Speedway.
KBM then announced Saturday that the 31-year-old driver had signed with the team. No sponsorship details were given, and Raikkonen’s schedule is to be released at a later date.
How many times do you hear it from F1 fans that NASCAR is just turning left?
I love it when former F1 or road racers come to NASCAR to show the NASCAR fans how much better they are than NASCAR drivers.
So far they have not shown much. Montoya is the only one so far that has shown anything and that he is almost as good on road courses and less than average on the ovals.
I would much rather see Kyle give a shot to one of the young hot shoes in one of the lower oval track series.
How many times do you hear it from F1 fans that NASCAR is just turning left?
I love it when former F1 or road racers come to NASCAR to show the NASCAR fans how much better they are than NASCAR drivers.
So far they have not shown much. Montoya is the only one so far that has shown anything and that he is almost as good on road courses and less than average on the ovals.
I would much rather see Kyle give a shot to one of the young hot shoes in one of the lower oval track series.
They are completely different sports. The level of athleticism can't be compared. That's the reason Montoya is so happy in NASCAR. He can pack as many double whoppers as he wants and still be pretty competitive.
They are completely different sports. The level of athleticism can't be compared. That's the reason Montoya is so happy in NASCAR. He can pack as many double whoppers as he wants and still be pretty competitive.
Your right it is much more difficult to win a 1.5 hr roadrace in a computer controlled car than it is to win a 5 hr. 500 mile stock car race in 90 degree temps.
Why is it the Shumacher turned down every chance to run with the other drivers in the IROC series?
F1 drivers are the best F1 drivers in the world, but that's about it.
Give Montoya credit, he has the guts to run NASCAR unlike some of the others.
Your right it is much more difficult to win a 1.5 hr roadrace in a computer controlled car than it is to win a 5 hr. 500 mile stock car race in 90 degree temps.
Why is it the Shumacher turned down every chance to run with the other drivers in the IROC series?
F1 drivers are the best F1 drivers in the world, but that's about it.
Give Montoya credit, he has the guts to run NASCAR unlike some of the others.
I give Montoya credit. I hope to see a NASCAR driver try an F1 in the future *provided he can be fitted into the car*
On the difficultty I agree, F1 is definitely tougher on the body, g forces are higher, temperatures are around 90 as well, and there isn't a safety car slowdown every 5 laps or so. The neck especially suffers a lot.
As for skill, it's completely different. The slipstreaming and side to side racing in NASCAR must be tough to adapt. Tire management in banked ovals surely takes a lot of skill. Montoya's career show it's hard enough for any top class driver to adapt.
Not better, different. It will be interesting to see how Kimi does. The guy is as fast as it gets.
They are completely different sports. The level of athleticism can't be compared. That's the reason Montoya is so happy in NASCAR. He can pack as many double whoppers as he wants and still be pretty competitive.
I F1 its all about what car you drive and being the #1 driver on that team. Its all about the cars really and then the pit xtops which is why I foud I was fallig asleep in the races.No matter what he is goig to find its about driving with little downfirce compsred to what he is use to.
Im kinda clueless on this move. Why would Kimi want to race Trucks????
Think he wants to work his way to a Cup ride. Guess he got bored with Rally racing!
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.