Kimi Raikkonen joins Jenson Button in NASCAR

In addition to competing in three NASCAR races, the British driver will drive a Chevrolet Camaro at the 24-Hour Le Mans.

Within a few weeks, Jenson Button will begin a new chapter in his long (and varied) racing career.

With the NASCAR Cup, America’s premier motorsport competition, the 2009 F1 world champion will make a 180 degree turn in his career

Three NASCAR Cup races will be run by Button.

On March 26 at the Circuit of the Americas, the Briton will make his NASCAR debut – he first became acquainted with the sport through the movie Days of Thunder.

Following that, he will compete in the Chicago street race (a new feature of the championship) on July 2, followed by his American tour finale at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (a road course configuration) on August 13. “The circuits we’ve chosen work really well, they’re the perfect trio,” the Briton told the international press, including MARCA.

“I know, nobody has driven at Chicago – driving one of these around a street course sounds nuts – so it’s the same for all of us.”

It’s different from the track I’m used to, but some corners are similar.”

As for why he has decided to take the step now, one of the key reasons is the greater presence of conventional tracks (the so-called road courses in the United States).

“I can be more competitive with more circuits of this type,” he acknowledged.

In addition to driving the car, I need to learn about overtaking and contact.

“I’ll have to get used to that.”

The possibility of 2024 cannot be ruled out

In 2024, Button did not rule out another adventure.

He suggested there may be a chance he will join the championship if it is enjoyable and he can be competitive. His vehicle of choice in the Cup will be a Ford Mustang with the number 15 of the Rick Ware Racing (RWR) team, in contrast to the NASCAR-based Chevrolet Camaro modified for a 24-hour race he will take part in during Le Mans.