Raikkonen returns to NASCAR for Cup Series round at COTA

Kimi Raikkonen will return later this month to the Circuit of the Americas, the scene of his final career win in Formula 1, where the Finn will enjoy his second outing in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Last August, Raikkonen made his NASCAR debut Trackhouse Racing’s PROJECT91 car at Watkins Glen.

The Finn's race was unfortunately cut short when the Iceman was the victim of a stack-up on a restart that sent him careering into the barriers, but the experience wetted his appetite for racing in America's premier motorsport series.

Raikkonen will once again team up with Trackhouse's PROJECT91 but unlike his first outing with the NASCAR outfit, the 21-time Grand Prix winner will be racing the team's No. 91 Onx/iLOQ Chevrolet Camaro in a familiar environment, at COTA where he conquered his final F1 win in 2018 driving for Ferrari.

"I had a fantastic time in NASCAR," said Räikkönen. "There was a lot to learn in a very short amount of time, but everyone was very helpful, the competition was a big challenge.

"This time I get to race on a track I am familiar with so there won’t be as steep of a learning curve. I want to have fun, but also do as well as we can."

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Trackhouse Owner and Founder Justin Marks created PROJECT91 last year intent on expanding the organization’s global reach by fielding a Cup Series entry for renowned international racing drivers.

"When we announced Kimi last year I said he was the global superstar I had in mind when we created PROJECT91," explained Marks.

"I think you saw the fan reception across the world and Kimi’s performance in the car was proof of the concept.

"Kimi’s following is massive and it’s great for NASCAR, Trackhouse plus I think Kimi really enjoys our racing."

NASCAR's Cup Series round at COTA will take place on March 26.

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