Kamui Kobayashi, aged 37, made history by becoming the first Japanese driver in two decades to participate in a Cup race at the Indianapolis Road Course last year. Despite starting from the 28th position, Kobayashi finished 33rd after encountering several incidents during the event.
Following his debut, Kobayashi is set to embark on his second Cup race with 23XI Racing’s No. 50 Toyota team at Circuit of the Americas. Reflecting on his previous experience, Kobayashi noted that despite initial surprises, he found the race to be a valuable learning experience.
Now, armed with more preparation and familiarity with the track, having raced at COTA multiple times in Formula 1 and WEC, Kobayashi is eagerly anticipating the upcoming race.
With his sights set on improvement, Kobayashi emphasized the importance of learning and adapting, particularly in his rookie Cup season. As he continues to build rapport with his team, he remains optimistic about his performance and looks forward to showcasing his talents on the track.
