With just three races to go until the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, the 82-lap race around the IMS Road Course will be action-packed with high drama and even higher stakes for those not yet locked in.
Kobayashi will become the first Japanese driver to start a Cup race since Hideo Fukuyama over 20 years ago at Sonoma Raceway. Now, he will finally get the chance to live that childhood dream and will get to do so in race-winning equipment. 23XI won earlier this season at COTA, and Travis Pastrana finished 11th with the No. 67 car in this year's Daytona 500.This New Zealander may have needed an introduction for NASCAR fans before Chicago, but not anymore.
"We have got to come in and do our best, but you also have got to race with respect as well. These guys are fighting for their championship every week, so I have got to come in and stay out of trouble." Yes, Kobayashi won't be the only Le Mans 24 winner in the field. The German racing driver won the LM24 overall in 2010, and also earned a class victory there in 2005. Additionally, he won a DTM championship in 2013.
Where do you see these stars finishing in Sunday's NASCAR Cup race at the IMS Road Course?