The veteran racer will start 28th in his Cup debut, driving the No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota.
But the 36-year-old has plenty of experience elsewhere, starting 75 Formula 1 races between 2009 and 2014, scoring one podium and finishing as high as 12th in the championship standings.Leading up to this event, Kobayashi has done several hours of simulator work and tested the car on-track at Virginia International Raceway. He can also lean on his team-mates, which includes defending Indy RC winner Tyler Reddick.
He ended the 20-minute practice in 31st, completing five laps. Speaking on the limited track time for all drivers, he said:"Honestly, I think just concerns of minutes of practice here and then straight to qualifying. Obviously, we need to prepare as much as we can but "I will say the car behavior is challenging for me because I’ve never driven such less downforce with the weight. I think weight transfer in the car is different than what I’m used to driving.
Kobayashi explained that no comparison can really be made between the current Cup car and other vehicles he has driven in his career."You’re driving and even you’re fighting on the straight. Be on the straight before braking because that’s quite important. When we’re racing in my race car on the straight it’s just you’re relaxed, but this car you’re still fighting on the straight.
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