Published 02/02/2023, 8:30 AM EST
A seven-time NASCAR champion, Jimmie Johnson, is set to partner with former Le Mans winner, Mike Rockenfeller, and F1 champion, Jenson Button. That is a crossover that will take the fans for a fun ride at 24 Hours of Le Mans. But all the buzz around the said entry has led to a question of whether Button will consider Super Stock cars in the future. Not giving a clear-cut answer, he has hinted that there may be a possibility of it.
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This season, the former world champion will return to the 24 hours of Le Mans with a Garage 56 entry. The announcement came during the Rolex 24 hours at Daytona International Speedway. The trio has teamed up to race in a special Next-Gen NASCAR, a modified Chevrolet Camaro ZR1. It will be in a collaboration with the stock car series, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet, and Goodyear.
Daytona Beach, FL, USA; IMSA drivers Jimmie Johnson and Mike Rockenfeller fist bump before the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
As quoted by GPFans, Jenson expressed his respect for the NASCAR series. He said, “Ovals for me is something where I really respect what the guys do, because it’s far beyond anything I’ve experienced. Always racing with a little bit of yaw all the way through the corner, racing that close to each other and so close to the wall is a skill I don’t have, I don’t think.”
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On being asked if he will ever try his hand at it, he said, “We’ll see. That’s an option. Obviously, the car is a little bit different to what we’ll be racing at Le Mans. Less down force, heavier, less power and all of that. It’s probably tricky, but I would jump at the chance if I had the opportunity.”
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While Jenson is making headlines with his Le Mans and NASCAR detour, he is set to have company from other F1 drivers who have crossed over as well.
Kimi Raikkonen enjoyed his stint at NASCAR
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Kimi Raikkonen joined Track house Racing’s Project 91 last year. However, his stint at the Cup Series stock car at the Go Bowling event was a forgettable one. He wasn’t as impressive as he used to be in Formula 1. The Iceman didn’t finish at Watkins Glen and had to settle for a 37th-place finish. Despite the underwhelming result, the former F1 world champion driver claims to have enjoyed his stint in the sport.
Formula One F1 – Tuscan Grand Prix – Mugello, Scarperia e San Piero, Italy – Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen during a press conference | Courtesy: FIA/Handout via REUTERS
F1 drivers have been known to take to other formats of motor sporting post their retirement from F1. The latest names added to that tally are Daniil Kvyat and Kimi Raikkonen, who made their appearance in superstock cars for the NASCAR cup series in the last season.
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Who do you think will be the next F1 racer setting foot in super stocks?