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The inclusion of extra street programs to the NASCAR Cup Sequence schedule and the introduction of the NextGen automotive has seemingly inspired groups to solid a wider web for potential drivers to place behind the wheel on a race weekend. Regardless of former F1 drivers making their Cup debuts this 12 months, I used to be extra shocked and excited to see one other title. Spire Motorsports has recruited Mike Rockenfeller to drive the group’s No. 77 NationsGuard Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at this weekend’s Go Bowling on the Glen. He’ll additionally drive for the Financial institution of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in October. Rockenfeller is a two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and 2013 DTM Champion. I had the possibility to ask him about this upcoming two-race stint with the group.
My first query to the adorned German racing driver was why this was the best alternative to race within the NASCAR Cup Sequence. Rockenfeller replied that Spire introduced him the provide and that he would have accepted an opportunity to race in NASCAR at any stage of his profession. He stated, “After I cut up with Audi on the finish of 2021, I haven’t run a full season for the primary time since I began racing professionally. I feel this has come on the proper time for me, as I’ve been searching for a clear break from the previous and I’ve at all times loved racing in the US since I first did the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2004.”
Rockenfeller confirmed nothing however enthusiasm, reward and respect for NASCAR. The 38-year-old veteran stated, “My expectation is that NASCAR shall be tremendous tough to get proper as a result of it’s an extremely aggressive collection with a number of the greatest groups and drivers on this planet. I’m underneath no phantasm that it will likely be one of many largest challenges in my racing profession.” He simply hopes to complete in his Cup debut at Watkins Glen, a monitor the place he completed sixth on this 12 months’s Six Hours on the Glen alongside his teammates Jimmie Johnson and Kamui Kobayashi.
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Rockenfeller has only driven the NextGen Cup car in the simulator so far, but he shared his thoughts on the experience. He compared the newly-introduced car to a Porsche Carrera Cup car, the type of car he made his professional debut in during the 2002 Porsche Supercup season. He said, “It’s quite heavy, there’s not a lot of downforce, there’s very few driving aids, and not much to get distracted by in the way of buttons. It’s just about pure driving and going as fast as you can.”
Hopefully, cautious expectations and proven ability in other categories will serve Mike Rockenfeller well in his NASCAR debut at Watkins Glen. The Cup Series road course race in Western New York will also feature former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat and 2007 F1 champion Kimi Räikkönen.
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