It would be difficult – if not impossible – to make any sort of comparison between Formula 1 and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. But since 1997, when Chile’s Eliseo Salazar ran his first and only race at Watkins Glen International, trucks have been an entry point into NASCAR competition for a number of stars from the world’s premier open wheel circuit.
Currently foremost is Max Papis who ranks ninth in NCWTS points standings following his 10th-place finish at Martinsville Speedway.
Papis isn’t the only F1 alum among this year’s truck racers. Nelson Piquet Jr. is among this year’s large class of Sunoco Rookie of the Year contenders.
Now add to the list Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 F1 world champion, who recently signed to compete on a limited basis for Kyle Busch Motorsports. Raikkonen, from Finland, anticipates making his NASCAR Camping World Truck debut May 20 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, giving the field an unprecedented number of former F1 drivers.
“Kyle is one of the best in NASCAR, and being able to draw on his knowledge will be a valuable asset as I make my transition to a new form of racing,” said Raikkonen.
The list also includes Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 F1 world champion, and Narain Karthikeyan, who competed in nine races last season. American Scott Speed is the only ex-Formula 1 driver with a NASCAR Camping World Truck victory – in 2008 at Dover International Speedway.
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