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Racing F1 Champions Kimi Raikkonen and Jenson Button a Dream Come True for NASCAR Starlet Chase Briscoe

Somin Bhattacharjee
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Racing F1 Champions Kimi Raikkonen and Jenson Button a Dream Come True for NASCAR Starlet Chase Briscoe

Almost every budding talent in racing dreams of making it to F1 someday. It is arguably one of the most popular forms of motorsport in the world, and even though it isn’t ranked number one in the US like NASCAR, it is still closely followed.

Chase Briscoe grew up in the small city of Mitchell, Indiana with a population of just over 4000. He always dreamed of driving in the NASCAR Cup Series, something that he achieved in 2021. However, growing up, he never thought he would be competing against F1 stars.

Former F1 world champions Kimi Raikkonen and Jenson Button are now in America, driving in the NASCAR Cup Series, and will take the Circuit of the Americas in a race on 26th March. This is an opportunity that Briscoe never thought would come to him and is something that the 28-year-old is relishing.

Also read: Haas F1 Rubbishes ‘False Allegations’ of Dealing With Russian Arms Industry

When Chase Briscoe swapped cars with Haas F1 drivers

Briscoe is currently driving the number 14 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas racing and his team’s owner Gene Haas, also has an F1 team that we are all familiar with. Last season, Haas F1 team’s drivers Mick Schumacher and Kevin Magnussen traveled to the US to drive the stock car of Briscoe.

Briscoe reveals how Schumacher and Magnussen were just a tenth behind him, despite having no practice behind the wheels of these cars. On top of that, he insists that the lap time he put in was when he gave his 100%.

Briscoe made his comparison only to emphasize just how good F1 drivers are. That’s why he wants everyone to know that when he races Raikkonen and Button at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix in a week’s time, it won’t be walk in the park.

Also read: Lewis Hamilton & Max Verstappen Share Bizarre WhatsApp Group With F1 Playboy As the Icon

Jenson Button becomes latest F1 entry into NASCAR

There have been many F1 drivers who have tried their trade in NASCAR over the years including Juan Pablo Montoya, Nelson Piquet Jr and Jacques Villeneuve. Last year, it was revealed that Raikkonen was going to join this list, and now it is 2009 F1 world champion Button.

The former Brawn-GP driver will take part in three NASCAR races this season. His first race will take place in a circuit that is familiar to him because of F1, the Circuit of the Americas. This race will take place on the 26th of March.

Button’s next two races will be taking place in the inaugural Chicago Street Race on 2nd July, followed by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course on 13th August.

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

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Formula 1 Editor Somin Bhattacharjee fell for the sport as well as Fernando Alonso on the same day — during the Spaniard’s thrilling victory at the German GP in 2010. Over the years, the passion magnified manyfold, and metamorphosed into a writing career in 2021. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. He has penned over 2,700 articles for TheSportsRush, presenting a diverse range — news reports, opinions, and exclusives. A true Tiffosi, Somin never gives up on a chance to defend the Ferrari boys as a fan. As a sports writer though, he remains objective to the core and relishes opportunities to follow and engage in dissecting the action during races. That’s where the real thrill lies for him. Beyond the racetrack, Somin plays different sports including soccer. He enjoys exploring other sporting events and proudly supports Spanish soccer club Real Madrid.

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