Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: 'It’s a big shame'- Kamui Kobayashi breaks silence on Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s aggressive antics at COTA

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Geetansh Pasricha | Last updated 3/25/24

The weekend in COTA was full of exciting racing across the field. William Byron took the checkered flag after a hard-fought battle with JGR’s Christopher Bell in the dying stages of the race. On the other end of the field, Kamui Kobayashi was driving for the 23XI team and finished a disappointing 30^th after multiple incidents ruined his race.

Kamui Kobayashi had qualified 25^th for the race on Sunday. Despite this, the Japanese racer drove an excellent race in the early stages of the race and made moves right-left and center. However, his race came undone when, on lap 26, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. spun him out like their previous encounter at Indy. This unraveled the 37-year-old’s race and relegated him down the field, out of contention for the top spots.

No, I have nothing to say. I mean, if they have an explanation, I think they have an explanation because I didn’t do anything wrong. I mean, he just hit me. It’s a big shame. Someone [Ricky Stenhouse Jr.] just damaged my race in the mid-stage. Kamui Kobayashi said in an interview with Frontstretch

“I mean, he just hit me” @kamui_kobayashi on being spun by Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Kobayashi also answers whether or not he will be back in NASCAR in 2024:

@WyattGametime pic.twitter.com/06a6grS4sz
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) March 24, 2024

The No.50 driver felt infuriated with how his race played out as later down the race he was battling Josh Berry for position and met the same result of being pirouetted by his rival. This thrashed the Toyota driver’s race and was disappointed with the result of managing a 30th-place finish.

Kamui Kobayashi addresses his future within NASCAR

The Le Mans winner has immense experience in various types of motorsport. Moreover, his second attempt at the series may not have been as fruitful as he would have hoped for but would have been a learning experience for the 37-year-old.

No, I think no plans yet. But I’m sure we have opportunities I want to enjoy. I definitely enjoy and thanks to NASCAR and everybody supporting. This time, Mobil 1, and of course TRD and 23XI[Racing]. Kamui Kobayashi said in an interview with Frontstretch

Kobayashi stated that he has no plans to race ahead in the series as of now. However, this could change if an opportunity comes knocking on the door for the Japanese. Apart from this, the former F1 driver expressed his gratitude towards his team and his sponsors, who made it possible for him to race in the series.

Despite this disappointing race, Kobayashi would be happy that he was on pace with the leaders at various moments. Moreover, the Japanese racing veteran is expected to return to the sport soon and show his racing prowess again.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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