The Circuit of the Americas race on Sunday was exciting for many reasons, with William Byron winning quite the struggle with Christopher Bell in the last parts of the race.
After multiple incidents hampered his efforts, Kamui Kobayashi, who was driving for the 23XI team, finished at a disappointing 30th place after qualifying for 25th place.
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Kamui Kobayashi: ‘He Just Hit Me’
Still, Kobayashi drove a great race early on and made moves right-left and center.
But there was also an incident. Yardbarker reports: “However, (Kobayashi’s) 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.”
In an interview with Frontstretch, the Japanese driver said, “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.”
The story continued:
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.
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
What Kamui Kobayashi does next is anyone’s guess, but he will likely be keeping a keen eye on Ricky Stenhouse Jr. the next time they’re both on the track.
