Jenson Button will make his NASCAR Cup debut in 2023 after signing up to contest three rounds this season.
Button, the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion, will debut on March 26 at the Circuit of the Americas before also running the inaugural Chicago Street Race on July 2 and the Indianapolis Road Course on August 13.
Button will drive the No. 15 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang fielded by Rick Ware Racing with promotional and marketing support from Stewart-Haas Racing.
The NASCAR outings will be in conjunction to Button contesting this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours as part of the Garage 56 effort that is bringing a modified stock car to the French endurance event.
“The first time I jumped into the Garage 56 car, it was like, ‘What have I done? This is so different,’ and that lasted about four laps,” said Button.
“Then it was like, ‘Hang on, it’s still a racing car. It’s got four tyres that touch the road. It’s a mechanical race car, which is even better for learning.’ I’ve really enjoyed the challenge.
“A Cup car has a lot less downforce and is a lot heavier, but the Garage 56 car has given me an idea of what it will be like along with a direction, which is really useful.
“I know in my first race I’m not expected to be qualifying right at the front and I’m not expected to be fighting for a victory. I have a lot of respect for the drivers racing in the Cup Series. There’s so much talent there, whether it’s on ovals or road courses.
“Ten years ago, people used to say NASCAR guys can’t drive around a circuit, but I think they’ve proven that they can.
“Every time an ex-F1 driver gets in a stock car these days, they struggle initially. It takes a while for them to get up to speed, so I don’t expect to be right at the front, straight away.
“That’s why, for me, doing more than one race is really key so I can get the best out of myself and the best out of the car.”
Button will consequently be on the same grid as former F1 rival Kimi Räikkönen, who has also signed up for this month’s round at COTA.
