With the rise of NASCAR's Next Gen car, the sport is attracting drivers from various motorsport disciplines, and now the question is whether Daniel Ricciardo, the recently laid-off Formula 1 driver, will be among them. Ricciardo has long had a passion for stock car racing, and his possible transition to NASCAR has sparked interest.
In recent years, several former Formula 1 drivers have made the leap to NASCAR, including Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen. One of the most notable transitions came from Shane van Gisbergen, who turned a one-off race at Chicago into a full-time career in NASCAR. These examples show that NASCAR has become a viable destination for drivers looking to shift gears in their careers, and Ricciardo could very well follow in their footsteps.
Daniel Ricciardo's Passion for NASCAR
Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports believes that Ricciardo may not just be making a one-off appearance in NASCAR but could become a regular competitor. As Pockrass notes, Ricciardo is currently without a contract, and his love for NASCAR is well-known. Ricciardo has often dismissed the idea of switching to NASCAR, but a few years ago, his smile while driving a vintage Dale Earnhardt Sr. car showed just how much he enjoys the sport.
Pockrass writes, “Daniel [Ricciardo] comes to NASCAR in more than just a one-off move. … [Ricciardo] currently is unemployed and his fandom of NASCAR is well-documented. Yeah, for the most part he has poured cold water on any significant NASCAR chatter. But to see his smile driving a Dale Earnhardt Sr. vintage car a few years ago showed just how much he loves the sport. Plus there would be teams and sponsors that want him racing stock cars. And that’s not to mention the fans, who would eat it up. If NASCAR can find a way to get this done, it should do it.”
Options for Ricciardo in NASCAR
If Ricciardo does decide to enter NASCAR, he would have several teams and options available to him. One-off races have become more common in the Cup Series since the introduction of the Next Gen car, with organizations increasingly investing in open cars and inviting part-time drivers. Ricciardo, given his name recognition and fan following, would have no shortage of sponsors eager to see him behind the wheel.
Teams such as Trackhouse Racing, Richard Childress Racing, and 23XI Racing have made notable attempts to bring in open cars for occasional drivers, and Rick Ware Racing has already fielded drivers like Jenson Button in recent years. These examples show that Ricciardo could easily find a seat in the Cup Series if he wanted to.
A Future in NASCAR for Ricciardo?
At 35 years old, Ricciardo is still relatively young for a race car driver, especially by NASCAR standards. While his time in Formula 1 may be over for the moment, NASCAR presents a whole new world of opportunities for him. If Ricciardo desires a more consistent schedule, he could thrive in the Xfinity Series, where full-time opportunities abound.
Ricciardo’s fitness level, honed through years in Formula 1, would make him a strong contender in NASCAR, and it’s clear that there would be a car waiting for him if he decides to give it a try.
As the NASCAR scene continues to evolve with the Next Gen car, the possibility of Ricciardo joining the sport has never seemed more plausible. Whether it's a one-off or a more significant role, Daniel Ricciardo could find himself in the NASCAR spotlight soon.