Kobayashi, 37, turned the primary Japanese driver to run a Cup race in 20 years when he made his debut on the Indianapolis Highway Course final 12 months.
He began twenty eighth and completed thirty third after being concerned in a number of incidents in the course of the occasion.
The 2021 Le Mans 24 Hours total winner has beforehand stated that it was his lifelong dream to race in NASCAR, even earlier than aiming to compete in F1.
As an F1 driver, he began 75 races between 2009 and 2014, scoring one podium within the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
Nonetheless, he discovered probably the most success within the sportscar racing world, profitable two FIA World Endurance Championships alongside together with his LM24 triumph.
He is additionally the present workforce principal for Toyota Gazoo Racing WEC workforce. Moreover, Kobayashi is a two-time winner total of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Kobayashi will once more drive the #50 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing when he races at COTA.
Kamui Kobayashi, 23XI Racing, Toyota Real Elements Toyota Camry
Photograph by: Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsport Images
Will probably be a 3rd entry for the workforce, who competes full-time with drivers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. Reddick is the defending winner of the occasion.
Earlier than making his debut in 2023, Kobayashi stated: “I would like individuals in Japan to find out about this superb world that’s NASCAR.
“The sound of the V8 engine is unbelievable, and I would like individuals to assume, ‘that is what motorsport needs to be like.’
“It’s true that some individuals may assume that it’s not honest as a result of they don’t give penalties for contact, however I believe it’s higher to place that apart, as a result of the quick guys nonetheless win.”
Though his debut did not go as anticipated with two spins, together with one the place he was helped round by 2023 Daytona 500 winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr, he nonetheless referred to as it “a dream come true.”