NASCAR Cup Series

Raikkonen to drive limited Truck slate

Published Apr. 2, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Kyle Busch Motorsports announced Saturday that it has signed former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen to drive a limited schedule in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this season.

Raikkonen is scheduled to make his NASCAR debut as a teammate to owner Kyle Busch in the N.C. Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 20. Details of sponsorship and a schedule of races that Raikkonen will compete in will be released at a later date.

Raikkonen won the 2007 Formula One championship. In nine seasons of F1 competition, the Finnish driver registered 18 wins and 62 podium finishes. Raikkonen, 31, is currently competing for a World Rally Car Championship for his own team, ICE 1 Racing.

"We are honored that Kimi Raikkonen, a former Formula 1 World Drivers' Champion and proven winner, has chosen to start his career in NASCAR with Kyle Busch Motorsports," Busch said. "Adding one of the most talented drivers in the world is a continuation of building a team of proven winners and champions at KBM. I look forward to assisting in Kimi's transition to NASCAR as both an owner and teammate."

Raikkonen added that he is excited to be making the transition to NASCAR.

"Kyle is one of the best in NASCAR, and being able to draw on his knowledge will be a valuable asset as I make my transition to a new form of racing," he said. "He has put together an experienced team that builds fast race trucks. I look forward to being a part of a team that has proven to be a winner on and off the race track."