Aug
Mike “Rocky” Rockenfeller, the champion of the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans, experienced what he called a “crazy adventure” in his Cup Series debut, experiencing just about everything NASCAR motorsport has to offer.
The No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports was driven by Rockenfeller, a two-time Le Mans class champion and previous DTM champion, in his Cup Series debut on Sunday at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.
The German road racer, who was already in an unusual environment, had the opportunity to compete in NASCAR’s version of driving in the wet before the circuit dried, finished early in the race at the front, and even participated in a racetrack duel with Kimi Raikkonen, a former Formula 1 race winner.
On lap 32 of 90, Rockenfeller, 38, got in touch with Tyler Reddick in the inner loop, which caused him to lose momentum. A hasty fuel stop put him to 30th in the the last running order, but he was still on the lead lap.
Rockenfeller appeared to appreciate the experience despite the difficulties, which included beginning the race on wet conditions tyres and switching to slicks under green-flag conditions.
“In all my years of racing, my NASCAR Cup Series debut was up there when it comes to being a wild experience,” he said. “However, all of the challenges we faced really helped me get up to speed much quicker than expected with the car and the team.
“When the race started after the delay, the track was incredibly slippery, and the racing in NASCAR is so intense and close. I also had a collision with Tyler and was running with the leaders at one stage.
“It was a race of pretty much everything!”
Rockenfeller was particularly appreciative to Spire for providing him with the chance to participate in the Cup Series. On October 9 at the Charlotte Roval course, he has one more race with the squad scheduled for this calendar year.
“If you’d have told me ahead of Watkins Glen that I would have run as high as fourth, then I’d have not believed you,” he said. “You’ll never win a race in your first time out in the NASCAR Cup Series, but I really think Spire Motorsports and myself exceeded the targets we set ourselves.
“I’m genuinely excited for next time out, because that was some of the most fun I’ve had in a race car for a long time.”
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