23XI Racing introduced a third, part-time car at the 2023 Daytona 500 when Travis Pastrana joined the team. The No. 67 car’s entrance into the NASCAR Cup Series represented the first time that the organization had three entries on the race track.
The purpose behind the third, part-time car is to understand what it takes to have another entry and to prepare the car for Kurt Busch in case he is medically cleared to return to the Cup Series at some point this season.
Now, 23XI Racing will bring it back for the second time when Kamui Kobayashi drives it during the Cup Series race at the Indianapolis Road Course. On that note, the team’s drivers were asked about who they would like to see in the No. 67 car and the answer did not disappoint.
Related: 23XI Racing’s plans for a third car during the 2024 NASCAR season revealed
23XI Racing drivers reveal the driver they want to see in the No. 67
23XI Racing has been one of NASCAR’s most notable organizations since its debut season in 2021 and that has only grown this year. Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick have both shown incredible speed at times, including at Circuit of the Americas when the No. 45 team took home the victory.
Despite the speed, Wallace has yet to find victory lane. The driver of the No. 23 car does sit in the playoff picture and has been running better on a weekly basis. The intrigue surrounding the organization has been growing by the week.
Now, the No. 67 car appears that it can take on a similar impact to Trackhouse Racing’s third car. The organization’s No. 91 car comes from PROJECT 91, which is a program that brings international drivers to NASCAR.
23XI Racing’s third car hasn’t been talked about as much but it is now providing debates on who should drive it next. Well, both Wallace and Reddick were asked that very question during an interview ahead of the weekend at Sonoma Raceway.
According to Wallace in a video by Frontstretch, he would like to see Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton drive the No. 67 car sometime in the future. Reddick also agreed and thought it was a pretty good answer, which is not surprising due to Hamilton’s worldwide status.
The Mercedes driver is one of the best competitors in Motorsports history as he has seven championships and 103 wins in his Formula 1 career. Plus, Hamilton has six seasons with at least 10 victories involving a calendar between 17 and 21 races.
It would be a major grab for 23XI Racing but this doesn’t feel likely until Hamilton is done driving on a full-time basis in Formula 1. In fact, the 38-year-old driver is working on a contract with Mercedes to keep him with the race team.
Hamilton expressed interest in trying out NASCAR when asked by reporters at the Miami Grand Prix in May. It wouldn’t be incredibly shocking to see it happen at some point down the line but as for now, re-capturing his Formula 1 magic is a bigger priority.
What if 23XI Racing does want to go on a similar route as Trackhouse Racing and field a third car for racing superstars? Continue reading to find out three ideal drivers to compete in the No. 67 car moving forward!
Related: Kurt Busch provides big update on return to NASCAR Cup Series with 23XI Racing
3 ideal drivers to receive an opportunity in the No. 67 car for 23XI Racing
23XI Racing could have a massive opportunity to bring racing superstars to the NASCAR Cup Series if they are serious about the No. 67 car. If so, who would be a good fit to try out the sport with the growing organization?
Sebastian Vettel is a retired Formula 1 driver who is considered one of the best in the sport’s history. Vettel, 35, won four championships and 53 races during his Formula 1 career and would be one of the most successful drives that 23XI Racing could pick up.
The 35-year-old driver has been open to NASCAR in the past but those comments were over a decade ago. Would Vettel be interested in a one-off race at a traditional road course as the racing series would allow him to test a stock car?
Valentino Rossi is widely considered one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time and would be another successful pickup. Rossi, 44, has compiled 115 wins and remains the only driver to win the 125, 250, 500, and MotoGP World Championships.
The 44-year-old driver has been gaining experience on four wheels so it would be a worthy consideration once he feels even more comfortable. Rossi would be a popular addition to NASCAR and one that would excite many fans across the world.
Daniel Ricciardo is currently out of Formula 1 after being full-time but still helps out Red Bull Racing as the team’s third driver. Ricciardo, 33, is looking to find a seat in Formula 1 for the 2024 season but would he have time to race in NASCAR?
The 33-year-old driver loves America and has expressed interest in trying out NASCAR in the last few years. Ricciardo would certainly be a popular move but it would likely be determined by his availability and desire to race in NASCAR this soon.
23XI Racing has plenty of options on the table but it all depends on their plans for the No. 67 car. It would be fantastic to see it on the race track more often; however, it needs to make sense and perfectly align for a driver to get an opportunity.