Button on NASCAR: 'I see drivers with a lot of experience struggling'

It was announced on Friday morning that former Formula 1 driver Jenson Button will make the move to NASCAR. The Brit explained to NBC Sports, among others, about his return to motor racing and why specifically NASCAR.

The 2009 F1 World Champion was inspired by NASCAR at the age of eight when he saw the Hollywood film "Days of Thunder" with Tom Cruise. "I thought it was insane. Worlds away from European motorsport." Nevertheless, Button was not entirely convinced by the sport at the time because it consisted mainly of ovals rather than other types of track. Driving ovals requires a different 'skillset', according to the Brit.

Today, an abundance of ovals is no longer the case and there is a wider range of circuits. "It’s definitely more enticing. I think I’d be more competitive. I watch races and see new guys with experience in road course racing, and they don’t find it easy. It’s very difficult. But I think that’s part of the challenge and why I’m excited about it."

Button is no stranger to challenges outside F1 and he is therefore grasping this opportunity with both hands. Initially, the driver was thinking of joining the NASCAR Truck Series, among others, but after his contact with a Mobil 1 executive, it turned out differently. We will get to see him in the renowned Cup Series at COTA (Circuit of the Americas), the Chicago circuit and in Indianapolis.