Ex-F1 world champion Jenson Button is ‘fully prepared’ to tackle the Chicago Street Race challenge with RWR

Jenson Button’s experience in street courses from f1 will be a big asset for him on Sunday.

Ex-F1 world champion Jenson Button is ‘fully prepared’ to tackle the Chicago Street Race challenge with RWR

F1 world champion Jenson Button will make his second Cup series debut this weekend at Chicago in NASCAR’s first-ever Street Course event. Unlike his Cup counterparts, the former McLaren driver is coming to Chicago with a huge Street Course experience as it will be his 34th event on such track. Button has said that he comes prepared for the main event.

He will drive the No:15 Rick Ware Racing Ford Mustang, the same car where he made his Cup debut at COTA and secured a P24 finish. Button has learned a lot in his debut, and RWR has now made certain 2009 adjustments to the car to make the Englishman’s ride comfortable. But adjusting to the 3600 pounds stock car in 12 cornered newly paved track is a big challenge.  

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While discussing his preparation for the event, the champion driver, who was part of the NASCAR Garage 56 Le Mans lineup, pointed out that he would take some laps to adjust to the track and setup. To have a comfortable weekend, Button is invested in finding the best setup for him so that he is fully prepared.

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“This is definitely a lot more edgy, so it’ll take me a few laps. But I think while everyone is learning the track, it’s not a bad thing at all. For me, it’s defining a setup that works, and a driveable setup gives you confidence. It’s what we’re aiming to do over the two simulator days before we actually get to the track, so we’re fully prepared,” Button said.

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Jenson Button believes NASCAR can put on a great show in Chicago

Jenson Button
Jenson Button (@RWR/Twitter)

There are many uncertainties over how good the racing is going to be in Chicago as the fans have never seen the Cup cars doing it. Button, by pointing at an example of a recently concluded Detroit IndyCar Street race, points out that regardless of the tight corners, a good result is guaranteed on a track like it.

“When you look at IndyCar, which raced in Detroit, it was the tightest track that I’d ever seen. But it was a great race. So, I think we can put on a great show. I think that’s what this race is going to be about, really. It’s going to be a big learning curve for everyone. There’s no room for error,” Jenson Button said.

If NASCAR can have a successful street course event and if they can extend the current deal with the city or find a new place, it will be an amazing experience for fans. It will also be a great opportunity for ringers such as Button to make Cup debuts and start, as racing in the Oval takes a lot of learning.

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