EuroNASCAR driver Kenko Miura makes maiden Truck Series start at Mid-Ohio
In Mid-Ohio, Kenko Miura makes his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series – The Japanese is the 23rd EuroNASCAR driver to compete in the USA
Driving once in one of the US NASCAR series: this dream is probably shared by the vast majority of drivers in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series and some have already been able to fulfill it. For Kenko Miura, too, the dream of driving in America is now becoming reality.
In Mid-Ohio, the 42-year-old Japanese will pilot the #33 Toyota Tundra of Reaume Brothers Racing. “I am very pleased to be able to participate in this NASCAR Camping World Track Series. We would like to thank EuroNASCAR, sponsors, media management teams and all who have been involved in making this happen. I raced and will continue to race in EuroNASCAR,” says Miura, who won EuroNASCAR’s Challenger Trophy in 2017 and 2018.
“However, racing in the home of NASCAR in the United States was one of my goals. I understand that it is very difficult to race overseas as a Japanese or Asian, but this is not about giving up, it’s about taking on challenges and it can lead to new sceneries no one can see yet. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is a very high-level series, but I would like to understand the machine, work with the team, and spend the race week positively”, emphasizes the Japanese.
Even in EuroNASCAR they are pleased about the 42-year-old’s guest start in the Truck Series.“This is fully part of our attributions to prepare and accompany our drivers in their projects to race in the USA.” explained EuroNASCAR-Boss Jerome Galpin. “Of course this is a big challenge due to the very few practice time allowed to new competitors, but we are confident Kenko can qualify for the race, even in his very first try.”
Miura is already the 23 driver who has made the leap across the pond. He follows in the footsteps of Wilfred Boucenna who was the first NWES racer to start in the US in 2009. Anthony Kumpen, Alon Day and reigning champion Loris Hezemans have also made a number of US starts. Fitting his experience, Miura is making his first start on a road course.
The green flag for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 at Mid-Ohio will fly on Sunday at approximately 7:30 pm CEST. The race is 67 laps and consists of three stages. The race can be seen with the NASCAR Trackpass.
