Kimi Räikkönen's first official practice in Nascar's Truck-serie was careful while he got used to it.
– It was a bit slippery, Räikkönen replied to the question about how the practice felt like.
Out of 35 competitors Räikkönen left only six behind him. His fastest lap was 31,265 seconds or in the American way 172,717 miles per hour. The leader Ron Hornaday junior's lap was 30,122 and his average speed was 179,330 miles per hour.
Kimi's former team mate Juan Pablo Montoya came immediately after the practice to chat with Räikkönen.
– I only said to Kimi that it's cool to see him here but that the place is completely wrong to start with these cars. Charlotte is one of the most difficult tracks, Montoya said.
How did the track feel like after driving the test on a small oval?
– I drove the test on an oval that was almost as long as this one. There was no other difference than this track being more slippery due to the morning rain, Räikkönen thought.
Although Räikkönen didn't admit it, it was natural that he had to start more carefully than others just to make sure he doesn't crash or destroy other drivers laps when driving for the first time with several truck-cars at the same time on a difficult oval.
– I'm sure the rally experience will help Kimi slightly, but it helps in other places, not here. Yet Kimi is in a very good team and I'm sure he will go fast once he finds the right rhythm, Montoya chatted.
Would it be nice to see Räikkönen in Sprint Cup?
– Absolutely. If Kimi stays here then it's going to be fun, the Columbian star assured.
Are nice memories coming back?
– Those memories live forever, Montoya smiled.
Räikkönen and Montoya did hit together as team mates so that sparks were flying.
Turun Sanomat, Charlotte
HEIKKI KULTA
Practice times
1. Ron Hornaday Chevrolet 30,112
2. Johnny Sauter Chevrolet 30,134
3. Kyle Busch Toyota 30,200
4. Todd Bodine Toyota 30,261
5. Timothy Peters Toyota 30,266
6. James Buescher Chevrolet 30,303
7. Austin Dillon Chevrolet 30,318
8. Brad Sweet Chevrolet 30,353
9. Max Papis Toyota 30,425
10. Matt Crafton Chevrolet 30,469
..15. Nelson Piquet jr Chevrolet 30,672
..30. Kimi Räikkönen Toyota 31,265
Courtesy: Nicole
