RB driver Daniel Ricciardo has expressed his desire to compete in NASCAR, MotoGP, and the Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race after retiring from Formula 1. His remarks come amid growing speculation about his potential departure from the team.
Ricciardo shared his admiration for NASCAR and his dream of taking a lap around the iconic Daytona circuit, not to compete, but for the experience. In 2021, the Australian driver had the chance to drive Dale Earnhardt's 1984 Monte Carlo Chevrolet at the US Grand Prix. Having grown up idolizing the late NASCAR legend, Ricciardo has earned praise from Dale Earnhardt Jr., who expressed gratitude for the F1 driver's respect and support of his family's legacy.
Offering a glimpse of his life after Formula 1 in an interview with Tourism Western Australia, as reported by Motorsport.com, he said:
"I grew up a fan of NASCAR.
"I'd like to drive a NASCAR, I'd love to drive around Daytona for example. But would I like to compete? Yes and no.
“I know it's not what I grew up doing and I'll probably get smoked.”
“[So] I don't know if I need that [but] I would love to experience it.”
In addition, the 35-year-old driver revealed his desire to race in the Bathurst 12 Hour series, Australia's international endurance race, and was open to receiving offers from teams. He added:
"Obviously it’s the V8 that do the race there, but you know there's the 12 hour and stuff so maybe that's one I could compete in. If a V8 team said 'hey, do you want to do a few laps around Bathurst, no pressure, just to experience it,' then I'll definitely take that up."
Ricciardo also revealed his love for superbikes and MotoGP. However, he admitted he would be "very slow" if he were to compete in the premier class of motorcycle racing. He said:
"I love motorbikes... but I would be very, very slow and probably horrendous."
After fulfilling all his motorsport aspirations, the former Red Bull driver spoke about his retirement plans with an inclination to lead a slow life. He said:
"I could genuinely see myself retiring in Margaret River one day.
"I just love the way of life... It’s a breath of fresh air, everything slows down."
He added:
"I think everyone is just so connected down there to the place, to the land… everyone just feels so free and happy. The way of life there is just my vision of retirement."
Since his Formula 1 debut in 2011, Ricciardo has been residing in Monaco like many other Formula 1 drivers, while also owning a home in Los Angeles.
