Kimi Raikkonen successfully completed a two-day NASCAR truck test on Monday and Tuesday at the half-mile Gresham Motorsports Park oval.
The 2007 Formula 1 World Champion ran Monday and Tuesday in his first outing on an oval at the wheel of a black Toyota Tundra for series' leading outfit Kyle Busch Motorsports, for whom he is set to race this year on a limited schedule.
The test was held behind closed doors, and neither media nor fans were allowed access to the facility at the team's request. However, sources revealed that Raikkonen, wearing a black, unbranded suit, ran since mid-morning on Monday, with team owner and NASCAR star Kyle Busch showing up later and running some laps as well.
On Tuesday, the team ran both the Finn and American Brian Ickler, who raced for the squad during their debut season in 2010. According to the sources, the test was very successful and Raikkonen set some solid lap times, apparently completing their plan for the two days of running.
Kyle Busch said last Saturday at Martinsville Speedway that no further tests are planned for Raikkonen for the time being.
The former Ferrari and McLaren driver will race a second truck along Busch in the Camping World Truck Series round at Charlotte on May 20, as the first of a number of races which have yet to be announced by both parties. His truck will be sponsored by Perky Jerky, the "ultra-premium jerky flavored with a hint of guarana."
“Kimi Raikkonen is a savvy competitor and marketer worldwide, and he is a perfect fit for the culture of our lifestyle brand," " said Perky Jerky founder Brian Levin. "The Iceman offers Perky Jerky a unique opportunity to vault itself into the global spotlight and we are excited to be a part of this.”