By Brian Bielanski, Editor

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (RacingWire) – Kimi Raikkonen is the lastest Formula One World Champion with plans to try his hand at NASCAR.  Kyle Busch Motorsports announced Raikkonen will drive a handful of Camping World Truck Series races for the team starting with the race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 20.

Raikkonen will drive a limited schedule in 2011 and is bringing sponsorship to fund the effort.

"We are honored that Kimi Raikkonen, a former Formula 1 World Drivers' Champion and proven winner, has chosen to start his career in NASCAR with Kyle Busch Motorsports," said Busch. "Adding one of the most talented drivers in the world is a continuation of building a team of proven winners and champions at KBM. I look forward to assisting in Kimi's transition to NASCAR as both an owner and teammate."

"I am really excited to have the opportunity to start my venture into NASCAR with Kyle Busch Motorsports," said Raikkonen. "Kyle is one of the best in NASCAR, and being able to draw on his knowledge will be a valuable asset as I make my transition to a new form of racing. He has put together an experienced team that builds fast race trucks. I look forward to being a part of a team that has proven to be a winner on and off the race track."

Reaction from the NASCAR garage was positive.

Jeff Gordon said he's looking forward to how Raikkonen will deal with the NASCAR media.  Raikonnen is infamous for his brief answers to questions from the press. "I can't wait for him to come in here and do an interview," said Gordon. "Because the one-word answers you guys are going to get out of those questions is going to be hilarious to watch. I may come in (to watch that)."

"I have no doubt that Kimi will be very well received in NASCAR," said former F1 driver and current Truck Series competitor Nelson Piquet, Jr.  "He is a great champion and a unique driver. He has a peculiar personality, very authentic and human, just like NASCAR fans enjoy. I believe he has a lot do add to NASCAR and vice versa. It is great to have more and more international interest in the Truck Series."

The 31-year-old Finnish driver is the 2007 F1 World Champion and has 18 wins and 62 podium finishes to his credit. He currently competes in the World Rally Championship.

Raikkonen joins Juan Pablo Montoya, Piquet, Jr. and Jacques Villeneuve as recent Formula One competitors giving NASCAR a shot.