Kobayashi seeks 3rd Rolex before WEC leadership role begins

FILE - Konica Minolta Cadillac DPi-V.R driver Kamui Kobayashi takes the checkered flag to win the Rolex 24-hour auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Kamui Kobayashi is rated as one of the best endurance racers in the world and returns to the Rolex 24 at Daytona seeking a third victory in the prestigious race. He's the reigning World Endurance Champion and winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but wonders if this weekend's event in Daytona begins his final season of racing in the United States.(AP Photo/David Graham, File)

FILE - Kamui Kobayashi, of Japan, walks to his car on pit road before the start of the Rolex 24 hour auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Kamui Kobayashi is rated as one of the best endurance racers in the world and returns to the Rolex 24 at Daytona seeking a third victory in the prestigious race. He's the reigning World Endurance Champion and winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but wonders if this weekend's event in Daytona begins his final season of racing in the United States.(AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

FILE - Toyota Gazoo Racing's driver Kamui Kobayashi of Japan celebrates after winning the 24-hour Le Mans endurance race with co-drivers Mike Conway of Britain, background right, and Jose Maria Lopez of Argentina, background left, in Le Mans, France, Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021. Kamui Kobayashi is rated as one of the best endurance racers in the world and returns to the Rolex 24 at Daytona seeking a third victory in the prestigious race. He's the reigning World Endurance Champion and winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but wonders if this weekend's event in Daytona begins his final season of racing in the United States. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File)