Cup Series Welcomes Russian Driver’s Return to Racing

AJ Allmendinger (16) leads Ty Gibbs (45) through the first turn during practice for the NASCAR auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis on July 30, 2022. AJ Mast/AP Photo

INDIANAPOLIS—Daniil Kvyat spent nearly two years waiting anxiously to race again.

After being relegated to reserve driver for last year’s Formula One season, he watched helplessly as his team withdrew from the world endurance series in March when the governing body imposed sanctions against Russians because of their country’s invasion of Ukraine.