Nascar skills vs. DTM skills.
06-01-2010, 05:12 AM
#1
Nascar skills vs. DTM skills.
Interesting opportunity. Road course expert in a brutal Nascar that he's not used to. I'm sure the rest of the field will give him a "warm" welcome 
This will draw european attention to Nascar for sure!
Source: http://germancarscene.com/2010/05/25...-nascar-dream/
Ingolstadt, May 25, 2010 – For the two-time DTM Champion Mattias Ekström a small dream is coming true today: at the invitation of Red Bull, the 31-year-old Audi driver is performing track tests in a NASCAR vehicle at the Virginia International Raceway in Virginia (USA) to support the squad in preparing for the upcoming race.
“It’s no secret that the NASCAR series fascinates me and that it’s been a long-harbored dream of mine to drive such a car,” says Mattias Ekström, who clinched his first DTM victory of the year at Valencia on Sunday. After Scott Speed’s team-mate Brian Vickers was unable to test for health reason, the Red Bull squad in the United States remembered the interest shown by the Swede who has been contesting the DTM in Red Bull livery for nine years as well. Audi Sport approved the excursion by its driver.
“The racers of the Audi family live motorsport with a great passion. That’s why we are pleased to support wishes like Mattias’ for a NASCAR adventure,” says Head of Audi Sport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Mattias has proven his versatility and class in many different motorsport disciplines such as in rally sport or at the ‘Race of Champions.’ We’re excited to see how he will do in a car and on a track that are both new to him.”
Ekström’s excursion to the United States is not purely a pleasure trip, though. With the test, he is supporting the team’s preparations for the races that will not be held on the NASCAR-typical oval: Sonoma on June 20 and Watkins Glen on August 8. The Red Bull squad can count on the experience of a proven road course expert like Ekström.
This will draw european attention to Nascar for sure!
Source: http://germancarscene.com/2010/05/25...-nascar-dream/
Ingolstadt, May 25, 2010 – For the two-time DTM Champion Mattias Ekström a small dream is coming true today: at the invitation of Red Bull, the 31-year-old Audi driver is performing track tests in a NASCAR vehicle at the Virginia International Raceway in Virginia (USA) to support the squad in preparing for the upcoming race.
“It’s no secret that the NASCAR series fascinates me and that it’s been a long-harbored dream of mine to drive such a car,” says Mattias Ekström, who clinched his first DTM victory of the year at Valencia on Sunday. After Scott Speed’s team-mate Brian Vickers was unable to test for health reason, the Red Bull squad in the United States remembered the interest shown by the Swede who has been contesting the DTM in Red Bull livery for nine years as well. Audi Sport approved the excursion by its driver.
“The racers of the Audi family live motorsport with a great passion. That’s why we are pleased to support wishes like Mattias’ for a NASCAR adventure,” says Head of Audi Sport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Mattias has proven his versatility and class in many different motorsport disciplines such as in rally sport or at the ‘Race of Champions.’ We’re excited to see how he will do in a car and on a track that are both new to him.”
Ekström’s excursion to the United States is not purely a pleasure trip, though. With the test, he is supporting the team’s preparations for the races that will not be held on the NASCAR-typical oval: Sonoma on June 20 and Watkins Glen on August 8. The Red Bull squad can count on the experience of a proven road course expert like Ekström.
I hope he takes reading material in the car to keep him busy...
06-01-2010, 09:55 AM
#3
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06-01-2010, 10:45 AM
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Not that new. Mika Salo and Jarno Trulli drove Michael Waltrip Racing’s Toyota NASCAR Sprint Cup cars little while ago.
They both did lap times that were on the pace and Salo was faster than NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Trevor Bayne who did the shakedown before them.
They both did lap times that were on the pace and Salo was faster than NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Trevor Bayne who did the shakedown before them.
06-01-2010, 10:39 PM
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06-01-2010, 10:54 PM
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06-01-2010, 11:35 PM
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06-02-2010, 01:21 AM
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Jimmie Johnson was a hell of an off road racer before hitting the circle tracks. I wish one of the NASCAR boys would take a shot at something different, but I understand the money is too great at least at this time.
06-02-2010, 11:00 AM
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Many of the guys I used to race open wheel cars with who had F1 and Indy aspirations have jumped to NASCAR because the racing is good and they can make a good living for their families. The chances of NASCAR guys taking a shot at something different, besides the occasionall guest drive in a series, are almost none IMO.