ltc

http://www.comcast.net/articles/spor...trana-Waltrip/

Interesting to note in the article that "NASCAR has not yet approved Pastrana for competition."
I would imagine getting a NASCAR license is a bit easier than getting an FIA Superlicense?




Pastrana partners with Waltrip in NASCAR
By JENNA FRYER, AP
15 hours ago

PHOENIX (AP) — Travis Pastrana has signed a deal with Michael Waltrip Racing that could put him in NASCAR's second-tier Nationwide series as early as next year.

The action sports star has formed a team called Pastrana-Waltrip Racing, with Waltrip and Gary and Blake Bechtel. Pending NASCAR approval, he will run seven Nationwide races next season and 20 in 2012.

``I've been following NASCAR closely for years as a fan of the sport with competing in the sport a lifelong dream,'' Pastrana said in a statement released Thursday.

``I decided it was time to try and turn that dream into reality and with the help of the Bechtel family, Michael Waltrip Racing and Wasserman Media Group I'm now one step closer.''

Pastrana is a star in Moto X, X Games and American rally racing. He's won 16 gold medals in the X Games, and has multiple supercross, motocross and rally championships in his career. He also has set motorcycle and automobile jump records.

Pastrana-Waltrip Racing will field Toyotas out of MWR's shop in North Carolina. The car's number has not been determined. Waltrip owns the No. 99, and Pastrana's longtime racing number is 199.

NASCAR has not yet approved Pastrana for competition.

Waltrip said the youth demographic Pastrana brings to NASCAR could provide a boost for the sport.

``Travis has built an enormous and unique following all over the world,'' Waltrip said. ``As a race team owner, we are always looking for ways to deliver to our partners and engage our fans better. This is an opportunity to showcase our company and our sport to a new generation of young fans.

``We're also looking for that next big star. Travis already is one and action sports is full of talented athletes. Having Travis as a part of our program adds another great dimension to our team and NASCAR.''

The announcement came a day after longtime rally racing partner Subaru announced it had ended its relationship with Pastrana.

``Travis brought rally to a whole new audience through the rally championship and of course through his spectacular appearances at X Games,'' Tim Mahoney, chief marketing officer of Subaru of America, said in a statement Wednesday.

``We wholeheartedly thank him for his outstanding performances with Subaru Rally Team USA and wish him well in his future endeavors.''

Red Bull, a longtime sponsor of Pastrana's, will remain a personal sponsor. The energy drink company will not sponsor his car in NASCAR.

stuttgart46

He has done ok in rally. Usually whatever he touches turns to gold.

Chads996

why... Just, why. Oh wait...

Veloce Raptor

Not really, actually.









Professional Racing and Driving Coach

originalmotorhead

They only want him in there to bring the demographics of younger males to their venue.

Maybe if they were selling Jeggerbombs at the speedways instead of bush light, they might get the younger crowd's attention :P

Tom

Veloce Raptor

They sell bush at the NASCAR tracks? Isn't that prostitution?

I guess "bush light" are chicks below 200 pounds?










Professional Racing and Driving Coach

stuttgart46

I'll take the bush 110 then.

hacker-pschorr

The final test is driving a rusty pick-up with 3 on the tree at speed while drinking a 6-pack of Milwaukee's Best and successfully tossing all the empties through the rear window into the bed of the truck.

ltc

OK, then how does one go about getting a NASCAR license?

kfyork

Why don't you drop Brett Bodine a note at the NASCAR Research and Development Center.

As Director of Competition he should be able to answer your question.Please report back here and let us know what he says.

dp35

As a life long motocrosser, I've followed Travis his entire career. He is incredibly talented in many ways, especially on 2 wheels. However his skills driving cars on pavement have not proven to be great thus far.

I wouldn't bet against him being good at this, however I do question his patience and dedication to doing just one thing full time. Most drivers with this sort of opportunity are dedicated to making it and earning the big paychecks. But Pastrana already has big money in the bank, and at least until now, total freedom to create new ways to explore his extreme talents as seen on Nitro Circus. Maybe this won't get in the way of that.

Bottom line, I see this as a PR move for NASCAR, and a pretty good one.

Veloce Raptor

Generally, the process is about as rigorous as an FIA Superlicense.









Professional Racing and Driving Coach

93 FireHawk 968

He's a "Super Talent" and wired like no other human being. He was an incredible MX'r when not injured, established new standards in freestyle and did very well in Rally. Another former MX Champion, Ricky Carmichael, made the transition from MX to the NASCAR truck series and has done well.

dp35

Next X-Games event - NASCRAP.

ltc

I honestly didn't know, so I asked.