Piquet set for NASCAR drive
Nelson Piquet Jnr will compete in NASCAR this year after failing to clinch a return to Formula One.
Although there are a handful of seats still available in F1, the 24-year-old who was embroiled in the ’crashgate’ scandal last season will have to content himself with watching the sport from afar.
Late last year Piquet tested a NASCAR truck, and although he has not specifically stated in which series he will compete, that is the likely favourite ahead of the Nationwide or Sprint Cup events.
Speaking on his personal website, the former Renault driver said: “I have spent the last few months carefully evaluating my options for this year.
“I had to choose a path and it was a difficult decision to make.
“Being successful in Formula One was always my goal but I have learnt that happiness is just as important as ambition.
“After my first 18 months in F1 did not go as planned, I have decided to focus on something different and have chosen to take a route in America.
“NASCAR is hugely challenging, and nobody has ever come in as an outsider before and gone on to win it.
“It will be the ultimate challenge. I have always been open to new challenges, and I will be putting everything I have into this.”
The Brazilian added: “I have found a good group of people that are really willing to help me in my career and I am grateful they are there for me.
“I think it will be a positive environment and a good life experience.
“I am sure this year is going to be fantastic, and I am very excited at the prospect of my future.”
