Former Formula One driver Jacques Villeneuve’s road to NASCAR continues to hit speed bumps. After weeks of searching for a sponsor to come up with the roughly $18-million (U.S.) he needs to secure a ride in the NASCAR Busch Series [plans were to team up with Roush Racing], the 1997 world champion driver has apparently set his sights a bit lower. A source close to the 35-year-old native of Iberville, Que., said he is now looking into other ways of getting into a stock car. “He’s even talking about doing the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series now and then, do some Busch, to try to get into it,” the source said. On his official website, Villeneuve’s Christmas message alluded to a forthcoming deal, but did not specify where he might land. (Globe and Mail)(1-3-2007)
UPDATE: Jacques Villeneuve could have a deal to race in NASCAR for the 2007 season by the end of the month. Craig Pollock, Villeneuve’s manager, said Friday that talks are ongoing with several NASCAR teams to secure a drive for the 35-year-old former Formula One champion in the coming weeks, despite published reports to the contrary.(Canada.com)(1-6-2007)
