Nelson Piquet Jr., son of the three-time Formula One World Champion driver, Nelson Piquet will enter the ARCA series opener, scheduled for February 6 at Daytona Beach, as a stepping stone to a career in NASCAR.
The 24-year-old Brazilian, who was at the center of the “Crash-Gate” controversy as a driver of the Formula One Renault will be driving the Eddie Sharp Racing Toyota Camry for the team, which won the ARCA championship with driver, Justin Lofton in 2009.
Coincidentally, another Formula One émigré’, American, Scott Speed, began his stock career with ESR.
"I'm very excited! I can't wait to reach 200mph side-by-side and rubbing paint!" Piquet said, "The plans for the season are coming together really well, and I am racing with two very strong teams. I can't wait to get out on track!"
Last year Piquet tested a Red Horse Racing NASCAR truck as an oval-track try-out.
"We are excited to have Nelson driving for us in Daytona this year," said Sharp. "He will represent ESR well, and we believe he will gain some good learning miles in a stockcar, especially racing at Daytona."
Also other open-wheel drivers, from the IndyCar Series, Danica Patrick and Milka Duno, will be making their stock car debuts in that ARCA 200 mile race at the 2.5 mile high-banked oval.
photo:WRI2 & Renault
The 24-year-old Brazilian, who was at the center of the “Crash-Gate” controversy as a driver of the Formula One Renault will be driving the Eddie Sharp Racing Toyota Camry for the team, which won the ARCA championship with driver, Justin Lofton in 2009.
Coincidentally, another Formula One émigré’, American, Scott Speed, began his stock career with ESR.
"I'm very excited! I can't wait to reach 200mph side-by-side and rubbing paint!" Piquet said, "The plans for the season are coming together really well, and I am racing with two very strong teams. I can't wait to get out on track!"
Last year Piquet tested a Red Horse Racing NASCAR truck as an oval-track try-out.
"We are excited to have Nelson driving for us in Daytona this year," said Sharp. "He will represent ESR well, and we believe he will gain some good learning miles in a stockcar, especially racing at Daytona."
Also other open-wheel drivers, from the IndyCar Series, Danica Patrick and Milka Duno, will be making their stock car debuts in that ARCA 200 mile race at the 2.5 mile high-banked oval.
photo:WRI2 & Renault