Piquet misses South African event

Nelson Piquet's ARCA debut at Daytona next weekend will now be his first stock car race start, after the Brazilian decided to withdraw from this weekend's Free State 500 in South Africa.

The former Formula 1 driver had initially planned to contest the stock car event on the Phakisa oval prior to his US racing debut but will now head straight to Daytona.

"Due to the close proximity of the next race in my USA programme for 2010, the details of which have just recently become firmed up, and the logistics involved in getting back from the race in South Africa, I have unfortunately had to withdraw from the event," Piquet explained.

"I would have loved to take part, but I have to concentrate on this race in America now. Hopefully I'll be able to make it next year."

NASCAR veteran and 1986 Daytona 500 winner Geoff Bodine will start from pole in the Phakisa event, which will be South Africa's first race for NASCAR-style cars.

Piquet had also intended to contest the Mil Milhas endurance event at Interlagos last weekend, but was forced to miss this race as well when the Mitsubishi he was scheduled to drive suffered problems in practice.

The ARCA season-opener will therefore mark his first car racing start since he split with the Renault F1 team last summer.

Jarosik completes Zaragoza movePiquet set to race in ARCA opener

Mears joins new Keyed-Up team

Casey Mears will stay in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series after securing a deal with new team Keyed-Up Motorsports.

The 31-year-old nephew of IndyCar legend Rick Mears had lost his Richard Childress Racing seat at the end of last season.

Keyed-Up is a new organisation formed by businessman Raymond Key, whose brother Curtis runs teams in the Nationwide and Truck Series.

The Chevrolet-equipped squad intends to run the full 2010 Cup schedule, although it has yet to secure all the funding required to do so. Doug Ribert, who ran Dale Earnhardt to his first title in 1980, will be Keyed-Up's crew chief.

"We're a new team, but I feel we have everything in place to race," said Mears. "It's going to be a rewarding endeavour."

Mears joins new Keyed-Up teamGuti considers Real exit

Kyle Busch extends Gibbs deal

Kyle Busch will remain at Joe Gibbs Racing for the foreseeable future after the team announced a multi-year extension to his current deal.

The 24-year-old will continue to drive for the leading Toyota outfit in the Sprint Cup series, having signed a multi-year extension of his contract with the team.

Busch joined JGR in 2008 following three full seasons at Hendrick Motorsports, where he claimed Rookie of the Year honours in 2005, making the Chase both in 2006 and 2007, and taking fifth in the championship on his final year with the outfit.

His move to JGR brought immediate success, as he claimed eight wins and the points' lead on his way to making the Chase, before a slump in form and some bad luck dashed his championship hopes in the final ten races of the season.

Last year Busch failed to make the series' 'play-off', despite winning four races during the regular season and he took 13th place in the final standing. He also claimed nine victories and the championship in the Nationwide Series - his first NASCAR title - plus seven wins in the Truck series.

In the latter one, Busch will field his own team in 2010, adding the owner label to his successful, yet young resume in NASCAR.

Kyle Busch extends Gibbs dealRuben accepts Wigan deal

Mears joins new Keyed-Up team

Casey Mears will stay in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series after securing a deal with new team Keyed-Up Motorsports.

The 31-year-old nephew of IndyCar legend Rick Mears had lost his Richard Childress Racing seat at the end of last season.

Keyed-Up is a new organisation formed by businessman Raymond Key, whose brother Curtis runs teams in the Nationwide and Truck Series.

The Chevrolet-equipped squad intends to run the full 2010 Cup schedule, although it has yet to secure all the funding required to do so. Doug Ribert, who ran Dale Earnhardt to his first title in 1980, will be Keyed-Up's crew chief.

"We're a new team, but I feel we have everything in place to race," said Mears. "It's going to be a rewarding endeavour."

Diarra returns with injuryMears joins new Keyed-Up team

Red Bull to run Schrader in Shootout

NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader will drive for Red Bull Racing Team in the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona next month.

Schrader, a two-time winner of the non-championship event that serves as a warm up for the season-opening Daytona 500, will drive the #82 car that will be raced a week later by Scott Speed.

Due to the new selection criteria for the Bud Shootout this year, the 54-year-old became eligible to take part in the event by virtue of his past-winner status. Speed, who ranked 35th on his rookie season in the Sprint Cup last year, isn't eligible for the event.

Red Bull will thus have both its cars in the race, as Brian Vickers gets a place by being one of the 12 drivers in the Chase for the Sprint Cup in 2009.

"Kenny's desire and dedication to NASCAR has always made him a favourite among fans and throughout the garage area," said Red Bull general manager Jay Frye. "We're excited he approached us with the idea and are looking forward to giving him the opportunity he deserves and has earned."

Schrader, who last competed in a Sprint Cup-level event at Phoenix in 2008, won the Bud Shootout back-to-back in 1989 and 1990 while racing for Hendrick Motorsports. He looks forward to the opportunity to race in the event once again.

"I am tremendously excited to be in a top-calibre car," said Schrader. "Pairing up with a strong team-mate like Brian Vickers and the whole Red Bull organisation for this event has me on cloud nine."

Speed will drive the #82 car on the same day that the Shootout takes place, as he takes part in the qualifying session for the Daytona 500. Once Schrader races in the Shootout, Speed will be back in the car for the Gatorade Duels and the first points-paying race of the season.

Malaga win Caicedo raceRed Bull to run Schrader in Shootout

Duno enters Daytona ARCA race

IndyCar racer Milka Duno will make her stock car debut next month at Daytona.

The Venezuelan is set to drive the #90 Toyota Camry for Braun Racing, following a successful first test with the outfit at the same track in December.

Duno had told AUTOSPORT last month that a deal was dependent on sponsorship money, but an agreement has finally been struck for the female racer to compete at Daytona.

"For the first time in a while I fell I have a competitive car," said Duno following the test. "In IndyCars that had not been the case recently. I hope I can make the most of it at Daytona and back up my performance from the December test."

Duno plans a further ARCA test at Talladega next week, before heading to Daytona for the race, where she will join IndyCar rival Danica Patrick, who is set to make her stock car debut in the same event, driving for JR Motorsports.

Plans for further stock car outings for Duno are still in the works, including the possibility of entering NASCAR Nationwide Series races.

Silva facing month outDuno enters Daytona ARCA race

Duno enters Daytona ARCA race

IndyCar racer Milka Duno will make her stock car debut next month at Daytona.

The Venezuelan is set to drive the #90 Toyota Camry for Braun Racing, following a successful first test with the outfit at the same track in December.

Duno had told AUTOSPORT last month that a deal was dependent on sponsorship money, but an agreement has finally been struck for the female racer to compete at Daytona.

"For the first time in a while I fell I have a competitive car," said Duno following the test. "In IndyCars that had not been the case recently. I hope I can make the most of it at Daytona and back up my performance from the December test."

Duno plans a further ARCA test at Talladega next week, before heading to Daytona for the race, where she will join IndyCar rival Danica Patrick, who is set to make her stock car debut in the same event, driving for JR Motorsports.

Plans for further stock car outings for Duno are still in the works, including the possibility of entering NASCAR Nationwide Series races.

Silva facing month outDuno enters Daytona ARCA race

Piquet set to race in ARCA opener

Nelson Piquet Jr is set to make his American stock car racing debut in the ARCA season-opener at Daytona next month.

AUTOSPORT has learned that the former Renault Formula 1 driver, who announced last week he would be switching to NASCAR, will drive the #6 Toyota Camry in the ARCA RE/MAX Series for series champion Eddie Sharp Racing at Daytona on 6 February.

The Brazilian will join IndyCar star Danica Patrick in what is expected to be one of the most high-profile ARCA events ever. Multiple Motocross champion turned stock car racer Ricky Carmichael and IndyCar's Milka Duno are among other notable names entering the race.

Piquet plans to make his debut in NASCAR-sanctioned racing a week later in the Truck Series round at the same track, where he is expected to drive the #1 Toyota Tundra for Red Horse Racing. His full plans for the rest of the season still have to be finalised, but he expects to continue to race in different series throughout the year.

"It's the first year. It's a lot of learning for me. I'm going to be doing races here, races there - as many races as I can just to get used to these kinds of cars and the tracks," said Piquet.

"If it starts going well, then I'll maybe do even more races or maybe do higher levels, like maybe even Nationwide. It is all going to depend on how quick I learn everything and how well I get involved with the team."

Before competing at Daytona, Piquet will have a hectic racing schedule, which includes the Interlagos 1000km endurance race in his native Brazil next weekend, followed by the Free State 500 stock car race at the Phakisa Freeway in South Africa a week later.

Big guns set sights on CanalesDuno plans ARCA Daytona debut

Duno enters Daytona ARCA race

IndyCar racer Milka Duno will make her stock car debut next month at Daytona.

The Venezuelan is set to drive the #90 Toyota Camry for Braun Racing, following a successful first test with the outfit at the same track in December.

Duno had told AUTOSPORT last month that a deal was dependent on sponsorship money, but an agreement has finally been struck for the female racer to compete at Daytona.

"For the first time in a while I fell I have a competitive car," said Duno following the test. "In IndyCars that had not been the case recently. I hope I can make the most of it at Daytona and back up my performance from the December test."

Duno plans a further ARCA test at Talladega next week, before heading to Daytona for the race, where she will join IndyCar rival Danica Patrick, who is set to make her stock car debut in the same event, driving for JR Motorsports.

Plans for further stock car outings for Duno are still in the works, including the possibility of entering NASCAR Nationwide Series races.

Silva facing month outDuno enters Daytona ARCA race

Mears joins new Keyed-Up team

Casey Mears will stay in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series after securing a deal with new team Keyed-Up Motorsports.

The 31-year-old nephew of IndyCar legend Rick Mears had lost his Richard Childress Racing seat at the end of last season.

Keyed-Up is a new organisation formed by businessman Raymond Key, whose brother Curtis runs teams in the Nationwide and Truck Series.

The Chevrolet-equipped squad intends to run the full 2010 Cup schedule, although it has yet to secure all the funding required to do so. Doug Ribert, who ran Dale Earnhardt to his first title in 1980, will be Keyed-Up's crew chief.

"We're a new team, but I feel we have everything in place to race," said Mears. "It's going to be a rewarding endeavour."

Mears joins new Keyed-Up teamOsvaldo joins Espanyol

Red Bull to run Schrader in Shootout

NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader will drive for Red Bull Racing Team in the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona next month.

Schrader, a two-time winner of the non-championship event that serves as a warm up for the season-opening Daytona 500, will drive the #82 car that will be raced a week later by Scott Speed.

Due to the new selection criteria for the Bud Shootout this year, the 54-year-old became eligible to take part in the event by virtue of his past-winner status. Speed, who ranked 35th on his rookie season in the Sprint Cup last year, isn't eligible for the event.

Red Bull will thus have both its cars in the race, as Brian Vickers gets a place by being one of the 12 drivers in the Chase for the Sprint Cup in 2009.

"Kenny's desire and dedication to NASCAR has always made him a favourite among fans and throughout the garage area," said Red Bull general manager Jay Frye. "We're excited he approached us with the idea and are looking forward to giving him the opportunity he deserves and has earned."

Schrader, who last competed in a Sprint Cup-level event at Phoenix in 2008, won the Bud Shootout back-to-back in 1989 and 1990 while racing for Hendrick Motorsports. He looks forward to the opportunity to race in the event once again.

"I am tremendously excited to be in a top-calibre car," said Schrader. "Pairing up with a strong team-mate like Brian Vickers and the whole Red Bull organisation for this event has me on cloud nine."

Speed will drive the #82 car on the same day that the Shootout takes place, as he takes part in the qualifying session for the Daytona 500. Once Schrader races in the Shootout, Speed will be back in the car for the Gatorade Duels and the first points-paying race of the season.

Red Bull to run Schrader in ShootoutMalaga win Caicedo race

Kyle Busch extends Gibbs deal

Kyle Busch will remain at Joe Gibbs Racing for the foreseeable future after the team announced a multi-year extension to his current deal.

The 24-year-old will continue to drive for the leading Toyota outfit in the Sprint Cup series, having signed a multi-year extension of his contract with the team.

Busch joined JGR in 2008 following three full seasons at Hendrick Motorsports, where he claimed Rookie of the Year honours in 2005, making the Chase both in 2006 and 2007, and taking fifth in the championship on his final year with the outfit.

His move to JGR brought immediate success, as he claimed eight wins and the points' lead on his way to making the Chase, before a slump in form and some bad luck dashed his championship hopes in the final ten races of the season.

Last year Busch failed to make the series' 'play-off', despite winning four races during the regular season and he took 13th place in the final standing. He also claimed nine victories and the championship in the Nationwide Series - his first NASCAR title - plus seven wins in the Truck series.

In the latter one, Busch will field his own team in 2010, adding the owner label to his successful, yet young resume in NASCAR.

Iniesta extends Barca dealKyle Busch extends Gibbs deal

Mears joins new Keyed-Up team

Casey Mears will stay in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series after securing a deal with new team Keyed-Up Motorsports.

The 31-year-old nephew of IndyCar legend Rick Mears had lost his Richard Childress Racing seat at the end of last season.

Keyed-Up is a new organisation formed by businessman Raymond Key, whose brother Curtis runs teams in the Nationwide and Truck Series.

The Chevrolet-equipped squad intends to run the full 2010 Cup schedule, although it has yet to secure all the funding required to do so. Doug Ribert, who ran Dale Earnhardt to his first title in 1980, will be Keyed-Up's crew chief.

"We're a new team, but I feel we have everything in place to race," said Mears. "It's going to be a rewarding endeavour."

Patrick to skip Daytona NationwideOsvaldo joins Espanyol

Duno enters Daytona ARCA race

IndyCar racer Milka Duno will make her stock car debut next month at Daytona.

The Venezuelan is set to drive the #90 Toyota Camry for Braun Racing, following a successful first test with the outfit at the same track in December.

Duno had told AUTOSPORT last month that a deal was dependent on sponsorship money, but an agreement has finally been struck for the female racer to compete at Daytona.

"For the first time in a while I fell I have a competitive car," said Duno following the test. "In IndyCars that had not been the case recently. I hope I can make the most of it at Daytona and back up my performance from the December test."

Duno plans a further ARCA test at Talladega next week, before heading to Daytona for the race, where she will join IndyCar rival Danica Patrick, who is set to make her stock car debut in the same event, driving for JR Motorsports.

Plans for further stock car outings for Duno are still in the works, including the possibility of entering NASCAR Nationwide Series races.

Silva facing month outDuno enters Daytona ARCA race

Red Bull to run Schrader in Shootout

NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader will drive for Red Bull Racing Team in the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona next month.

Schrader, a two-time winner of the non-championship event that serves as a warm up for the season-opening Daytona 500, will drive the #82 car that will be raced a week later by Scott Speed.

Due to the new selection criteria for the Bud Shootout this year, the 54-year-old became eligible to take part in the event by virtue of his past-winner status. Speed, who ranked 35th on his rookie season in the Sprint Cup last year, isn't eligible for the event.

Red Bull will thus have both its cars in the race, as Brian Vickers gets a place by being one of the 12 drivers in the Chase for the Sprint Cup in 2009.

"Kenny's desire and dedication to NASCAR has always made him a favourite among fans and throughout the garage area," said Red Bull general manager Jay Frye. "We're excited he approached us with the idea and are looking forward to giving him the opportunity he deserves and has earned."

Schrader, who last competed in a Sprint Cup-level event at Phoenix in 2008, won the Bud Shootout back-to-back in 1989 and 1990 while racing for Hendrick Motorsports. He looks forward to the opportunity to race in the event once again.

"I am tremendously excited to be in a top-calibre car," said Schrader. "Pairing up with a strong team-mate like Brian Vickers and the whole Red Bull organisation for this event has me on cloud nine."

Speed will drive the #82 car on the same day that the Shootout takes place, as he takes part in the qualifying session for the Daytona 500. Once Schrader races in the Shootout, Speed will be back in the car for the Gatorade Duels and the first points-paying race of the season.

Malaga win Caicedo raceRed Bull to run Schrader in Shootout

Duno enters Daytona ARCA race

IndyCar racer Milka Duno will make her stock car debut next month at Daytona.

The Venezuelan is set to drive the #90 Toyota Camry for Braun Racing, following a successful first test with the outfit at the same track in December.

Duno had told AUTOSPORT last month that a deal was dependent on sponsorship money, but an agreement has finally been struck for the female racer to compete at Daytona.

"For the first time in a while I fell I have a competitive car," said Duno following the test. "In IndyCars that had not been the case recently. I hope I can make the most of it at Daytona and back up my performance from the December test."

Duno plans a further ARCA test at Talladega next week, before heading to Daytona for the race, where she will join IndyCar rival Danica Patrick, who is set to make her stock car debut in the same event, driving for JR Motorsports.

Plans for further stock car outings for Duno are still in the works, including the possibility of entering NASCAR Nationwide Series races.

Duno enters Daytona ARCA raceSilva facing month out

Karthikeyan eyes NASCAR move

Former Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan is considering a move to NASCAR after taking part in last week's ARCA series test at Daytona.

The Indian drove for the Starbeast Motorsports team, which is affiliated with NASCAR Sprint Cup squad JTG Daugherty Racing, on the opening day of the test.

"It's a whole new ball game out there," Karthikeyan was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

"I was lucky enough to be invited for a few sessions. NASCAR racing is pure, more basic with its oval tracks and inclined speedways.

"It's a totally new experience driving heavier cars with spotters speaking to you all the time."

The 32-year-old has primarily raced in A1GP since his F1 career ended with a Williams testing stint two years ago, although he also contested several Le Mans Series races for the Kolles Audi team this season.

He said had planned to continue with A1GP prior to the series' collapse, and will stick with the nation versus nation championship if it is rescued.

"It has thrown things open right now," Karthikeyan admitted. "The financial downturn caused havoc. If A1GP survives I will be there next year. It is a great championship with a lot of competition.

"However, we will have to sit down and discuss the future course of action if things remain the way they are."

Reds move for MaxiKarthikeyan eyes NASCAR move

NASCAR begins testing new spoiler

The new rear spoiler that will be implemented for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series during the 2010 season has been tested on the track for the first time at Texas Motor Speedway.

Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch, Brian Vickers and Greg Biffle have been running from Tuesday with the new device during a Goodyear tyre test at the mile-and-a-half oval, giving positive feedback about the new feel of the car.

Initial impressions point at the car shifting the balance slightly towards more front-end grip, although there did not seem to be a dramatic change to its handling on single-car runs.

"It didn't seem to be a big balance change, which was good," said two-time Cup champion Stewart. "That means you won't have to reinvent the wheel necessarily. It was a balance shift, but it wasn't a big balance shift."

Former Cup champion Kurt Busch echoed Stewart's impressions and expects the spoiler to improve racing once the device is used in a race for the first time.

"With the spoiler on, the car had a looser feel to it," Busch said. "The car was turning better and it felt like the car was sliding a bit more. What we have to do is ultimately put together a better package for drivers to drive on the track, which would create more side-by-side excitement for our fans to enjoy."

Roush Fenway's Biffle said the handling of the car reminded him of the old specification, which used to run a spoiler too. He believes more drag has been added to the car with the spoiler, given its four-inch profile and 70-degree angle

"It drove a little bit different on corner exit than the wing did," Biffle said. "I don't want to jump to conclusions, but it may have had a little feel like the old car in some scenarios. You can tell it has some more drag because they made it a little bit bigger and wider."

Red Bull's Vickers expects the new spoiler to improve the handling of the car while running in dirty air, as he believes the rear wing to be less efficient in that condition.

"Theoretically, from what I've been told, the difference between the two is that the spoiler is better in traffic," said Vickers. "The spoiler is going to be more efficient in dirty air and a wing will be more efficient in clean air.

"Once you get in a lot of turbulence, the spoiler's not going to lose a lot of efficiency while a wing really will."

The first official test with the device for all teams will take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway on 23-24 March before it the spoiler is raced for the first time.

Ibra won’t play friendliesNASCAR announces wing changes

NASCAR announces wing changes

The rear wing on NASCAR Sprint Cup cars will be replaced with a spoiler this year, series officials announced on Friday.

In a move aimed at improving the spectacle and enhancing safety at the bigger tracks, the series will switch from the original rear wing of the current Cup car, to a spoiler as used until 2007 with the old specification of car.

The decision comes following extensive talks with those involved in the series, including drivers and teams.

They were all informed about the move officially on Friday, and a test session for teams to sample the new device on the track has already been scheduled at Charlotte Motor Speedway on March 23 and 24.

Officials have yet to announce the dimensions of the spoiler and a date has yet to be set for its race debut, but it is not expected to happen at least until the sixth race of the season at Martinsville.

More details about the move are expected next week, along with other rule changes NASCAR plans to implement for races at restrictor-plate tracks.

This year NASCAR will also introduce the new specification of Nationwide Series car, which will also feature a spoiler instead of a rear wing.

Hamburg join Ruud raceNASCAR drops bump-drafting rules

Duno enters Daytona ARCA race

IndyCar racer Milka Duno will make her stock car debut next month at Daytona.

The Venezuelan is set to drive the #90 Toyota Camry for Braun Racing, following a successful first test with the outfit at the same track in December.

Duno had told AUTOSPORT last month that a deal was dependent on sponsorship money, but an agreement has finally been struck for the female racer to compete at Daytona.

"For the first time in a while I fell I have a competitive car," said Duno following the test. "In IndyCars that had not been the case recently. I hope I can make the most of it at Daytona and back up my performance from the December test."

Duno plans a further ARCA test at Talladega next week, before heading to Daytona for the race, where she will join IndyCar rival Danica Patrick, who is set to make her stock car debut in the same event, driving for JR Motorsports.

Plans for further stock car outings for Duno are still in the works, including the possibility of entering NASCAR Nationwide Series races.

Silva facing month outDuno plans ARCA Daytona debut

NASCAR drops bump-drafting rules

NASCAR has announced more relaxed regulations for bump-drafting at restrictor plate tracks, as part of a range of rule changes revealed on Thursday.

Following a controversial finish at Talladega in April 2009, in which Carl Edwards' car took off and ripped through part of the catch-fencing, officials decided to ban bump-drafting in the turns when the series returned to the track in November.

Fans and drivers were critical of the ruling and blamed it for causing long periods of single-file racing.

In a bid to try to avoid a repeat and improve the spectacle at both Talladega and Daytona, NASCAR will eliminate any bump-drafting restrictions at events held at these two tracks.

"Over the past 10 years we've dramatically increased safety and that mission continues," said NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France. "However, it's time for us to allow the drivers to drive. We don't want the rules and regulations to get in the way of great racing and fantastic finishes.

"NASCAR is a contact sport - our history is based on banging fenders."

Talladega Superspeedway president Rick Humphrey welcomed the news, which he expects will please some of the fans who were left frustrated when the series competed at the venue last autumn.

"Certainly race fans have high expectations when they come to Talladega Superspeedway," said Humphrey. "They expect the tightest racing, the most lead changes, the most passes and the closest finishes. The return of bump-drafting certainly moves us toward meeting and exceeding each of those expectations."

Additionally NASCAR has announced a larger restrictor-plate size of 63/64 of an inch for the season-opener at Daytona, which is set to increase horsepower.

Officials also confirmed the transition to the new rear spoiler, which was tested for the first time on track this week at Texas, and revealed that changes to the front end of the car are possible and currently under evaluation.

NASCAR also announced that current Sprint Cup Series director John Darby has been promoted to managing director of competition, and will oversee all three national series' directors, officials, inspection processes and race officiating. Darby will continue to fulfill his previous role until his replacement is named.

Piquet aims for Daytona debutRacing calm over starlet

Kyle Busch extends Gibbs deal

Kyle Busch will remain at Joe Gibbs Racing for the foreseeable future after the team announced a multi-year extension to his current deal.

The 24-year-old will continue to drive for the leading Toyota outfit in the Sprint Cup series, having signed a multi-year extension of his contract with the team.

Busch joined JGR in 2008 following three full seasons at Hendrick Motorsports, where he claimed Rookie of the Year honours in 2005, making the Chase both in 2006 and 2007, and taking fifth in the championship on his final year with the outfit.

His move to JGR brought immediate success, as he claimed eight wins and the points' lead on his way to making the Chase, before a slump in form and some bad luck dashed his championship hopes in the final ten races of the season.

Last year Busch failed to make the series' 'play-off', despite winning four races during the regular season and he took 13th place in the final standing. He also claimed nine victories and the championship in the Nationwide Series - his first NASCAR title - plus seven wins in the Truck series.

In the latter one, Busch will field his own team in 2010, adding the owner label to his successful, yet young resume in NASCAR.

Iniesta extends Barca dealAddington joins Busch at Penske

Red Bull to run Schrader in Shootout

NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader will drive for Red Bull Racing Team in the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona next month.

Schrader, a two-time winner of the non-championship event that serves as a warm up for the season-opening Daytona 500, will drive the #82 car that will be raced a week later by Scott Speed.

Due to the new selection criteria for the Bud Shootout this year, the 54-year-old became eligible to take part in the event by virtue of his past-winner status. Speed, who ranked 35th on his rookie season in the Sprint Cup last year, isn't eligible for the event.

Red Bull will thus have both its cars in the race, as Brian Vickers gets a place by being one of the 12 drivers in the Chase for the Sprint Cup in 2009.

"Kenny's desire and dedication to NASCAR has always made him a favourite among fans and throughout the garage area," said Red Bull general manager Jay Frye. "We're excited he approached us with the idea and are looking forward to giving him the opportunity he deserves and has earned."

Schrader, who last competed in a Sprint Cup-level event at Phoenix in 2008, won the Bud Shootout back-to-back in 1989 and 1990 while racing for Hendrick Motorsports. He looks forward to the opportunity to race in the event once again.

"I am tremendously excited to be in a top-calibre car," said Schrader. "Pairing up with a strong team-mate like Brian Vickers and the whole Red Bull organisation for this event has me on cloud nine."

Speed will drive the #82 car on the same day that the Shootout takes place, as he takes part in the qualifying session for the Daytona 500. Once Schrader races in the Shootout, Speed will be back in the car for the Gatorade Duels and the first points-paying race of the season.

Malaga win Caicedo raceRed Bull to run Schrader in Shootout

Duno plans ARCA Daytona debut

Milka Duno plans to join IndyCar rival Danica Patrick in the ARCA season opener at Daytona on February, after enjoying a successful first stock car test at the track last weekend.

Duno was one of several female drivers taking part in the three-day ARCA RE/MAX Series test at the 2.5-mile oval, where she set the 13th fastest time during her only full day of running among 60-plus drivers.

The Venezuelan was more than happy with her test at the wheel of Braun Racing's #90 Toyota, which she drove for a full day on Saturday but only for a few laps on Sunday due to an engine problem.

"I think I adapted to the car pretty quick, although it was not easy," Duno said. "I think the times show that.

"The car moves around a lot and you have to be very gentle. But I'm happy with the result although I think I could have done better on Sunday, if not for a broken piston on the engine."

Duno took particular delight in beating rival Danica Patrick on the timesheets on Saturday, when most of the drivers completed the bulk of their running.

"Well, she was testing last week at another track," said Duno referring to a private test session Patrick held at Orlando before running at Daytona.

"She ran a lot more laps than I did on Saturday, plus she had two cars at her disposal. And despite that she wasn't faster than I was."

Following her first test, Duno is targeting the ARCA season opener at Daytona on February 6 to make her stock car race debut.

She says a deal is close and pending on sponsorship money, but she is also considering taking part in some NASCAR Nationwide Series races during the year.

A further ARCA test could take place at Talladega if her plans to race at Daytona finally materialise.

"We would like to run the ARCA race in February," said Duno. "I think the team was very happy with what I did in the test, but we need some sponsorship to make it happen.

"The real plan is to do some ARCA races and some in Nationwide also. That's something we've been working on for a while and I hope it happens."

Besides Duno and Patrick, ARCA regular Alli Owens was notable among the female on track at Daytona last weekend, setting the third fastest overall speed.

Duno plans ARCA Daytona debutMalaga win Caicedo race

Patrick enjoys ARCA experience

Danica Patrick is looking forward to her stock car debut after enjoying her first official ARCA test last weekend at Daytona.

The IndyCar star successfully completed a three-day programme, which she took as preparation for what will be her race debut in the series.

"Well I can finally say I have really run a stock car and that I enjoyed it even more that I thought I would! This is going to be a fun year!" she wrote on her Twitter page.

Patrick only completed four laps on Friday as rain almost washed out the day of running, posting the fifth fastest speed. On Saturday she was able to complete 69 laps - nearly the distance she is set to race in February - getting her first taste of running in the draft.

The 27-year-old admitted to be surprised at how close she could run to other cars relative to her IndyCar experience, admitting it took some time for her to be able to run bumper-to-bumper.

"I guess you can run a lot closer than what I thought," Patrick said. "Two car lengths up above from my spotter is like on him for me. That's on him, you are on him in IndyCar. It was a little bit more challenging to get that last car length or get up on him.

"We even got to the point where they're like, 'give him a little bump down the straight.' I was trying but I couldn't catch him. It's getting into that mode that you need to be right on him to take advantage of the situation and stay with the draft."

On Sunday Patrick completed another full day of running, making single-car runs and then drafting in the afternoon. The day went without incident for her despite a sticking throttle while running in the draft.

Overall, the IndyCar race-winner was classified 14th fastest among a group of more than 60 drivers who set a time over the three days of running.

Patrick's crew chief Tony Eury Jr was pleased with his driver's progress, but even more with her feedback given her lack of experience with a stock car.

"She's spot on," Eury said. "We can go back and look at the changes we've made and look at the data and its reading right what she's saying. She's got an awesome feel, she knows what is happening with the car and she relates it really well.

"She can feel shocks. There's very seldom that you find a driver that can really feel shocks the way she does so that's always a plus when they've got that kind of feel."

Patrick will make her stock car race debut in the ARCA RE/MAX Series Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 on February 6 at Daytona International Speedway.

Patrick enjoys ARCA experienceMalaga win Caicedo race

Patrick eyes summer NASCAR races

Danica Patrick is considering contesting some NASCAR events in between IndyCar races during the summer, rather than doing all her stock car racing outside the IndyCar Series calendar as initially intended.

The American will compete in a currently unspecified programme of ARCA and Nationwide Series races with JR Motorsports next year to get a taste of NASCAR, but is also committed to Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series for at least the next two seasons.

Although it was previously suggested that all Patrick's NASCAR outings would take place before or after the 2010 IndyCar season, which starts a month after NASCAR and finishes six weeks sooner, she is now pondering adding some stock car races between IndyCar rounds in the middle of the year, once the Indianapolis 500 is out of the way.

"I think our plan is to run a few races through the summer after Indy maybe," Patrick told American TV channel SPEED. "That's the idea right now. We still haven't nailed down exactly the places we're going to go to. But we do plan on running a few."

Patrick added that one of the reasons she had been attracted to NASCAR was because there were fewer opportunities to race on ovals in the IndyCar Series' increasingly diverse calendar.

"Just over the last couple of years watching the transition that the IndyCar Series has made with its schedules and tracks and everything... It's not that I don't enjoy that, as well. There's probably nothing more rewarding than being fast on a road course because it's really up to you," she said.

"But on the other hand, [in] the races, there's a lack of racing and not much passing that happens. It came to how much I liked oval racing, short ovals, mile-and-a-half, side-by-side, the challenge of the short ovals, the chess match that is the two-mile ovals - it's just interesting to me.

"I'm excited to do more of that and that's going to come with all this [NASCAR] running."

Racing calm over starletPatrick eyes summer NASCAR races

Red Bull to run Schrader in Shootout

NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader will drive for Red Bull Racing Team in the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona next month.

Schrader, a two-time winner of the non-championship event that serves as a warm up for the season-opening Daytona 500, will drive the #82 car that will be raced a week later by Scott Speed.

Due to the new selection criteria for the Bud Shootout this year, the 54-year-old became eligible to take part in the event by virtue of his past-winner status. Speed, who ranked 35th on his rookie season in the Sprint Cup last year, isn't eligible for the event.

Red Bull will thus have both its cars in the race, as Brian Vickers gets a place by being one of the 12 drivers in the Chase for the Sprint Cup in 2009.

"Kenny's desire and dedication to NASCAR has always made him a favourite among fans and throughout the garage area," said Red Bull general manager Jay Frye. "We're excited he approached us with the idea and are looking forward to giving him the opportunity he deserves and has earned."

Schrader, who last competed in a Sprint Cup-level event at Phoenix in 2008, won the Bud Shootout back-to-back in 1989 and 1990 while racing for Hendrick Motorsports. He looks forward to the opportunity to race in the event once again.

"I am tremendously excited to be in a top-calibre car," said Schrader. "Pairing up with a strong team-mate like Brian Vickers and the whole Red Bull organisation for this event has me on cloud nine."

Speed will drive the #82 car on the same day that the Shootout takes place, as he takes part in the qualifying session for the Daytona 500. Once Schrader races in the Shootout, Speed will be back in the car for the Gatorade Duels and the first points-paying race of the season.

Red Bull to run Schrader in ShootoutMalaga win Caicedo race

Red Bull to run Schrader in Shootout

NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader will drive for Red Bull Racing Team in the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona next month.

Schrader, a two-time winner of the non-championship event that serves as a warm up for the season-opening Daytona 500, will drive the #82 car that will be raced a week later by Scott Speed.

Due to the new selection criteria for the Bud Shootout this year, the 54-year-old became eligible to take part in the event by virtue of his past-winner status. Speed, who ranked 35th on his rookie season in the Sprint Cup last year, isn't eligible for the event.

Red Bull will thus have both its cars in the race, as Brian Vickers gets a place by being one of the 12 drivers in the Chase for the Sprint Cup in 2009.

"Kenny's desire and dedication to NASCAR has always made him a favourite among fans and throughout the garage area," said Red Bull general manager Jay Frye. "We're excited he approached us with the idea and are looking forward to giving him the opportunity he deserves and has earned."

Schrader, who last competed in a Sprint Cup-level event at Phoenix in 2008, won the Bud Shootout back-to-back in 1989 and 1990 while racing for Hendrick Motorsports. He looks forward to the opportunity to race in the event once again.

"I am tremendously excited to be in a top-calibre car," said Schrader. "Pairing up with a strong team-mate like Brian Vickers and the whole Red Bull organisation for this event has me on cloud nine."

Speed will drive the #82 car on the same day that the Shootout takes place, as he takes part in the qualifying session for the Daytona 500. Once Schrader races in the Shootout, Speed will be back in the car for the Gatorade Duels and the first points-paying race of the season.

Red Bull to run Schrader in ShootoutMalaga win Caicedo race

Piquet aims for Daytona debut

Nelson Piquet Jr could make his NASCAR racing debut in a month's time at Daytona, when the Truck Series kicks off.

On Monday, Piquet Jr announced on his website that he was turning his back on Formula 1 to start a career in NASCAR.

Although he did not reveal exactly what his plans were, the Brazilian plans to compete in the Truck Series season-opener, according to sources consulted by AUTOSPORT.

Piquet is scheduled to test for Red Horse Racing for a second time today and Thursday at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida, south of Daytona.

The three-car Truck squad has already signed two of its drivers for this season but has yet to announce who will pilot its #1 Toyota Tundra - and Piquet is believed to be the leading candidate for the seat.

Speaking to AUTOSPORT at Phoenix following his first test for RHR in November 2009, Piquet stated that if he was to switch to NASCAR, he wanted to tackle the challenge from the lower series in order to learn about the basics of stock car racing.

He ruled out the possibility of jumping straight into a Sprint Cup Series car, like other former F1 drivers have done recently.

"Well obviously I don't want to jump any stages. If I come to America, I want to do it properly," said Piquet. "I want to learn from the bottom. Coming from Formula 1 doesn't mean that I can come here and step into a Cup car.

"Obviously I don't think about that. I really want to start with my head down and build myself up because it's a completely different kind of racing. I want to arrive here in Cup because I earned it, not because I'm arriving from Formula 1."

In the past other former open-wheel racers have entered NASCAR through the Truck Series. AJ Allmendinger and Scott Speed both competed in the trucks before moving up to Sprint Cup level machinery.

Brazilian Porsche GT3 champion Miguel Paludo is also set to test this week beside Piquet at New Smyrna Speedway.

Canales flattered by interestPiquet set for further Truck tests

Red Bull to run Schrader in Shootout

NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader will drive for Red Bull Racing Team in the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona next month.

Schrader, a two-time winner of the non-championship event that serves as a warm up for the season-opening Daytona 500, will drive the #82 car that will be raced a week later by Scott Speed.

Due to the new selection criteria for the Bud Shootout this year, the 54-year-old became eligible to take part in the event by virtue of his past-winner status. Speed, who ranked 35th on his rookie season in the Sprint Cup last year, isn't eligible for the event.

Red Bull will thus have both its cars in the race, as Brian Vickers gets a place by being one of the 12 drivers in the Chase for the Sprint Cup in 2009.

"Kenny's desire and dedication to NASCAR has always made him a favourite among fans and throughout the garage area," said Red Bull general manager Jay Frye. "We're excited he approached us with the idea and are looking forward to giving him the opportunity he deserves and has earned."

Schrader, who last competed in a Sprint Cup-level event at Phoenix in 2008, won the Bud Shootout back-to-back in 1989 and 1990 while racing for Hendrick Motorsports. He looks forward to the opportunity to race in the event once again.

"I am tremendously excited to be in a top-calibre car," said Schrader. "Pairing up with a strong team-mate like Brian Vickers and the whole Red Bull organisation for this event has me on cloud nine."

Speed will drive the #82 car on the same day that the Shootout takes place, as he takes part in the qualifying session for the Daytona 500. Once Schrader races in the Shootout, Speed will be back in the car for the Gatorade Duels and the first points-paying race of the season.

Malaga win Caicedo raceRed Bull to run Schrader in Shootout

Sorenson gets part-season with Braun

NASCAR Nationwide Series frontrunner Braun Racing is set to enter five Sprint Cup events in 2010 as it makes its debut in NASCAR's top championship.

The outfit will field a Toyota Camry for former Ganassi and Richard Petty Motorsports racer Reed Sorenson, with sponsorship from Dollar General. The 23-year-old is taking a step back after being unable to secure a full-time drive for the first time since his debut in 2006.

The team's debut will take place at Daytona, where Sorenson will need to go through the qualifying process in order to be part of the field in the season-opener. Races at Atlanta, Chicagoland, Indianapolis and Charlotte are also included in the squad's limited schedule.

"Fielding a car in the Daytona 500 has been one of my life-long dreams," said team owner Todd Braun. "It is incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to realise that dream.

"I am so proud of every member of this organisation. We're stepping into the top tier of motorsports and it is a direct result of their hard work and the support of our outstanding marketing partners."

Sorenson is also set to compete for the team in the Nationwide Series, sharing the #32 car throughout the year with Red Bull Racing's Brian Vickers.

Patrick to skip Daytona NationwideCanales flattered by interest

Duno plans ARCA Daytona debut

Milka Duno plans to join IndyCar rival Danica Patrick in the ARCA season opener at Daytona on February, after enjoying a successful first stock car test at the track last weekend.

Duno was one of several female drivers taking part in the three-day ARCA RE/MAX Series test at the 2.5-mile oval, where she set the 13th fastest time during her only full day of running among 60-plus drivers.

The Venezuelan was more than happy with her test at the wheel of Braun Racing's #90 Toyota, which she drove for a full day on Saturday but only for a few laps on Sunday due to an engine problem.

"I think I adapted to the car pretty quick, although it was not easy," Duno said. "I think the times show that.

"The car moves around a lot and you have to be very gentle. But I'm happy with the result although I think I could have done better on Sunday, if not for a broken piston on the engine."

Duno took particular delight in beating rival Danica Patrick on the timesheets on Saturday, when most of the drivers completed the bulk of their running.

"Well, she was testing last week at another track," said Duno referring to a private test session Patrick held at Orlando before running at Daytona.

"She ran a lot more laps than I did on Saturday, plus she had two cars at her disposal. And despite that she wasn't faster than I was."

Following her first test, Duno is targeting the ARCA season opener at Daytona on February 6 to make her stock car race debut.

She says a deal is close and pending on sponsorship money, but she is also considering taking part in some NASCAR Nationwide Series races during the year.

A further ARCA test could take place at Talladega if her plans to race at Daytona finally materialise.

"We would like to run the ARCA race in February," said Duno. "I think the team was very happy with what I did in the test, but we need some sponsorship to make it happen.

"The real plan is to do some ARCA races and some in Nationwide also. That's something we've been working on for a while and I hope it happens."

Besides Duno and Patrick, ARCA regular Alli Owens was notable among the female on track at Daytona last weekend, setting the third fastest overall speed.

Malaga win Caicedo raceDuno plans ARCA Daytona debut

Patrick to skip Daytona Nationwide

Danica Patrick will miss the Nationwide Series opener at Daytona International Speedway in February, and plans to make her NASCAR debut a week later at Fontana.

The female racer recently announced that she will make her NASCAR debut in 2010, competing on a partial basis in the Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports, a team co-owned by Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Although Patrick will be at Daytona in February for the ARCA RE/MAX Series event, where she is set to make her stock car race debut, she will not enter the Nationwide Series event.

The race takes place on the day before the Daytona 500 and usually a high number of Sprint Cup drivers compete in it, something that makes Patrick hesitant about it being the right event to make her NASCAR debut.

"The race is basically a Cup race, some 30-odd drivers in Cup run in it," said Patrick. "So, is that the right time for me to start or not? You only get one grand opening, so I've heard. We want it to be the right opportunity."

The IndyCar star now plans to make her Nationwide Series debut at Auto Club Speedway on February 20 and she will also enter the following event at Las Vegas, where she will drive the #7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet with sponsorship from GoDaddy.com.

Patrick still has to confirm her full NASCAR schedule for next year, which may include up to 13 events.

Malaga win Caicedo racePatrick to skip Daytona Nationwide

Karthikeyan eyes NASCAR move

Former Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan is considering a move to NASCAR after taking part in last week's ARCA series test at Daytona.

The Indian drove for the Starbeast Motorsports team, which is affiliated with NASCAR Sprint Cup squad JTG Daugherty Racing, on the opening day of the test.

"It's a whole new ball game out there," Karthikeyan was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

"I was lucky enough to be invited for a few sessions. NASCAR racing is pure, more basic with its oval tracks and inclined speedways.

"It's a totally new experience driving heavier cars with spotters speaking to you all the time."

The 32-year-old has primarily raced in A1GP since his F1 career ended with a Williams testing stint two years ago, although he also contested several Le Mans Series races for the Kolles Audi team this season.

He said had planned to continue with A1GP prior to the series' collapse, and will stick with the nation versus nation championship if it is rescued.

"It has thrown things open right now," Karthikeyan admitted. "The financial downturn caused havoc. If A1GP survives I will be there next year. It is a great championship with a lot of competition.

"However, we will have to sit down and discuss the future course of action if things remain the way they are."

Reds move for MaxiKarthikeyan eyes NASCAR move

Patrick eyes summer NASCAR races

Danica Patrick is considering contesting some NASCAR events in between IndyCar races during the summer, rather than doing all her stock car racing outside the IndyCar Series calendar as initially intended.

The American will compete in a currently unspecified programme of ARCA and Nationwide Series races with JR Motorsports next year to get a taste of NASCAR, but is also committed to Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series for at least the next two seasons.

Although it was previously suggested that all Patrick's NASCAR outings would take place before or after the 2010 IndyCar season, which starts a month after NASCAR and finishes six weeks sooner, she is now pondering adding some stock car races between IndyCar rounds in the middle of the year, once the Indianapolis 500 is out of the way.

"I think our plan is to run a few races through the summer after Indy maybe," Patrick told American TV channel SPEED. "That's the idea right now. We still haven't nailed down exactly the places we're going to go to. But we do plan on running a few."

Patrick added that one of the reasons she had been attracted to NASCAR was because there were fewer opportunities to race on ovals in the IndyCar Series' increasingly diverse calendar.

"Just over the last couple of years watching the transition that the IndyCar Series has made with its schedules and tracks and everything... It's not that I don't enjoy that, as well. There's probably nothing more rewarding than being fast on a road course because it's really up to you," she said.

"But on the other hand, [in] the races, there's a lack of racing and not much passing that happens. It came to how much I liked oval racing, short ovals, mile-and-a-half, side-by-side, the challenge of the short ovals, the chess match that is the two-mile ovals - it's just interesting to me.

"I'm excited to do more of that and that's going to come with all this [NASCAR] running."

Racing calm over starletPatrick eyes summer NASCAR races

Piquet moves to NASCAR for 2010

Danica Patrick will miss the Nationwide Series opener at Daytona International Speedway in February, and plans to make her NASCAR debut a week later at Fontana.

The female racer recently announced that she will make her NASCAR debut in 2010, competing on a partial basis in the Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports, a team co-owned by Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Although Patrick will be at Daytona in February for the ARCA RE/MAX Series event, where she is set to make her stock car race debut, she will not enter the Nationwide Series event.

The race takes place on the day before the Daytona 500 and usually a high number of Sprint Cup drivers compete in it, something that makes Patrick hesitant about it being the right event to make her NASCAR debut.

"The race is basically a Cup race, some 30-odd drivers in Cup run in it," said Patrick. "So, is that the right time for me to start or not? You only get one grand opening, so I've heard. We want it to be the right opportunity."

The IndyCar star now plans to make her Nationwide Series debut at Auto Club Speedway on February 20 and she will also enter the following event at Las Vegas, where she will drive the #7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet with sponsorship from GoDaddy.com.

Patrick still has to confirm her full NASCAR schedule for next year, which may include up to 13 events.

Malaga win Caicedo racePatrick to skip Daytona Nationwide

Patrick to skip Daytona Nationwide

Danica Patrick will miss the Nationwide Series opener at Daytona International Speedway in February, and plans to make her NASCAR debut a week later at Fontana.

The female racer recently announced that she will make her NASCAR debut in 2010, competing on a partial basis in the Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports, a team co-owned by Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Although Patrick will be at Daytona in February for the ARCA RE/MAX Series event, where she is set to make her stock car race debut, she will not enter the Nationwide Series event.

The race takes place on the day before the Daytona 500 and usually a high number of Sprint Cup drivers compete in it, something that makes Patrick hesitant about it being the right event to make her NASCAR debut.

"The race is basically a Cup race, some 30-odd drivers in Cup run in it," said Patrick. "So, is that the right time for me to start or not? You only get one grand opening, so I've heard. We want it to be the right opportunity."

The IndyCar star now plans to make her Nationwide Series debut at Auto Club Speedway on February 20 and she will also enter the following event at Las Vegas, where she will drive the #7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet with sponsorship from GoDaddy.com.

Patrick still has to confirm her full NASCAR schedule for next year, which may include up to 13 events.

Malaga win Caicedo racePatrick to skip Daytona Nationwide

Karthikeyan eyes NASCAR move

Former Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan is considering a move to NASCAR after taking part in last week's ARCA series test at Daytona.

The Indian drove for the Starbeast Motorsports team, which is affiliated with NASCAR Sprint Cup squad JTG Daugherty Racing, on the opening day of the test.

"It's a whole new ball game out there," Karthikeyan was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

"I was lucky enough to be invited for a few sessions. NASCAR racing is pure, more basic with its oval tracks and inclined speedways.

"It's a totally new experience driving heavier cars with spotters speaking to you all the time."

The 32-year-old has primarily raced in A1GP since his F1 career ended with a Williams testing stint two years ago, although he also contested several Le Mans Series races for the Kolles Audi team this season.

He said had planned to continue with A1GP prior to the series' collapse, and will stick with the nation versus nation championship if it is rescued.

"It has thrown things open right now," Karthikeyan admitted. "The financial downturn caused havoc. If A1GP survives I will be there next year. It is a great championship with a lot of competition.

"However, we will have to sit down and discuss the future course of action if things remain the way they are."

Reds move for MaxiKarthikeyan eyes NASCAR move

Patrick enjoys ARCA experience

Danica Patrick is looking forward to her stock car debut after enjoying her first official ARCA test last weekend at Daytona.

The IndyCar star successfully completed a three-day programme, which she took as preparation for what will be her race debut in the series.

"Well I can finally say I have really run a stock car and that I enjoyed it even more that I thought I would! This is going to be a fun year!" she wrote on her Twitter page.

Patrick only completed four laps on Friday as rain almost washed out the day of running, posting the fifth fastest speed. On Saturday she was able to complete 69 laps - nearly the distance she is set to race in February - getting her first taste of running in the draft.

The 27-year-old admitted to be surprised at how close she could run to other cars relative to her IndyCar experience, admitting it took some time for her to be able to run bumper-to-bumper.

"I guess you can run a lot closer than what I thought," Patrick said. "Two car lengths up above from my spotter is like on him for me. That's on him, you are on him in IndyCar. It was a little bit more challenging to get that last car length or get up on him.

"We even got to the point where they're like, 'give him a little bump down the straight.' I was trying but I couldn't catch him. It's getting into that mode that you need to be right on him to take advantage of the situation and stay with the draft."

On Sunday Patrick completed another full day of running, making single-car runs and then drafting in the afternoon. The day went without incident for her despite a sticking throttle while running in the draft.

Overall, the IndyCar race-winner was classified 14th fastest among a group of more than 60 drivers who set a time over the three days of running.

Patrick's crew chief Tony Eury Jr was pleased with his driver's progress, but even more with her feedback given her lack of experience with a stock car.

"She's spot on," Eury said. "We can go back and look at the changes we've made and look at the data and its reading right what she's saying. She's got an awesome feel, she knows what is happening with the car and she relates it really well.

"She can feel shocks. There's very seldom that you find a driver that can really feel shocks the way she does so that's always a plus when they've got that kind of feel."

Patrick will make her stock car race debut in the ARCA RE/MAX Series Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 on February 6 at Daytona International Speedway.

Patrick enjoys ARCA experienceMalaga win Caicedo race

Red Bull to run Schrader in Shootout

NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader will drive for Red Bull Racing Team in the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona next month.

Schrader, a two-time winner of the non-championship event that serves as a warm up for the season-opening Daytona 500, will drive the #82 car that will be raced a week later by Scott Speed.

Due to the new selection criteria for the Bud Shootout this year, the 54-year-old became eligible to take part in the event by virtue of his past-winner status. Speed, who ranked 35th on his rookie season in the Sprint Cup last year, isn't eligible for the event.

Red Bull will thus have both its cars in the race, as Brian Vickers gets a place by being one of the 12 drivers in the Chase for the Sprint Cup in 2009.

"Kenny's desire and dedication to NASCAR has always made him a favourite among fans and throughout the garage area," said Red Bull general manager Jay Frye. "We're excited he approached us with the idea and are looking forward to giving him the opportunity he deserves and has earned."

Schrader, who last competed in a Sprint Cup-level event at Phoenix in 2008, won the Bud Shootout back-to-back in 1989 and 1990 while racing for Hendrick Motorsports. He looks forward to the opportunity to race in the event once again.

"I am tremendously excited to be in a top-calibre car," said Schrader. "Pairing up with a strong team-mate like Brian Vickers and the whole Red Bull organisation for this event has me on cloud nine."

Speed will drive the #82 car on the same day that the Shootout takes place, as he takes part in the qualifying session for the Daytona 500. Once Schrader races in the Shootout, Speed will be back in the car for the Gatorade Duels and the first points-paying race of the season.

Messi aims for World awardRed Bull to run Schrader in Shootout

Patrick to skip Daytona Nationwide

Danica Patrick will miss the Nationwide Series opener at Daytona International Speedway in February, and plans to make her NASCAR debut a week later at Fontana.

The female racer recently announced that she will make her NASCAR debut in 2010, competing on a partial basis in the Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports, a team co-owned by Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Although Patrick will be at Daytona in February for the ARCA RE/MAX Series event, where she is set to make her stock car race debut, she will not enter the Nationwide Series event.

The race takes place on the day before the Daytona 500 and usually a high number of Sprint Cup drivers compete in it, something that makes Patrick hesitant about it being the right event to make her NASCAR debut.

"The race is basically a Cup race, some 30-odd drivers in Cup run in it," said Patrick. "So, is that the right time for me to start or not? You only get one grand opening, so I've heard. We want it to be the right opportunity."

The IndyCar star now plans to make her Nationwide Series debut at Auto Club Speedway on February 20 and she will also enter the following event at Las Vegas, where she will drive the #7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet with sponsorship from GoDaddy.com.

Patrick still has to confirm her full NASCAR schedule for next year, which may include up to 13 events.

Race hots up for SuazoPatrick to skip Daytona Nationwide

Duno plans ARCA Daytona debut

Milka Duno plans to join IndyCar rival Danica Patrick in the ARCA season opener at Daytona on February, after enjoying a successful first stock car test at the track last weekend.

Duno was one of several female drivers taking part in the three-day ARCA RE/MAX Series test at the 2.5-mile oval, where she set the 13th fastest time during her only full day of running among 60-plus drivers.

The Venezuelan was more than happy with her test at the wheel of Braun Racing's #90 Toyota, which she drove for a full day on Saturday but only for a few laps on Sunday due to an engine problem.

"I think I adapted to the car pretty quick, although it was not easy," Duno said. "I think the times show that.

"The car moves around a lot and you have to be very gentle. But I'm happy with the result although I think I could have done better on Sunday, if not for a broken piston on the engine."

Duno took particular delight in beating rival Danica Patrick on the timesheets on Saturday, when most of the drivers completed the bulk of their running.

"Well, she was testing last week at another track," said Duno referring to a private test session Patrick held at Orlando before running at Daytona.

"She ran a lot more laps than I did on Saturday, plus she had two cars at her disposal. And despite that she wasn't faster than I was."

Following her first test, Duno is targeting the ARCA season opener at Daytona on February 6 to make her stock car race debut.

She says a deal is close and pending on sponsorship money, but she is also considering taking part in some NASCAR Nationwide Series races during the year.

A further ARCA test could take place at Talladega if her plans to race at Daytona finally materialise.

"We would like to run the ARCA race in February," said Duno. "I think the team was very happy with what I did in the test, but we need some sponsorship to make it happen.

"The real plan is to do some ARCA races and some in Nationwide also. That's something we've been working on for a while and I hope it happens."

Besides Duno and Patrick, ARCA regular Alli Owens was notable among the female on track at Daytona last weekend, setting the third fastest overall speed.

Duno plans ARCA Daytona debutToure happy at Barca

Red Bull to run Schrader in Shootout

NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader will drive for Red Bull Racing Team in the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona next month.

Schrader, a two-time winner of the non-championship event that serves as a warm up for the season-opening Daytona 500, will drive the #82 car that will be raced a week later by Scott Speed.

Due to the new selection criteria for the Bud Shootout this year, the 54-year-old became eligible to take part in the event by virtue of his past-winner status. Speed, who ranked 35th on his rookie season in the Sprint Cup last year, isn't eligible for the event.

Red Bull will thus have both its cars in the race, as Brian Vickers gets a place by being one of the 12 drivers in the Chase for the Sprint Cup in 2009.

"Kenny's desire and dedication to NASCAR has always made him a favourite among fans and throughout the garage area," said Red Bull general manager Jay Frye. "We're excited he approached us with the idea and are looking forward to giving him the opportunity he deserves and has earned."

Schrader, who last competed in a Sprint Cup-level event at Phoenix in 2008, won the Bud Shootout back-to-back in 1989 and 1990 while racing for Hendrick Motorsports. He looks forward to the opportunity to race in the event once again.

"I am tremendously excited to be in a top-calibre car," said Schrader. "Pairing up with a strong team-mate like Brian Vickers and the whole Red Bull organisation for this event has me on cloud nine."

Speed will drive the #82 car on the same day that the Shootout takes place, as he takes part in the qualifying session for the Daytona 500. Once Schrader races in the Shootout, Speed will be back in the car for the Gatorade Duels and the first points-paying race of the season.

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Karthikeyan eyes NASCAR move

Former Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan is considering a move to NASCAR after taking part in last week's ARCA series test at Daytona.

The Indian drove for the Starbeast Motorsports team, which is affiliated with NASCAR Sprint Cup squad JTG Daugherty Racing, on the opening day of the test.

"It's a whole new ball game out there," Karthikeyan was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

"I was lucky enough to be invited for a few sessions. NASCAR racing is pure, more basic with its oval tracks and inclined speedways.

"It's a totally new experience driving heavier cars with spotters speaking to you all the time."

The 32-year-old has primarily raced in A1GP since his F1 career ended with a Williams testing stint two years ago, although he also contested several Le Mans Series races for the Kolles Audi team this season.

He said had planned to continue with A1GP prior to the series' collapse, and will stick with the nation versus nation championship if it is rescued.

"It has thrown things open right now," Karthikeyan admitted. "The financial downturn caused havoc. If A1GP survives I will be there next year. It is a great championship with a lot of competition.

"However, we will have to sit down and discuss the future course of action if things remain the way they are."

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Patrick eyes summer NASCAR races

Danica Patrick is considering contesting some NASCAR events in between IndyCar races during the summer, rather than doing all her stock car racing outside the IndyCar Series calendar as initially intended.

The American will compete in a currently unspecified programme of ARCA and Nationwide Series races with JR Motorsports next year to get a taste of NASCAR, but is also committed to Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series for at least the next two seasons.

Although it was previously suggested that all Patrick's NASCAR outings would take place before or after the 2010 IndyCar season, which starts a month after NASCAR and finishes six weeks sooner, she is now pondering adding some stock car races between IndyCar rounds in the middle of the year, once the Indianapolis 500 is out of the way.

"I think our plan is to run a few races through the summer after Indy maybe," Patrick told American TV channel SPEED. "That's the idea right now. We still haven't nailed down exactly the places we're going to go to. But we do plan on running a few."

Patrick added that one of the reasons she had been attracted to NASCAR was because there were fewer opportunities to race on ovals in the IndyCar Series' increasingly diverse calendar.

"Just over the last couple of years watching the transition that the IndyCar Series has made with its schedules and tracks and everything... It's not that I don't enjoy that, as well. There's probably nothing more rewarding than being fast on a road course because it's really up to you," she said.

"But on the other hand, [in] the races, there's a lack of racing and not much passing that happens. It came to how much I liked oval racing, short ovals, mile-and-a-half, side-by-side, the challenge of the short ovals, the chess match that is the two-mile ovals - it's just interesting to me.

"I'm excited to do more of that and that's going to come with all this [NASCAR] running."

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Patrick to skip Daytona Nationwide

Danica Patrick will miss the Nationwide Series opener at Daytona International Speedway in February, and plans to make her NASCAR debut a week later at Fontana.

The female racer recently announced that she will make her NASCAR debut in 2010, competing on a partial basis in the Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports, a team co-owned by Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Although Patrick will be at Daytona in February for the ARCA RE/MAX Series event, where she is set to make her stock car race debut, she will not enter the Nationwide Series event.

The race takes place on the day before the Daytona 500 and usually a high number of Sprint Cup drivers compete in it, something that makes Patrick hesitant about it being the right event to make her NASCAR debut.

"The race is basically a Cup race, some 30-odd drivers in Cup run in it," said Patrick. "So, is that the right time for me to start or not? You only get one grand opening, so I've heard. We want it to be the right opportunity."

The IndyCar star now plans to make her Nationwide Series debut at Auto Club Speedway on February 20 and she will also enter the following event at Las Vegas, where she will drive the #7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet with sponsorship from GoDaddy.com.

Patrick still has to confirm her full NASCAR schedule for next year, which may include up to 13 events.

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Patrick to skip Daytona Nationwide

Danica Patrick will miss the Nationwide Series opener at Daytona International Speedway in February, and plans to make her NASCAR debut a week later at Fontana.

The female racer recently announced that she will make her NASCAR debut in 2010, competing on a partial basis in the Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports, a team co-owned by Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Although Patrick will be at Daytona in February for the ARCA RE/MAX Series event, where she is set to make her stock car race debut, she will not enter the Nationwide Series event.

The race takes place on the day before the Daytona 500 and usually a high number of Sprint Cup drivers compete in it, something that makes Patrick hesitant about it being the right event to make her NASCAR debut.

"The race is basically a Cup race, some 30-odd drivers in Cup run in it," said Patrick. "So, is that the right time for me to start or not? You only get one grand opening, so I've heard. We want it to be the right opportunity."

The IndyCar star now plans to make her Nationwide Series debut at Auto Club Speedway on February 20 and she will also enter the following event at Las Vegas, where she will drive the #7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet with sponsorship from GoDaddy.com.

Patrick still has to confirm her full NASCAR schedule for next year, which may include up to 13 events.

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Patrick enjoys ARCA experience

Danica Patrick is looking forward to her stock car debut after enjoying her first official ARCA test last weekend at Daytona.

The IndyCar star successfully completed a three-day programme, which she took as preparation for what will be her race debut in the series.

"Well I can finally say I have really run a stock car and that I enjoyed it even more that I thought I would! This is going to be a fun year!" she wrote on her Twitter page.

Patrick only completed four laps on Friday as rain almost washed out the day of running, posting the fifth fastest speed. On Saturday she was able to complete 69 laps - nearly the distance she is set to race in February - getting her first taste of running in the draft.

The 27-year-old admitted to be surprised at how close she could run to other cars relative to her IndyCar experience, admitting it took some time for her to be able to run bumper-to-bumper.

"I guess you can run a lot closer than what I thought," Patrick said. "Two car lengths up above from my spotter is like on him for me. That's on him, you are on him in IndyCar. It was a little bit more challenging to get that last car length or get up on him.

"We even got to the point where they're like, 'give him a little bump down the straight.' I was trying but I couldn't catch him. It's getting into that mode that you need to be right on him to take advantage of the situation and stay with the draft."

On Sunday Patrick completed another full day of running, making single-car runs and then drafting in the afternoon. The day went without incident for her despite a sticking throttle while running in the draft.

Overall, the IndyCar race-winner was classified 14th fastest among a group of more than 60 drivers who set a time over the three days of running.

Patrick's crew chief Tony Eury Jr was pleased with his driver's progress, but even more with her feedback given her lack of experience with a stock car.

"She's spot on," Eury said. "We can go back and look at the changes we've made and look at the data and its reading right what she's saying. She's got an awesome feel, she knows what is happening with the car and she relates it really well.

"She can feel shocks. There's very seldom that you find a driver that can really feel shocks the way she does so that's always a plus when they've got that kind of feel."

Patrick will make her stock car race debut in the ARCA RE/MAX Series Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 on February 6 at Daytona International Speedway.

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Karthikeyan eyes NASCAR move

Former Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan is considering a move to NASCAR after taking part in last week's ARCA series test at Daytona.

The Indian drove for the Starbeast Motorsports team, which is affiliated with NASCAR Sprint Cup squad JTG Daugherty Racing, on the opening day of the test.

"It's a whole new ball game out there," Karthikeyan was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

"I was lucky enough to be invited for a few sessions. NASCAR racing is pure, more basic with its oval tracks and inclined speedways.

"It's a totally new experience driving heavier cars with spotters speaking to you all the time."

The 32-year-old has primarily raced in A1GP since his F1 career ended with a Williams testing stint two years ago, although he also contested several Le Mans Series races for the Kolles Audi team this season.

He said had planned to continue with A1GP prior to the series' collapse, and will stick with the nation versus nation championship if it is rescued.

"It has thrown things open right now," Karthikeyan admitted. "The financial downturn caused havoc. If A1GP survives I will be there next year. It is a great championship with a lot of competition.

"However, we will have to sit down and discuss the future course of action if things remain the way they are."

Reds move for MaxiKarthikeyan eyes NASCAR move

Patrick eyes summer NASCAR races

Danica Patrick is considering contesting some NASCAR events in between IndyCar races during the summer, rather than doing all her stock car racing outside the IndyCar Series calendar as initially intended.

The American will compete in a currently unspecified programme of ARCA and Nationwide Series races with JR Motorsports next year to get a taste of NASCAR, but is also committed to Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series for at least the next two seasons.

Although it was previously suggested that all Patrick's NASCAR outings would take place before or after the 2010 IndyCar season, which starts a month after NASCAR and finishes six weeks sooner, she is now pondering adding some stock car races between IndyCar rounds in the middle of the year, once the Indianapolis 500 is out of the way.

"I think our plan is to run a few races through the summer after Indy maybe," Patrick told American TV channel SPEED. "That's the idea right now. We still haven't nailed down exactly the places we're going to go to. But we do plan on running a few."

Patrick added that one of the reasons she had been attracted to NASCAR was because there were fewer opportunities to race on ovals in the IndyCar Series' increasingly diverse calendar.

"Just over the last couple of years watching the transition that the IndyCar Series has made with its schedules and tracks and everything... It's not that I don't enjoy that, as well. There's probably nothing more rewarding than being fast on a road course because it's really up to you," she said.

"But on the other hand, [in] the races, there's a lack of racing and not much passing that happens. It came to how much I liked oval racing, short ovals, mile-and-a-half, side-by-side, the challenge of the short ovals, the chess match that is the two-mile ovals - it's just interesting to me.

"I'm excited to do more of that and that's going to come with all this [NASCAR] running."

Big guns set sights on CanalesPatrick eyes summer NASCAR races