Australian sportscar driver John Martin is looking to add a seat in America’s new United SportsCar Championship to a World Endurance Championship program in 2014.
The 29-year-old, originally from Gosford in New South Wales, has been establishing himself on the global sportscar scene since making the switch from open-wheelers at the end of 2011.
Currently driving an Oreca-Nissan LMP2 car for fellow UK-based Australian Alan Docking, the former Australian Formula Ford Champion is hopeful of eventually securing a WEC seat in a factory LMP1 car.
While returning to a top LMP2 drive appears the most likely scenario for next year, Martin says his options are currently open.
“We don’t have anything locked in yet, we’re still looking around,” he told Speedcafe.com of next year.
“Obviously I’d love to stay in this championship again, and ultimately you’d do that in a factory P1 car. We’re working everything towards that.
Click here to find out how.
“There was a potential opportunity to test with Toyota at the end of last year, but that never happened and they were a bit unsure about what they were doing and what budget they had.
“I’m hoping to have something locked in for the WEC by Shanghai (early next month), but we’ll see.
“Every year you want to do it as soon as possible but you get to January without anything. It’s always last minute.”
Martin is also chasing a drive in America next year, where the merging of the Grand Am and American Le Mans Series promises to help boost sportscar racing.
“We’re talking to a lot of people about doing some stuff out there; I’d like to at least do the Daytona 24 and Sebring if I can,” he said of the US.
“That championship looks really cool and it doesn’t clash with any of our rounds. Ideally I’ll do both championships and be busy for the whole year.
“The WEC is only eight rounds and after Le Mans you have two months of nothing. You can drive a few odd things here and there in the UK, but nothing serious, which makes it hard to get back into it at the next event.”
Martin will attend this weekend’s Armor All Gold Coast 600 V8 Supercars event on a rare trip home to Australia.
A recent reshuffle of the 2014 WEC calendar ensures that neither the WEC nor the United SportsCar calendars clash with the three Pirtek Enduro Cup races next year, potentially leaving Martin free to compete.
His one and only V8 Supercars test to date came aboard a Tasman Motorsport Holden in December, 2005, as a reward for his performances in the New South Wales Formula Ford Championship.
CLICK HERE for more with John Martin in this week’s Cafe Chat
