Australian NASCAR aspirant Josh Burdon is hopeful of racing full-time in the United States next season after a successful Late Model test in Las Vegas.
The 21-year-old Tasmanian has split his time over the last 18 months between Australia and Europe, where he has been competing in the NASCAR-sanctioned Whelan Euro Series.
The former Australian Formula 3 and V8 Ute driver finished a narrow second in the Open Class standings of the largely road course-based Euro series after losing the lead at the final round.
Initially planning to step up to the category’s Elite division next season, Burdon’s French team, Scorpus Racing, is now pushing to move the youngster into the US scene for 2014.
Burdon was accompanied on the US trip by his manager and Scorpus owner, Alain Veyssière, to whom he was introduced by fellow ex-Australian F3 driver James Winslow last year.
Burdon says he was blown away by the test experience, which came through locally based Super Late Model team and driving school, Exotics Racing.
“Anyone from now on who tries to tell me all it is is driving in a circle I’ll want to slap them!” said an excited Burdon after the test.
“It is unbelievable and I have a totally new found respect (for NASCAR).
“The cars are so fast, it was a brilliant experience to taste what it is like to drive on a full on oval.”
Burdon is aiming to be in the top-tier Sprint Cup Series, which is currently the domain of fellow Tasmanian Marcos Ambrose, within four years.
“I am expecting some good things to come next year as there are a few people interested in my services,” he said.
“Super Late Model would be an ideal place to start as it’s the most competitive form of NASCAR racing below the Truck series.
“To be racing full-time in the Sprint Cup Series in three or four years from now is our long term plan.”
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