Toyota Denies they Brokered Villeneuve Deal
French Canadian Jacques Villeneuve turned his first laps in a NASCAR machine Monday turning about 70 laps in a Craftsman Series Truck at Chicagoland Speedway.
The former open wheel champion who was released from his Formula 1 ride last year began the process that will prepare him for an eventual ride in the Nextel Cup Series most likely starting in 2008.
The Bill Davis Racing Team Villeneuve will drive for hopes to have him ready to make his debut at the Las Vegas Craftsman Truck Series race in September. He will then compete in six other Truck events in 2007 and the ARCA race at Talladega in October.
In order to compete in any of NASCAR’s three touring series however, he must complete a validation process from NASCAR.
"His resume is certainly good enough," Nextel Cup director John Darby said. "We know he has the talent and the car control, but we still want to see him. We probably won't have any issues with him."
Contrary to published reports, Toyota officials denied that they had anything to do with brokering the deal that brought Villeneuve to NASCAR.
Bill Davis Racing uses Toyota equipment.
"This is not something Toyota has brought about, precipitated or really even had anything to do with other than reading the same press release," Lee White, senior vice-president of Toyota Racing Development said. "But it's great for NASCAR. It's great for Toyota. It's great for Bill Davis."
No speeds or incidents were reported from Monday’s test. The final day of testing is scheduled for Tuesday.
French Canadian Jacques Villeneuve turned his first laps in a NASCAR machine Monday turning about 70 laps in a Craftsman Series Truck at Chicagoland Speedway.
The former open wheel champion who was released from his Formula 1 ride last year began the process that will prepare him for an eventual ride in the Nextel Cup Series most likely starting in 2008.
The Bill Davis Racing Team Villeneuve will drive for hopes to have him ready to make his debut at the Las Vegas Craftsman Truck Series race in September. He will then compete in six other Truck events in 2007 and the ARCA race at Talladega in October.
In order to compete in any of NASCAR’s three touring series however, he must complete a validation process from NASCAR.
"His resume is certainly good enough," Nextel Cup director John Darby said. "We know he has the talent and the car control, but we still want to see him. We probably won't have any issues with him."
Contrary to published reports, Toyota officials denied that they had anything to do with brokering the deal that brought Villeneuve to NASCAR.
Bill Davis Racing uses Toyota equipment.
"This is not something Toyota has brought about, precipitated or really even had anything to do with other than reading the same press release," Lee White, senior vice-president of Toyota Racing Development said. "But it's great for NASCAR. It's great for Toyota. It's great for Bill Davis."
No speeds or incidents were reported from Monday’s test. The final day of testing is scheduled for Tuesday.