Fernando Alonso comments on running a future NASCAR race

Fernando Alonso on Daytona International Speedway: “You smell motor racing here”

Fernando Alonso is a two-time F1 World Champion. He currently one of the two drivers for the McLaren F1 Team.

In recent years, the F1 driver has been taking an exploratory route to his racing career. Last year, he ran his first Indianapolis 500.

He was in the fight for the Indy 500 win. However, mechanical issues sidelined him in his first running of the open wheel event. He was sent to the garage with a blown engine.

Related: 2017 Indy 500 results

This weekend, is in Daytona Beach, Florida. He’s running with United Motorsports during an IMSA weekend. It’s his first trip to the famed American speedway.

“Obviously, the corners with the high banking, are special,” Fernando Alonso told reporters after his test at Daytona International Speedway. “You could feel the compression.”

2018 United Autosports Machine
2018 United Autosports Machine

“The view from the car is a little bit longer, ahead. When you are in the banking, you see only the next 200 meters of the track,” Fernando explains that he was trying to duck down in the seat in the banking to look out the window and see where the track was going. “It’s good fun.”

Fernando Alonso was 23rd quickest overall in his first practice session. There’s 50+ prototype drivers on hand. He was 24th in practice two.

Daytona International Speedway / NASCAR

“You smell motor racing here. That’s a good feeling for any driver. The speedway’s amazing. The size of everything, is just huge.”

“I imagine this grandstand full of people for the NASCAR race. That would be an amazing thing to experience.”

2017 Daytona 500 Results - February 26th, 2017 - Daytona International Speedway
2017 Daytona 500

Has Fernando Alonso considered a NASCAR race?

“Not on my thoughts, at the moment,” Fernando Alonso confirmed.

“NASCAR, driving techniques are very unique. Those cars, we’d need a lot of practice before making that adventure.”

“At the moment, I don’t have enough weekends free. So, not plans yet.”

“Definitely, after being here for 24 hours, I will watch the race on television. I’ll enjoy that race from NASCAR. That will be the first time watching it on TV.

Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso has run 293 Formula One races. He’s collected 32 wins and 97 podium finishes.

Alonso is on track again today. It’s Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The Rolex 24 is run between Jan 25-28, 2017.

The first F1 practice day is set for February 26th. The first race of the 2018 Formula One season doesn’t happen until March 25th.

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Fernando Alonso | IMSA | United Autosports | NASCAR

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