JANUARY 13, 2005

Out there in the real world

While Formula 1 continues to look at itself in the mirror and regard itself as the greatest motor racing series in the world, there are moves going on which the powers within the sport ought to take into account. On Wednesday NASCAR driver Jeff Burton took the track in Mexico City at the wheel of a Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. Burton was there to get information for the teams that will take part in the NASCAR Busch Series race which is planned for the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit in Mexico City at the start of March. Burton was chosen because he will not be racing in the Busch event in Mexico.

The significant point is that the Mexico City race will be the first points-scoring NASCAR event outside the United States of America in the 50-year history of the organisation and it is believed that the Busch event will lead to a full-blown Nextel Cup race in Mexico City in the future.

The race is aimed to create greater interest in the sport among the Hispanic population in the United States.

Recent Champ Car races in Mexico City have resulted in huge crowds.