Julien Jousse is about to realise one of his childhood dreams by becoming a NASCAR driver. After 2 intensive test days with driver development team Creation-Cope Racing at the wheel of a Chevrolet Impala SS the Frenchman will make his first K&N Pro Series start at the Roseville Speedway in California on October 13.
When asked about his decision to cross the Atlantic and try NASCAR Julien answered “It’s a long time that I have been interested in racing on ovals but the American lifestyle is quite different to what I know in Europe, so I contacted my friend Adrien Paviot from Motors TV who has a lot of NASCAR connections in the US. He helped me to find the right starting point for my NASCAR career”.
“I completed 2 test days under the guidance of Daytona 500 winner Derrike Cope and his team at the Motor Mile Speedway in Virginia and thus I was able to learn how to drive a NASCAR on an oval, and prepare for the upcoming race. It’s very different to what I know in Europe, and I am very impressed with the technique required to drive these cars well. The car has a lot of power and it’s exciting to exit a corner and run up so close to the walls!”
About the objectives his first race Julien replied “For me it’s most important that I finish the race in order to gain as much experience as possible. The K&N Pro series is a springboard for drivers to enter the Nationwide and Sprint Cup and I will firstly be there to learn and respect the high level of the championship”. And in respect of his future career he replied “I am not closing any doors on racing in Europe but my aim will be to work effectively on a NASCAR programme for 2013″.
Derrike Cope commented : “I am very impressed with the progress Julien made in testing. He adapted quickly and he listened and learned. He showed a lot of natural ability in a stock car. We are excited to see what he can do in his first race next weekend”.
Julien will pilot the #73 ‘Barbarac Ice Cream’ Chevrolet Impala and his team mate in Roseville will be Jack Clarke on board the #74 ‘Marussia/KSS/APO’ Dodge Charger.
Creation-Cope proudly thanks their partners Click Culture, Ovalzone and Waterboy for their continued support.
Source : Creation Cope