Young Tasmanian Josh Burdon will relocate to Las Vegas in a bid to fast-track his ambition to climb into the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
Burdon says that he has taken advantage of some opportunities which has forced a change of plans.
“The original plan was to learn the full ropes of racing and surviving in the cut throat European scene in 2013 before gunning the title in 2014,” Burdon said.
“Then (the plan was) to head to America to try to further our career, however, with some cool opportunities offered to me after last season it’s been decided to fast-track our plans a little.”
The 21-year-old took the NASCAR Whelan Euro Series to the wire, eventually finishing second last year.
“Competing in the 2013 Whelen Euro Series was very special for me after winning seven of the 12 races and with three of seven pole positions,” he said.
“It unfortunately ended badly, politically to be honest, at the last round where I lost my championship lead and finished second”.
Burdon’s French Scorpus Racing Team has made the bold move from Europe to Nevada’s neon capital following a successful test late last year with Exotics Racing at the Las Vegas Speedway.
He is now poised to compete in the 2014 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series which is the national championship for short-track racing.
“Things have really rolled on from our test in November and one thing has lead to another.
“So I’m humbled by the decision of my team owner and manager, Alain, to sell up the team based in France and make the move with his family to America to be with me and to push forwards to keep the snowball rolling.”
“It is shaping up to be another exciting year for me I am pinching myself – there are a lot of cool things on the horizon.”