Wheldon eyeing NASCAR switch

The former IndyCar champion told Autosport that he would look towards the stock car series if he can have another successful season in open-wheel racing.

Wheldon had a NASCAR seat fitting last week, in order to prepare for any opportunity that may arise to test one of Ganassi's cars.

"I'm lucky to have an owner that has a NASCAR team and an IndyCar team," he said. "If Chip wants to pull a fourth Cup entry together, then I know the perfect man to put in that car.

"Right now, NASCAR is the biggest stage by far. I've been to a lot of the races, and it's definitely something I'm interested in."

Wheldon added that he would consider a career switch if he can repeat his achievements from 2005, when he won the IndyCar title and the Indianapolis 500.

Last year he led the most laps in the Indy 500 before a tyre problem dropped him out of contention, and he tied on points with Sam Hornish at the end of the year, only losing the title on a wins count-back.

"If I can have the season I want to, which is to win the 500 and the championship, which is possible when you look at the last two years, then we could pull it off," he added.

However, Wheldon admitted that he would not be making any decisions until he had driven a stock car for the first time.