CART driver pragmatic after Busch test

Fittipaldi, 30, will attempt to qualify for the Busch Series season finale, the Miami 300, on November 10. And after spending a day testing the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, the Brazilian quickly learned that just starting the race will be no mean feat.

"I believe that qualifying for the race will be the most difficult single day of my career," said Fittipaldi after setting his fastest lap of 36.45s around the 1.5-mile oval in Florida. "It is very different and I have a lot to learn."

Series points leader Kevin Harvick posted the fastest time of the day at 36.05s, but Fittipaldi's best effort would have been enough to put him towards the back of the field in last year's race. However, despite enjoying his first taste of stock cars, Fittipaldi insisted CART success remains his immediate goal - although he didn't rule out a switch to NASCAR in the future.

"I'm sure that this (NASCAR) will continue to be an enjoyable experience and will only add to my love of motor racing," he said. "But this doesn't change my plans for the CART series in 2002. It will be nice getting to know NASCAR better to consider this option when the time comes."