Fernandez may go Busch
Adrian Fernandez may follow the example of compatriot Michel Jourdain Jr and head for the NASCAR Busch Series in 2005
A lack of sponsorship has forced the Mexican to relinquish his seat in the IRL IndyCar team he co-owns, despite winning three races last season. Fernandez had been expected to return to the cockpit for the Indianapolis 500 at least, but he recently announced that he would sit-out the entire IRL season so his team to concentrate fully on its programme with last season's rookie of the year Kosuke Matsuura and 1996 co-champion Scott Sharp.
Jourdain Jr left Champ Cars after a similar sponsorship shortfall, but was able to pick up a Busch Series drive with ppc Racing as NASCAR sought to increase Mexican interest in the championship prior to its first appearance at Mexico City in March. It now seems likely that Fernandez will also be in the line-up in Mexico, as efforts are underway to secure a one-off drive for him at the event. He insists that although he won't be seen in single-seaters this year, his driving career is not necessarily over.
"I enjoyed one of the best seasons of my career in 2004, but I'm faced with the hard fact that I don't have the budget to compete," said Fernandez. "As a driver I feel I have a lot left to offer."
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