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Fernandez set for Mexico

Adrian Fernandez will make his stock car debut with a one-off drive for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Busch Series race at Mexico City in March

The IRL IndyCar Series team owner was forced to put his single-seater career on hold this season due to the withdrawal of his major Mexican sponsors, despite winning three IRL races in 2004. This Busch Series outing is likely to be the only time Fernandez races this season.

Fernandez will drive a Lowe's-backed Chevrolet for the Hendrick team as the Busch series makes its Mexican debut on March 6, the same day as his team will commence its IndyCar season with Scott Sharp and Kosuke Matsuura at Homestead.

"I am honoured by this opportunity to be part of Lowe's, Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR," said Fernandez. "I know race fans in Mexico are excited about the race.

"I have watched NASCAR races on television all of my life and now I get the opportunity to see what it is all about."

Although this race would be Fernandez's first stock car outing, his comparatively recent road course experience might prove an advantage. He raced in the Champ Car World Series until the end of 2003 and already knows the Mexico City track, unlike the Busch regulars - who last went road course racing at Watkins Glen in 2001.

"Adrian is a talented racecar driver," said Hendrick's General Manager Marshall Carlson. "We expect him to put on a great show for the wonderful fans in Mexico City."

Fernandez's compatriot and former Champ Car rival Michel Jourdain Jr has already signed up for a full season of Busch competition in a ppc Racing Ford after also losing his single-seater drive due to a lack of sponsorship. The availability of two of Mexico's biggest motorsport stars has been a massive boost for NASCAR as it prepares to make its debut in the country.

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