Hallam looking forward to NASCAR

The 56-year-old Briton will close a 27-year chapter of his successful career when the Formula One season comes to an end at Interlagos in early November. After that, he will be able to fulfill his ambition of working in the most popular racing series in the US.

"Michael Waltrip Racing is giving me a wonderful opportunity to enter NASCAR, which is something I have always wanted to experience in my lifetime," said Hallam.

"NASCAR racing is invigorating and the spectacle the drivers and teams put on for the fans is phenomenal. I am not underestimating the challenges before me and I know the differences between Formula One and NASCAR are obvious.

"However, the essence of what we will be doing is the same and that is racing."

Hallam admits he was ready to follow a new path in his career when he was presented with the opportunity of switching to NASCAR. He now expects to be instrumental in building up one of the youngest squads in the Sprint Cup field into a championship-caliber operation.

"Having participated in over 430 grands prix and winning five world championships, I was ready for a change," Hallam added.

"What attracted me to Michael Waltrip Racing was the opportunity to work with a young team and, in particular, to be part of the continued development and growth of the multi-car Cup operation as they strive to provide the best equipment and support for their teams.

"This is a great opportunity to join a closely-knit team who are looking to build success by harnessing Toyota engines and technical support to build cars at a level where we can improve upon the tremendous foundation that has already been built."

Team owner Michael Waltrip is also looking forward to Hallam joining his operation in the winter. He says the Englishman's winning experience at the top level should bear fruit on every front and he expects to feel the benefits of his work on the race track as one of the team's regular drivers.

"Steve is a remarkable asset for any organisation and I'm proud that he is joining ours," said Waltrip.

"He will be in a key position that will both allow him to learn about the NASCAR world while implementing the knowledge he has gained over the past 30 years in Formula One.

"Steve will galvanize the relationship between MWR and Toyota and ensure all of the tools available will be utilised properly. I'm ecstatic as an owner but maybe more so as a driver because I know I will feel the benefits of his work."