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Speed 'happier than ever' in NASCAR

Scott Speed says he is the happiest he has ever been now that he is competing in NASCAR, after taking his first ever victory in the Truck Series on Friday at Dover

The former Formula One driver claims to be enjoying life more than ever racing without the pressures he felt in Europe, and focusing on his new challenge of being successful in NASCAR.

"I'm certainly looking forward to continuing on, and obviously looking forward to my first Cup race but I'm not in any rush," Speed said following his victory at Dover.

"I'm having the time of my life just coming over here and trying to learn the sport. You know, it's awesome.

"Red Bull is giving me the opportunity to do this and my hat's off to them. Without them none of this would have been possible."

Speed believes that having already raced in F1 he doesn't having anything to prove to himself, but says he is making an honest effort to make the most out of the opportunity that his sponsor is giving him in his home country.

"I've done what I set out since I was a kid to do - I've raced in Formula One - I've achieved the biggest goal of my life," he said.

"[NASCAR] is for me is a huge goal, but it's a personal goal. It's something I challenge myself, but if things go wrong or if things don't go well over here, it's not going to kill me and I'm not going to be devastated.

"I'm giving it an honest effort and am giving it an honest shot. I have amazing backing from Red Bull and everyone is making decisions on what I've done since I've come over from Europe from racing ARCA to racing the truck - every decision we've made has been very calculated and it's been right.

"So for me, it's just an amazing opportunity."

The 25-year-old says his happiness also comes from the stability he enjoys right now, which allows him to relax, something he didn't have when he was living in Europe and racing in F1.

"What I'm most happy about over here is that I have stability in my life," Speed added. "When I was in Europe racing Formula One from year to year I did not know what was going to happen with my life. I didn't have a steady paycheck coming in.

"It's like alright I'm a Formula One driver but I tell you that doesn't mean you get paid very well.

"There was no stability. Right now I have stability. I know that for the next few years I will be doing this and it's not going to go away. I have the full support of Red Bull and I can relax. Finally I sort of can relax and be okay for the rest of my life."

Speed is currently competing in the ARCA RE/MAX Series plus racing a limited schedule in the Craftsman Truck Series.

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