Tagliani eyes NASCAR

UPDATE Alex Tagliani says the recent unification of open-wheel racing has put his 2008 plans on hold.

Tagliani says prior to the merger announcement, he was ready to sign a deal with PKV Racing. But everything changed on February 21st.

"After excellent tests at Sebring with PKV and a very constructive meeting with a sponsor in Montreal prior to the merger, I really thought I would get a ride," he writes on RDS.ca. "But it is still a question of money. It seems that PKV has turned to a driver that would bring more money than I do."

KV Racing, as it will be known in the IRL, has already signed Oriol Servia. Derrick Walker's decision to close down his Team Australia outfit has led to strong speculation that Will Power will join KV Racing in the next few days.

Tagliani, who was also linked to openings at Conquest Racing and Rahal Letterman, says he is not discouraged, just disappointed.

"I think that while I was negotiating with PKV, the team was also in talks with another driver. It also appears that few teams in Champ Car will jump to the IRL this season."

Tagliani says he plans to keep busy in 2008 and is close to an agreement which will see him race in the Nationwide event in Montreal this summer. He's also planning on competing in the Craftsman Truck Series and the American Le Mans series. TSN.ca

03/10/08 Another loss for open wheel racing. Alex Tagliani, who appears won't land a ride at KV Racing with Will Power now taking the 2nd seat, was walking around the Nationwide and Cup garages this weekend. Tagliani is planning a move into NASCAR. He’s working on securing a ride for the Nationwide race in his hometown of Montreal with Fitz Motorsports.