Villeneuve’s NASCAR future shaky

UPDATE Villeneuve strongly hoped to reach an agreement with CGI, the multinational computer services based in Montreal and founded by Serge Godin. The car was painted red to welcome the signing of CGI. Godin had to devote a few hours of his day Monday to consider one last time the issue but it seems that the answer already fell yesterday. That will be for another time. Fortunately, Villeneuve can help those who are still in talks with Canadian companies doing business in the United States and Canada. "I am confident, but I admit that I cannot wait until everything is signed," said Villeneuve.

Jacques Villeneuve

02/09/08 Jacques Villeneuve is about to embark on the riskiest venture of his racing career. The former Formula One world champion from Iberville, Que., has moved to NASCAR, where he has signed on with a fledgling team short on sponsorship. If he's worried, the 36-year-old Villeneuve isn't letting on.

"It can't fall apart … I won't let it," he said this week at a media day for the Daytona 500. Of course you are not in 100 per cent control of what happens all the time, so if it does fall apart, I will just persevere."

It begins this weekend for Villeneuve, who will attempt to qualify his unsponsored car for the Daytona 500. If he's not among the fastest two in tomorrow's time trials, he'll have to race his way into the field next week.

He's not prepared to finance this venture himself and says he has a sponsor on the edge of commitment, a company just needing one final push to sign on the dotted line. This weekend could seal it, ensuring him a fully funded car for the entire 36-race schedule. The Star