Mika Salo eyes NASCAR start

Current sports car driver and former Formula One racer Mika Salo will be testing for Michael Waltrip Racing by the end of this year with an eye towards a Nationwide Series debut in 2010.

Salo, who raced in Formula One from 1994-2002, has raced sports cars in America and was an American Le Mans Series champion in 2007.

The 42-year-old Helsinki, Finland native has been to MWR for a seat fitting and told AUTOSPORT magazine that he expects to test in November.

"It will be great to get to test a NASCAR at last," Salo said. "After two years of trying, I finally met the person who could make it happen. Racing sports cars in the US has definitely helped"

"My hope next year is that I can do some races in Nationwide," Salo said. “Maybe even a full season – but I understand that I may have to raise some money to make it happen."