Mexico City just a one-off for Fernandez

Adrian Fernandez isn’t planning on making the full-time switch from open wheel to stock cars any time soon. But that's not to say the American Le Mans Series driver doesn't understand why so many of his open-wheel counterparts have recently made the move to NASCAR.

“Unfortunately in the last few years, open-wheel racing … it's just been bad for open-wheel racers and young drivers that always dream about being in IndyCars," said Fernandez, who is making a cameo start for JR Motorsports in Sunday’s Nationwide Series race in Mexico City. “So really a lot of these drivers, they didn't start their careers like most of the NASCAR drivers did, in Sprint cars, Super Modified cars, all the type of cars that will allow you a better platform before you jump into NASCAR.

“So a lot of these drivers, you know, like Dario [Franchitti] and Sam Hornish, other drivers like Patrick Carpentier, that run with us for so many years, basically they are looking into their future.  If I was in their shoes, I probably would have done the same."

Though Fernandez enjoys running the annual event in his hometown of Mexico City for what is now the Nationwide Series – Sunday will mark his fourth straight start in the race that debuted in 2005 – don’t expect him to be the next in a line of open-wheel drivers to turn to NASCAR. “I'm in a different stage," Fernandez said. “I had the opportunity to do that with Lowe's and Hendrick at some stage, but I'm 45 now.  I want to enjoy more my family.  I'm working under different circumstances.  But if I had their age, I was in their time, I definitely would have done the same.

“NASCAR right now puts you a better future, more growth with sponsorships and everything.  So it's definitely the place to be right now." Scenedaily.com