British driver headed to stock cars

British driver Ed Tilley is set to launch his bid to join the NASCAR grid after securing the chance to take part in the 2008 ARCA series. Tilley, team principal of aspiring touring car entrants Encke Sport, will take part in his debut test at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on December 7th at the wheel of a Chevy Monte Carlo in preparation for the 2008 season. "All my life I've had one interest, racing cars and winning," he said. "To be given a chance to prove myself in the ARCA series is a very special opportunity that I could not turn down." Tilley will be mentored initially by former NASCAR driver Randy Baker who said he was looking to help the Briton make an impact in his American move. "We are very excited about working with Ed," he said. "His career has been on hold over the past year as Ed took some time out due to a family bereavement, but we are looking forward to working with him and his sponsors to help him reach his goals in motorsport. We have a great team around us here to point him in the right direction and achieve great things." crash.net