A surprise visitor met with two Formula One drivers while they were in the midst of a two-day NASCAR test this week.
Mark Martin, currently second in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship standings going into the final race of the NASCAR season this weekend, showed up at New Smyrna Speedway near his Florida home as drivers Jarno Trulli and Mika Salo got were getting their first taste behind the wheel of a stock car.
Martin’s visit was only one of the highlights for the drivers who spent Tuesday and Wednesday at the track near Daytona Beach turning laps in a Toyota owned by Michael Waltrip Racing.
"Both Jarno and Mika have done really well," Steve Hallam, Executive Vice President of Competition for Michael Waltrip Racing and a 27-year Formula One veteran said on the team’s website. “They have both delivered competitive lap times. They bring a different perspective to our ears. We are able to hear about the cars in a different way. Also, Trevor (Bayne) being here is very useful because he is articulate and able to relate their experiences to reality. It has been a really positive test and has brought good value to us."
Tuesday NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Trevor Bayne climbed into the No. 55 Toyota to shake down the car before Salo took to the wheel for the first time during his one day of testing.
"They wanted to test our NAPA Auto Parts Toyota and see what our sport is all about," team owner Michael Waltrip said. "They did an outstanding job and were turning some pretty quick times. We were just as serious about this two-day test as they were. We brought down an entire crew. Toyota, our team and engineers fully supported this effort. We were 100% committed to giving it our all just like we would at any of our tests.”
Salo said that he looked for an opportunity to test a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car for two years and was finally able to make it happen through his friendship with MWR co-owner Rob Kauffman.
“Thanks to Rob, I was able to test a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car for the first time in my life,” said Salo, who turned 208 laps in the Toyota. “I was very comfortable out there and had a lot of fun. I was quick and I know that if I had today to test, I would be a lot quicker. Now, I want to have 42 other cars around me and see what it is really like.”
Tuesday as Salo tested, Trulli took the role of spectator. Midday on Tuesday the two were visited Martin, who lives near the Speedway.
“He sat down in front of me and I listened,” Salo said. “I learned some things from him during his time here. I also learned some things from Michael, David (Reutimann) and Marcos (Ambrose) when I attended the race at Phoenix International Raceway.”
Wednesday it was Trulli’s turn behind the wheel. The Italian, who competed for Toyota in Formula One this past season, said he was shocked at the differences in driving a stock car as opposed to an open wheel F1 machine.
"It was the first time in my life I was leaving pit road in a closed cockpit,” said Trulli, who turned nearly 300 laps. “I needed to get used to that feeling of not having my head out. I'm used to being in a stiff car on the ground. The Cup car moves around a lot. It requires skill, feeling and understanding. There are so many different factors and you need to be a smart person to be aware of what is happening around you."
By the afternoon Trulli said he felt very comfortable in the car.
"Running here at New Smyrna is easy and very exciting, but racing here might be difficult," Trulli said. "It would take a lot of experience. I prefer a high-speed circuit, but at least I have a taste and know the feeling. Today, was important for me to understand what I have to do to get better. In driving the car, I must understand the car. I have to trust it. The center and exit of the corner are important. Braking is crucial here."
At the end of the day Wednesday, Trulli said he might be interested in a future in NASCAR but doesn’t know what the outlook for him for next year is.
"I didn't know about NASCAR until Juan Pablo Montoya made his move," Trulli said. "The world has changed and everyone is looking at different Series. I haven't signed with anyone yet and I've talked to teams. My door is open right now."
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