Lewis Hamilton reveals NASCAR aim

26 November 2015 02:16

World champion Lewis Hamilton wants to race in America's hugely-popular NASCAR series during his career.

The British driver, who claimed his third Formula One title last month, was at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday to watch NASCAR's series finale.

Hamilton's official residence is in Monaco, but he spends large portions of his free time in Colorado, New York and Miami.

And speaking ahead of Formula One's season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton, 30, is hopeful of competing in NASCAR at some stage in his career.

"It was a really cool event and I hope I get to do one, one day," said Hamilton, who flew to Miami to support four-time champion Jeff Gordon on Sunday.

"There were definitely some things that they do a lot of better than us and there are things we could learn from them.

"It was a great show and a great spectacle. The fans could get very close to the garages and to the drivers."

Nigel Mansell was the last Formula One champion to head to America and win a title after he followed up his 1992 grand prix triumph by winning the IndyCar championship in the following year.

Writing in his BBC column, Hamilton added: "NASCAR is absolutely huge in the States. It gets massive audiences and I actually found it way more appealing in real life than it may appear on television.

"It's a very different world from F1 - the teams are much smaller, to the extent that it almost reminded me of my Formula Three days. In terms of the technology the teams have, it is kept much simpler compared to F1.

"The lap is only 30 seconds long, so you see the cars constantly. The cars sound amazing and they are freakin' rapid. It made me want to drive one. I'm not sure I'd do an oval, but possibly a street circuit or road course."

Hamilton is back in Abu Dhabi for the first time since he sealed his second title here last year.

Hamilton won the race, and subsequently the championship after an intense season-long battle with Nico Rosberg, but t his year's triumph has been much more straightforward for the Briton.

He has claimed 10 victories and sealed the title with three grands prix to spare following the 43rd win of his career in Austin last month.

"What can I say? This has the been best year of my career," said Hamilton. "I am in a very fortunate position with a lot of great work done by my team.

"One of the best races for me was Austin, obviously the pinnacle of the year for me.

"I am excited to be here in Abu Dhabi, with the 44th UAE national day and I am here to try to win that 44th race which I still haven't done, so it is cool how it all kind of ties in."

Source: PA