NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose belives V8 Supercar champion Jamie Whincup should think long and hard before chasing an American motor racing career.
Whincup's contract with Triple Eight Racing expires at the end of the year and the 26 year-old suggested recently the lure of following Ambrose and heading to the US is 'appealing'.
But while two-time V8 Supercar champion Ambrose has no doubt Whincup possesses the skills to succeed in Nascar, he cautions that securing a drive in the US is often more about opportunity than ability.
Ambrose left Australia following the 2005 V8 Supercar season to pursue his dream, and had to spend the past three years working his way up through lower levels of Nascr starting with the trucks before securing a fulltime role in the elite Sprint Car series this year.
And while Ambrose wished Whincup luck if he decides to move to the US, he said several factors , including the severe economic downturn, would make more difficult for Whincup to be given the same opportunities he had.
" There's no doubt he (Whincup) is the best Australia's produced for a while, he's a special talent, a great driver and deserves the success that he's had but when you get on the international stage it takes more than just being a fast race car driver to make a difference," said Ambrose from the US.
"The first thing he needs to do is find an opportunity, and with the current economic climate in the US that would be no easy feat. Chrysal and Dodge, two of the major manufactures involved in Nascar, have filed for bankruptcy.
"Ford have reduced their commitment here in Nascar substantially to the pointwhere even someone with blue blood (a long-time Ford driver) like myself has had to move camps."
Adding to the challenges facing Whincup if he does follow in Ambrose's footsteps is a grulling 40- week season.

Source= Gold Coast Bulletin

To me it sonds like Ambrose doesnt want anyone taking way he's spot light as the only Aussie in Nascar

Yes clubby sounds like the old days of Rick and Todd Kelly .

This is my sandpit and your not allowed to play in it.