Asian Motor Sports

V8 Supercars star Jamie Whincup has given the strongest suggestion yet he is heading overseas, with North America looking his likely destination.

Whincup’s contract with Triple Eight Racing ends this year and speculation has been rife the Queenslander is keen to take on a new challenge.

The 26-year-old has dominated the championship for the past two years, claiming his first title last year and starting this season with four consecutive wins.

His streak came to an end at the third stage of this year’s championship in Winton but many feel Whincup believes he’s achieved all he can in V8 Supercars.

And Whincup himself admits he is tempted by the prospect of a new challenge.

“I’m very, very close to making a decision but not quite there at this stage,” Whincup told Sydney radio station 2KY on Friday.

“I’ve got massive interest to go overseas but of course, at the same time, I love my Aussie V8s as well.

“I’m trying desperately to try to get a happy medium … to still race in Australia but then to do international events. If that’s not possible then I’ll have to make a decision either way.”

Whincup said the US was his preferred option for driving overseas, inspired by former V8 Supercars champion Marcos Ambrose’s success on the lucrative NASCAR circuit.

“Most likely America but the way the economy’s going and the way the world’s going who knows? I keep saying the whole NASCAR thing, it looks so appealing,” Whincup said.

“With Marcos going so well over there maybe there is a door that’s open. “I think I can do well over there, it’s just a matter of opportunity.

“In some ways I’d be crazy to walk away from that, so the decision will be made shortly.”

This is the second time this week the reigning V8 Champion has intimated he was open to leaving Australia.

The series has implemented an optional “soft tire” for some events this season and Whincup told the series website if the new Dunlop SP Sport Maxx Sprint were to be used in the endurance events (Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000) he might look elsewhere to ply his trade.

“If we had this soft tyre for every round, then I’d probably look at going somewhere else, if you know what I mean,” the TeamVodafone driver said.

“But because it’s only for six rounds, (places like) Adelaide, Bathurst (and) all the major events it’s back to normal racing which we all love and enjoy.”

A short six weeks ago Jamie said, “I love my V8s, I love Australia but I’m very jealous of my friends who have had the opportunity to drive cars overseas.”

At the time I suggested he may end up in Roush-Fenway Racing’s #26 replacing McMurray and shipping the new driver and team to Yates as Roush slips under the 4 car per team limit in 2010.

It’s looks to be more likely his days in the V8’s may be coming to and end. As a long-time Ford driver Jack in the Hat’s place of business is the only option he has if the intent is to remain with the Blue Oval.