Mexico's NASCAR champ hopes to take next step
Quiroga on all-out quest for sponsorship in order to run for KBM in Truck Series
By David Caraviello, NASCAR.COMInside the cockpit, wedged between a steering wheel and a molded driver's seat, the challenges loom like speed traps on an interstate highway. There's the race truck itself, which is taller and boxier and punches a much bigger hole in the air than the stock cars he is more accustomed to. There are the tracks, most of which are larger and faster and feature more banking than the 1-mile layouts that dominate the NASCAR Mexico Corona Series. There is the communication -- how tight is "tight," actually? -- which can be a hurdle for any driver, not to mention one for whom English is a second language.
But for all that, the driving is the easy part. Everything else about Germ??n Quiroga's attempt to make it at NASCAR's national level -- a venture that began almost literally with knocking on doors, and has progressed to a sponsorship search for the 2012 Camping World Truck Series schedule -- is more difficult by comparison.
"
My goal is to really show that NASCAR Mexico has the potential to export drivers to the United States, and also to open the door to those drivers in the national series.
" -- GERMAN QUIROGA"When we have the sponsor, it's going to be easier. It's going to take something out of my life," Quiroga said recently. "Right now, I have to keep working."
The 31-year-old native of Mexico City won 15 races and three consecutive championships in the Mexico Series, and is trying to use that success as a springboard into the Truck Series ranks with Kyle Busch Motorsports, for whom he ran two races in the No. 51 last season. As with everything these days, the quest for sponsorship is a never-ending headache, and Quiroga and KBM hope to have the driver's 2012 plans firmed up sometime next week. In the meantime, the work continues for a savvy and personable driver who wants to become the latest from NASCAR's international ventures to make it at the sport's national division in America.
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Comments (47) Add A Comment
Bless his heart.
pondscum
Total Comments (5686)
Isn't one of Ganassi racing grand am teams sponsored by the Mexican telephone company? It's not a stretch to imagine they might consider throwing some money here, too. But, I think Chip might not be happy about that.
pondscum
Total Comments (5686)
more Truth to the Rumor of Kyle ... NOT driving in Truck per Gibbs / M&M's ...
hey, Kyle / KBM ... here a Deal to Offer ... Kyle will not drive the Truck, IF M&M / Mars Inc sponsors the Truck for QUIROGA .... sounds like a Win Win too me! ...
Pondscum : the only problem with the Mexican telephone company / not Chip, but Sprint ...
... Nova
~ Brown Deer ~, WI
Total Comments (3633)
Kyle Busch Motorsports announced today that ... Jason Leffler will be the primary driver of the team's #18 TOY Tundra in the Truck Series for the 2012 season. ...
another Kyle ... Will NOT be driving in Truck races ;-0
... Nova
~ Brown Deer ~, WI
Total Comments (3633)
Si
... Nova
~ Brown Deer ~, WI
Total Comments (3633)
As long as they stay out of Cup they would be fine as a NASCAR sponsor. Verizon was all over one of Penske's cars in the Nationwide series a few years ago.
Raistwalker
Total Comments (2064)
I hope he brings a few senoritas in the hauler.
JKINDELRAY
Total Comments (15539)
guess so, but no market in the US for TelCal ...
better would be the NASCAR Mexico Series sponsor, Corona Beer ... i drink to that ;-)
... Nova
~ Brown Deer ~, WI
Total Comments (3633)
DO NOT FORGET ... Your NASCAR Fix tomorrow ;-)
it's 'Preseason THUNDER at Daytona' .... Thursday, Friday, Saturday ...
SPEED will broadcast live coverage of testing on all three days from 1=5 pm / ET ....
Additionally, SPEEDTV.com will stream testing live from 9 am - noon ET each day.
... Nova
~ Brown Deer ~, WI
Total Comments (3633)
G'day
pondscum
Total Comments (5686)
Went to Palm Beach Lamborghini today and picked up my new Aventador. A bargain at 400K. This baby has 700 horsepwer and a top speed of 217 MPH. Screams from 0 to 62 in 2.9 seconds. Oh Snap, I just woke up, must have nodded off and was day dreaming.
JKINDELRAY
Total Comments (15539)
ha
good morning!
pondscum
Total Comments (5686)
Reminder to self.......must stock beer fridge!
OLD BEAR
Orange Park , FL
Total Comments (535)
Winter storm warning 10-14". Beer and meat stocked, wife says we still need to run out this morning for fresh bread and some milk.
NAWWWWWW
pondscum
Total Comments (5686)
What is this winter stuff you speak of?
JKINDELRAY
Total Comments (15539)
I have heard stories of this stuff called snow.
OLD BEAR
Orange Park , FL
Total Comments (535)
Was watching the speed testing from Daytona but gave up when it became a Danica lovefest. It got to the point of being sickening.
JKINDELRAY
Total Comments (15539)
Come on JK we all know she's going to save NASCAR. The ratings for the 500 are going to be through the roof, 10000% increase over last year, her merchandise will sell like hotcakes, she's going to win both the NW and Cup championships, and win 50 races this year. All while wearing a GoDaddy bikini, and making out with Taylor Swift in victory lane.
Oh looks at the time, excuse me I need to go take my psych meds now....
Raistwalker
Total Comments (2064)
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