Gene Haas is serious about succeeding in Formula 1, according to Kurt Busch, who drives for the Stewart-Haas Racing team in NASCAR.
Busch has urged American fans to get behind the project after several failed attempts by American owned or backed teams in F1.
“It will be an incredible challenge. He [Haas] knows that,” Busch told the Associated Press. “He’s serious. You just don’t drop $40 million (£24m) on a wind tunnel and not think that you’re serious about racing.”
Most recently, USF1 attempted to join the grid in 2010 when it was granted a licence. The outfit folded before the first race of the season.
Busch is confident Haas Racing has a brighter future.
“It’s a matter of the fans getting behind it, supporting Gene and trying to give F1 another chance. We’ve had Michael Andretti, before him was his dad. We had Scott Speed as a driver. Now we have an owner.”
With regards who will drive for the team, the 35-year-old admits, despite a desire to try F1, that he’s too old.
Many have already linked American youngsters Alexander Rossi and Conor Daly with the team, though nothing has been confirmed.
“It will be interesting to see how the driver line-up shapes up,” he added.
“My time has passed to be a competitive driver in F1. But a test session? I’d jump on that every time. They’re going to have hard time keeping me out of the shop, from hanging out.”
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