Ambrose excited about United States odyssey.

Double Australian V8 Supercar champion Marcos Ambrose is heading to the United States to make a name for himself on one of the toughest motorsport disciplines. Pursuing his NASCAR dream, Ambrose talked to Crash.net Radio at his final Australian event, and discussed some of the factors in his new American deal.

"The horizon is coming pretty quickly with my U.S. ambitions," said Ambrose, "That's very, very exciting - I'm really pumped up about that."

"The team I'm driving for is Woods JTG. It's a new partnership between Wood's Brothers and ST Motorsports. They are going to run six or seven cars next year and I'm part of the Ford Development program - it's just a really exciting time. Eddie and Len Wood and Tad Geshickter (the three principals there) are just a fantastic bunch of guys, and I'm just really excited to be joining them and I hope that I can live up to the Woods Brothers' reputation over there, and hopefully in time become a contender for them in whatever category they place me into.

"It's quite remarkable how its all come together. From a very early stage this year when I first started going over to the U.S. to try and see what support I could get and see how serious Ford were about helping me out, I knew that Woods Brothers and JTG were looking to join forces and that it was going to become a focal point for Ford development and their drivers and also their aero and chassis development. I really wanted to drive for Woods Brothers JTG.

"It came together quickly and I think the whole package for the Woods and JTG combination came together very quickly too. From what I understand it was almost a handshake to get the thing started when they announced it and they hadn't put any paperwork together. I think the goodwill has been there for sometime but the actual pen-to-paper has come together very quickly.

Ambrose was born in Tasmania and grew up driving karts. He pursued a brief open wheeler career in Europe before he accepted a deal to drive for Stone Brothers Racing in the Shell V8 Supercar Championship for 2001. It wasn't long before Ambrose secured back-to-back crowns in 2003 and 2004, but the hunger for bigger challenges remained. Not content with a successful V8 Supercar career, Ambrose set out to try and break into NASCAR.

Highlighting some of the benefits NASCAR offers him, Ambrose is more than excited about his new career path.

"Touring car or tin-top racing cars - big fast heavy machines - really suit my driving style. I think with Formula Three, the finesse involved just didn't suit me that well. I feel like where I'm heading to NASCAR really fits into my driving style and fits my psyche too and I love the way they go about their racing.

"It's pure motorsport over there. It's dynamic - it goes from big ovals to small ovals to road courses. They're racing every week, which is what my dream has been from the moment I started racing cars -to try and race every week. I've definitely got that over there with the race program they're putting to me. There are over twenty-five races next year."

Optimistic about what his new team environment and the series structure offer to him, Ambrose is looking to begin from the bottom and work his way to the top.

"I feel that I'm ready for it, and I've done a lot of research on NASCAR. It's very hard to find information out when you're not in America - it has been a dominated American sport by the American market. They are trying to branch out into international media and the next big thing on their agenda is a move to Canada. I don't think Australia on their list but I've been welcomed there by everyone involved so that's really exciting.

"I feel I can bring my experience from all over the world - and bring a fresh angle to the NASCAR scene and also to the Wood Brothers team.

"I have a good feel for the NASCARs. I was very comfortable behind the wheel from my first test and I think over time when I learn the trade and disciplines and earn the respect of the teams and drivers and the fans that I'll be able to make a difference.

"I'll be invisible for a little while until people know who I am, but only because results will speak for themselves. A little Aussie going over there isn't going to cause much of a stir until I start winning races - be it Trucks or Busch. It's exciting, and that's what I'm looking forward to.

"The atmosphere is electric and that's one of the most exciting motorsports I've ever witnessed. I've gone around the world and been to a lot of racetracks and events, but there's nothing like watching 160,000 people stand up and cheer or boo their favourite driver.

"Am I going to make it to Nextel Cup and be one of the star drivers? I've got no idea. The chances are probably pretty slim. I just want to find my own niche over there - whether it be in any of the three categories and just experience it for what it is."

Ambrose left for Charlotte in the United States just days after completing his final round of the V8 Supercar Championship. He will now reacquaint himself with his new team and begin his Trucks championship campaign with Woods Brothers JTG next year.