American-Canadian Tour points leader Scott Payea has NASCAR on his horizon.
Payea said Wednesday evening that he has been in discussions with a Camping World East Series team about possibly moving to that series, though he would not confirm any specifics.
"There have been some conversations at this point, but that’s really it," said Payea, of Milton, Vt. "The next thing for us to do is go test a car, but there are no firm dates or anything."
One source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that Payea could have a deal in place with team owner Bob Torriere. Steve Hibbard, a fellow Vermonter, is the crew chief for the team which fields cars for former Sprint Cup driver Steve Park.
Payea chose not to comment on which team he would test with.
It is unknown whether Payea would be a replacement for Park in the No. 35 Waste Management Chevrolets or would run in a second team car if, indeed, he did go to Torriere's team.
"I don’t really want too talk too much about it," Payea said. "We’re talking with people (about the Camping World East Series), but we really have to go test a car and see where it goes."
Through eight races, Payea has a 45-point lead over Patrick Laperle in the ACT standings. Seven-time ACT champion Jean-Paul Cyr is 62 points behind Payea.
Payea’s success this season, which includes a pair of wins, has generated interest in his career.
"I’d like to think so," Payea said. "We’ve been running well.
"The momentum’s been building for a few years for us. We’ve put in a lot of hard work, and we’re really jelling as a team. I think we’re really hitting our stride now."
It is great to see some of the ACT guys getting solid looks and opportunities. Some of the best Short Track racers in the Country reside in these 6 states we call New England!
Posted by: Victory Lane Forum | 11 August 2008 at 10:17 PM