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Nathiswaya Grand Prix hopes aren't dashed by BMW and Villeneuve.
![]() Jacques Villeneuve - BMW not Perku |
Team principle Perku Nathiswaya has admitted that his fledgling Nathiswaya Grand Prix team suffered a setback with the announcement by BMW that 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve will partner Nick Hiedfeld at the former Sauber operation in 2006. "It really changes our strategy, but I think we can bring together a unique team with vast experience in a variety of disciplines. With JV out of the picture, one of our main sponsors, Habib Banque Ltd has decided to focus on North American racing and stick with our Nathiswaya NASCAR team." Nathiswaya admitted. |
![]() Perku Nathiswaya - Principle of PNGPF1 at Elkhart Lake, WI |
The speculation has been fierce, but inside sources seem to think an announcement is imminent. Drag racing legend John Force, and NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader have both been in talks with Nathiswaya Grand Prix. Force would bring Castrol money to the fold, and quick reactions to Formula One standing starts. Nathiswaya acknowledged that Force would take some time acclimate to the cornering and braking forces. Giving further credibility to the rumor is the addition of a parachute on one of the Nathiswaya test cars. |
![]() John Force with Wicket the teddy bear hopes to join Nathiswaya Grand Prix for the fastest standing start ever seen in road racing. |
![]() Nathiswaya Grand Prix prototype as tested by John Force with a braking parachute. Legality of the chute has yet to be established. |
![]() PNGP cars will have wider tubs for Jimmy Spencer and other NASCAR veteran drivers. Ecclestone has allowed "Supersized" tubs for the American based team. |
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Technical Direction will come from Sports 2000 guru Eric Purcell. Purcell raced in Europe in the early and mid 1980's and was involved with Renault and Martini. Stateside, he's worked in Can Am, Trans AM, Sports 2000, F2000, Swift, Carbir, Van Diemen, and with many famous drivers. |
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Chief Mechanic Bill Mertz has plenty of experience keeping cars running on a shoestring. His experience with a particular MGB GT will come in handy while trying to adapt parts from rental cars to Nathiswaya Grand Prix racecars. |

Nathiswaya is the first to attempt to run a NASCAR team and a Formula One team out of the same facility. NGP will be Formula One's only team based in North America - in Mooresville North Carolina alongside other prominent racing facilities including Hendrick motorsports, DEI and others. Fittingly, Moorseville's sister city is Hockenheim Germany. NGP plans on doing the bulk of their testing at Talledega, Lowes Motor Speedway, the Bonneville Salt Flats, and at a private track - Blackhawk Farms, near Beloit Ill. Stay tuned for more news on Nathiswaya Grand Prix, and the NASCAR effort.

