The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team
Saddled with uncompetitive Minardi machinery, Tarso Marques didn't manage to score points in his three partial seasons of Formula 1. But now the Brazilian has the chance to show what he can do in NASCAR, and explains the story of his comeback with new Cup Series entrant Team Stange
Jacques Villeneuve hit the headlines in February by qualifying for NASCAR's biggest race, the Daytona 500, aged 50. And he's not the only driver from the 1996 Formula 1 rookie crop to have set his sights on a successful crossover to the Cup Series this year, although the 1997 world champion's career bears little resemblance to that of Tarso Marques beyond the 24 times they shared a grand prix grid. True to his career to date, the Brazilian's NASCAR bow will be with an underdog outfit in Cup newcomer Team Stange, whose owners had originally targeted a move into IndyCar…
The story starts with a supercar that 46-year-old Marques, who ceased racing in the Brazilian Stock Car championship after the 2018 season to focus on his burgeoning custom car and motorcycle company, built with the aim of creating the ultimate trackday weapon. Capable of up to 1200 horsepower, according to Marques, the TMC M1 attracted interest from investors in the United States and contact was made via occasional ARCA team entrant John Stange. They had first crossed paths at Long Beach in 2004, when Marques was racing in Champ Car for Dale Coyne, and Stange had brought Yoke TV sponsorship to the minnow squad.
The inevitable WEC change that will still be lamented
The inevitable WEC change that will still be lamented The inevitable WEC change that will still be lamented
WEC return a "critical piece of the puzzle" for COTA
WEC return a "critical piece of the puzzle" for COTA WEC return a "critical piece of the puzzle" for COTA
Extent of Le Mans LMP2 winner Scherer's injuries revealed
Extent of Le Mans LMP2 winner Scherer's injuries revealed Extent of Le Mans LMP2 winner Scherer's injuries revealed
United Autosports explains freak issues that cost Le Mans LMP2 shot
United Autosports explains freak issues that cost Le Mans LMP2 shot United Autosports explains freak issues that cost Le Mans LMP2 shot
WRT 'dreamed' of Le Mans win with Kubica, Deletraz after 2021 loss
WRT 'dreamed' of Le Mans win with Kubica, Deletraz after 2021 loss WRT 'dreamed' of Le Mans win with Kubica, Deletraz after 2021 loss
Toyota concept validates Le Mans hydrogen push, says ACO
Toyota concept validates Le Mans hydrogen push, says ACO Toyota concept validates Le Mans hydrogen push, says ACO
Acura IMSA stars' simultaneous Le Mans returns a "coincidence"
Acura IMSA stars' simultaneous Le Mans returns a "coincidence" Acura IMSA stars' simultaneous Le Mans returns a "coincidence"
The longest-serving Red Bull driver revealing F1’s true brutality
The longest-serving Red Bull driver revealing F1’s true brutality The longest-serving Red Bull driver revealing F1’s true brutality
NASCAR 2023 Nashville schedule, entry list, and how to watch
NASCAR 2023 Nashville schedule, entry list, and how to watch NASCAR 2023 Nashville schedule, entry list, and how to watch
Josh Berry to replace Harvick at Stewart-Haas NASCAR Cup team in 2024
Josh Berry to replace Harvick at Stewart-Haas NASCAR Cup team in 2024 Josh Berry to replace Harvick at Stewart-Haas NASCAR Cup team in 2024
Dumas to drive 1,400HP electric Ford SuperVan 4.2 at Pikes Peak
Dumas to drive 1,400HP electric Ford SuperVan 4.2 at Pikes Peak Dumas to drive 1,400HP electric Ford SuperVan 4.2 at Pikes Peak
Horner admits he felt Red Bull’s first win was already job done in F1
Horner admits he felt Red Bull’s first win was already job done in F1 Horner admits he felt Red Bull’s first win was already job done in F1
The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team
The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team
The early benefits and challenges of NASCAR's Next Gen car
The early benefits and challenges of NASCAR's Next Gen car The early benefits and challenges of NASCAR's Next Gen car
How Penske's rookie sensation opened NASCAR's new era in style
How Penske's rookie sensation opened NASCAR's new era in style How Penske's rookie sensation opened NASCAR's new era in style
Six key themes to follow in the 2022 NASCAR Cup season
Six key themes to follow in the 2022 NASCAR Cup season Six key themes to follow in the 2022 NASCAR Cup season
How NASCAR had to learn a harsh lesson ahead of Next Gen arrival
How NASCAR had to learn a harsh lesson ahead of Next Gen arrival How NASCAR had to learn a harsh lesson ahead of Next Gen arrival
How Larson took the long way round to NASCAR Cup glory
How Larson took the long way round to NASCAR Cup glory How Larson took the long way round to NASCAR Cup glory
How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022
How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022 How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022
Why Bubba Wallace’s Talladega win is such a big moment for NASCAR
Why Bubba Wallace’s Talladega win is such a big moment for NASCAR Why Bubba Wallace’s Talladega win is such a big moment for NASCAR
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.