for me and NASCAR is very competitive. I want to get to the top of that sport and it’s going to be a hell of a ride…I hope [laughs].” But his diehard fans have already jumped on his NASCAR bandwagon and now cheer him on at races, as they did at motocross and rally events—with NASCAR officials elated that he’s bringing in a totally new audience to the sport. Like in his other feats, getting to the top shouldn’t be hard for Pastrana, who admits that NASCAR has a lot of similarities to motocross, especially how one doesn’t have to worry about how much faster they’re going than everyone. “All you have to do is figure out a way to beat your competition to the finish line and that’s what I’m concentrating on.” But there is one issue with NASCAR that Pastrana is still wrapping his head around. It’s the comradery of the sport; something that he’s never experienced while competing in motocross. “I’m a bit confused by how nice everybody has been,” he laughs. “I think the other racers are being genuine, but maybe it’s until our first race when they push me up against the wall. You’re not usually as nice to your competition in motocross.” Pastrana is still enjoying how nice everyone has been (so far) and on April 27, 2012, he made his Nationwide series debut, finishing 22nd at the Richmond 250; not bad for someone still learning the ropes. He’s learning to speak the lingo with the team and adjusting to how to properly drive with precision in mind. Because he’s always “overconfident,” Pastrana knows he’s going to be a fierce competitor in NASCAR. “It’s going to be hard man, real hard,” he confesses, adding that 128 DUBMAG JULY / AUGUST 2012
Michael Waltrip Racing headquarters in Sherrills Ford, North Carolina is where Pastrana’s No.99 Boost Mobile Toyota Camry gets worked on.