Michel Jourdain

Nationwide Series

Michel Jourdain is perhaps the most talented drivers in all the development programs.  His extensive career accomplishments are met by no one.

So why dont we see more of Jourdain?  He gas just a hard time getting a grip on fender racing.  We know he's talented and successful and sponsors jump at the oppourtunity to be affiliated with him, but he just can not convert it over.

Perhaps in time he will adapt but with a limited schedule it doesnt look good.  Is saddening that a talent like Michel is spending time watching instead of racing.  We all could be enjoying his ability if given more time to develop

Michel Jourdain, Jr., came to NASCAR in 2005, ready for the next challenge in his racing career. Having been a full-time competitor in the Champ Car series from 1997-2004, Jourdain was ready to try something different. NASCAR had always been something he’d thought of trying, and when the opportunity presented itself it didn’t take much thought to make the transition.

During his Champ Car years Michel proved that consistency was a key performance trait, racking up the most series laps led and most miles completed for the 2002 and 2003 seasons, becoming only the second driver in the series history to capture this milestone for two consecutive years, a feat only accomplished once before by open wheel great Emerson Fittipaldi. Jourdain wrapped up his Champ Car career with two wins, 21 top-five and 43 top-10 finishes.

In 2005, Jourdain drove the No. 10 ppc Racing Ford Taurus in the NASCAR Busch Series, competing in 20 events. He scored a career-high 10th-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway, coming home the highest-finishing non-NEXTEL Cup Series competitor.

Jourdain has made one Busch Series start in 2006, at the Audtodromo Hermanos Rodriguez road course in Mexico City, Mexico. Jourdain started the event in the 14th position, but was relegated to a 38th place finish after being involved in an accident while racing for the lead.

Jourdain will make his first of nine starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on May 27 at the Mansfield Motorsports Park in Ohio. While he’s never raced in a truck, Jourdain anxiously awaits the opportunity.

“I'm looking forward to racing in the Craftsman Truck Series and driving the Ford F-150,” said Jourdain. “To have this opportunity to drive for Roush Racing is a dream come true. Jack Roush has built one of the best racing organizations in the world and to be able to join them is a great accomplishment in my career.”

Career Overview

2004 - Won the Baja 1000 in the Baja Challenge Class.

2004 - Finished 12th in Champ Car World Series

2003 - Finished career-high third in Champ Car World Series points with Team Rahal; season highlighted by two wins at The Milwaukee Mile, and earned first pole position at Long Beach Grand Prix

2002 - Joined Team Rahal, earned five top-five and 14 top-10 finishes; led the Champ Car World Series with most laps and miles completed; competed in Baja 1000 with father and former CART driver, Michel Jourdain Sr.

2001 - Earned first podium finish at Michigan International Speedway; competed in 100th CART race at Australian Grand Prix

2000 - Joined Herdez Bettenhausen Motorsports, accumulated six points-paying results

1999 - Led first CART race at California Speedway

1998 - Drove for Payton-Coyne Racing; earned his first top-10 CART finish at Grand Prix of Vancouver

1997 - Voted “Most Improved Driver” by fellow CART drivers and collected his first CART points with a 12th-place finish at Portland International Raceway

1996 - Made CART debut at Grand Prix of Long Beach, becoming youngest driver at the age of 19 year, 7 months, and 12 days. Made Indianapolis 500 debut qualifying eighth and finishing 13th with Team Scandia. Had a season-best second place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway