Kelly chases Champ Car Atlantic drive in USA.

Shane's 2007 F3 title defence ended before it had even began, after an engine blow-up prior to the first qualifying session of the Club Formula 3 season in April used up his entire season's budget before he had turned a wheel in anger. After the frustration of seeing his title slip away without the opportunity to defend it, there is some light at the end of the tunnel at last.

A last minute trip to the 'States was hastily arranged after Shane was invited to test a Champ Car Atlantic racer for the Canadian team Jensen Motorsport. The test at the Roebling Road Raceway, near Savannah in Georgia would form part of Jensen's search for drivers to contest the 2008 season.

The Champ Car Atlantic series supports the Champ Car World Series, home to drivers such as Justin Wilson and 2007 Champion and 2008 Red Bull F1 driver Sebastien Bourdais. The Championship traverses the USA racing at street circuits in downtown Long Beach, Las Vegas, Toronto and Houston alongside classic North American road courses including Laguna Seca and Road America.

Shane describes his experience in the USA:

"Overnight rain had left the track damp, This worked a little in my favour as the team asked me to drive my hired Pontiac on the track to help clear some of the standing water and create a dry racing line, thus giving me the opportunity to gather some extra track knowledge at the same time. After a few laps they waved me in and strapped me into the champ car this as I already knew would be the most powerful race car I had ever driven. The team fired up the engine, I paused for a moment before selecting lst gear as a feeling went through me as if somebody had lust walked over my grave. Realising how much I had missed racing and what the end result of this day could mean."

"I spent the first few laps getting used to the car and extra power and then slowly building up speed over about 20 laps before being called in for my first debrief. With the team happy with the job so far we had a short break, on my second outing the track had dried fully so I was really able to see what the car could do. Boy was it fast! Once I got into my stride I was able to get on the pace and I very quickly began to feel at ease with the car, the bulk of the day was spent going though different suspension and aerodynamic setup changes. The team would call me in to the pits and make adjustments to the car before sending me back on to the track. The team were testing my capability to feel how the changes had affected the handling characteristics and performace of the car."

"All in all I was pleased with how the day went, having completed 300 miles during the test and coming away with positive feedback from the team. I think I did a good job and hope I have left myself with a chance to get the drive."

"And now comes the hardest part, the waiting for an answer!!!"

Jensen Motorsport will announce its driver line up for 2008 in January.