Report: Jacques Villeneuve trying to qualify for Daytona 500

Former Formula One and Indianapolis 500 champion Jacques Villeneuve is reportedly trying to qualify for the Daytona 500.

Villeneuve, 50, took part in pre-season testing driving the No. 27 Ford at the Daytona Beach track on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to NASCAR.com, in an attempt to qualify for the Great American Race.

“It would be amazing,” Villeneuve, a native of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., told NASCAR.com. “The last time I was in NASCAR in North America was quite a few years, I think it was Sonoma (Raceway) the last time, so it was a lot of years ago.

“It will be extremely special because it is also a standout race. It is a very special race to participate in, and it’s hard to get into the show when you have to qualify on time or in the duels.

“So it makes it a bit more stressful, and making the show would already be something special.”

Villeneuve is attempting to qualify with the Netherlands-based part-time Team Hezeberg, whose primary driver is Loris Hezemans.

Villeneuve, whose father is the late F1 legend Gilles Villeneuve, most notably won the 1995 Indianapolis 500 and the 1997 Formula One championship, the latter on the strength of seven race wins and 10 pole positions. He has raced on a number of circuits since leaving F1 full-time in 2006, including what is now called the NASCAR Xfinity Series, IndyCar, Le Mans and the last two seasons in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.