Racing: Dexter Dunn contemplates permanent overseas move

Dexter Dunn. Photo / Dean Purcell

Champion driver Dexter Dunn is coming to grips with the fact his New Zealand career could end far sooner than expected.

The record-smashing 21-year-old leaves for the United States next Monday for a prolonged build-up to the World Drivers Championships and is starting to think he may not come back.

"That is not the plan, the plan is to come back," said Dunn.

"But I [have] also got to have an open mind and be realistic. If things go well up there and I start to get serious drives then I would stay.

"Simply the money for the best drivers is bigger up there and it would be a great time to try and make my mark so if the opportunity arises I will stay for a while, maybe for good."

At this stage Dunn plans to return to Canterbury in late August but with that region still under the constant threat of earthquakes, considering alternatives is understandable.

He was contacted last week by former New Zealand trainer Chris Ryder and told there will never be a better time to try to break into the US scene, with leading driver John Campbell and some other big names injured.

"I have a clearance to drive up there but no real promised drives yet.

"So I will start driving in the qualifiers next week and see what happens from there."

Dunn drove eight winners over the weekend to extend his New Zealand record for the season to 213, with five more meetings before his departure next Monday, suggesting a record of 220 is on the cards.

"It is a strange feeling going and not knowing for sure when I am coming back, but it is also exciting."