Former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson will welcome a motor racing debut at the Barbagello Raceway in a Formula 1,000 series event later this month.

Johnson retired from all forms of cricket earlier this year – and attention has since turned to a burgeoning racing career.

‘I’ve always loved my cars, I’ve always had that passion,’ Johnson told the Wanneroo Times.

‘For me it’s that release – it’s not quite the same as what I got with cricket but it’s a great adrenaline rush for me to get my mind off things.

‘You’re going pretty quick, you’ve got so many technical things to think about – when you’re going to turn into the corner, braking, feeling the car. It’s been a great process, I’m starting to really enjoy it.’

The 36-year-old likened time behind the wheel to occasions at the crease, particularly after facing former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar several seasons ago.

‘I faced Shoaib when I was playing for Queensland. He’s got this massive run-up – the first ball, I was sort of shaking there,’ he added.

‘His first ball, hit for four, it was a full toss and I ran past and said, “please don’t hit me”. It was almost the same as the first time I was driving out here.’

The left-armer played 73 Tests, 153 ODIs and 30 T20Is between 2005 and 2015, and enjoyed stints with the Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. He also represented the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League.