Seven-time
NASCAR title winner Richard Petty has revealed that he is to lodge an entry into the
Indianapolis 500 for the first time, fielding the #43 Window World Dallara for John Andretti.
The entry, which will see Petty combining his efforts with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing, will give Window World the opportunity to make its debut in the Indy 500, having teamed with Andretti in the
NASCAR Sprint Cup this year as primary sponsor on his Front Row Motorsports Chevrolet.
Petty's entry will also give him the chance to go up against fellow
NASCAR team bosses Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi.
“This is pretty exciting news for all of us,” Petty said. “Never did I think I would have the opportunity to be part of the
Indianapolis 500. I know how much this means to John Andretti and the Andretti family, and I'm looking forward to seeing John on the track in May. I'm not sure if I can be of any help to him, but he's going to have no bigger supporter than myself.”
Andretti is a nine-time starter of the
Indianapolis 500 with a best finish of fifth in 1991, and he said he was thrilled to have a deal in place for the month of May.
“It is great to drive the #43 car again for Richard,” he said. “We have had success before in the stock cars, and we hope to have another strong run in the Indy 500. This year will mark my tenth Indy 500, and, with support of Window World and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, I am really excited about being a part of Richard's first entry into open-wheel racing.”
Dreyer and Reinbold team co-owner Dennis Reinbold said he was thrilled with the partnership and the opportunity to work with one of the biggest names in the American racing scene.
“The Indy 500 is the world's biggest racing event and we are very pleased to have Richard Petty Motorsports and Window World as partners in their first effort in the 500 Mile Race,” he said. “Bringing in a veteran like John Andretti to drive the #43 Window World Honda for Richard Petty Motorsports helps our entire programme for the month of May. What a combination with a Petty and an Andretti at Indy!”
