NASCAR legend Richard Petty is to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500 for the first time this year. Veteran John Andretti will be the driver for the team, which will be run in association with IndyCar Series squad Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.
Teleconference transcript with Richard Petty and John AndrettiSeven-time NASCAR champion Petty said he was achieving an ambition by entering Indy.
"This is pretty exciting news for all of us," he 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."
The car will run with the No.43 made famous by Petty in NASCAR.
Andretti has primarily raced in NASCAR in recent years, including a stint with Petty's team, but has returned to IndyCars for the past two Indianapolis 500s,
"We have had success before in the stock cars, and we hope to have another strong run in the Indy 500," said Andretti. "I am really excited about being a part of Richard's first entry into open-wheel racing."
Teleconference transcript with Richard Petty and John Andretti