The King is coming to Indy.
And Richard Petty is bringing an Andretti along for the ride.
The family names alone fill pages of stock car and IndyCar history books. Now two of the most famous names in auto racing will again be united at one of the sport’s most famous tracks.
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Petty and Andretti tried to find a sponsorship deal to get them in last year’s 500, but it never materialized. They found a sponsor this year for No.43 car that is co-owned with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.
“You’ve got to be there to really appreciate just how big a show it is,” Petty said.
He’s going with John Andretti behind the wheel. Andretti drove for Petty Enterprises on the Cup circuit and recorded the last win for that team in Martinsville back in 1999. Andretti is the nephew of former 500 winner Mario Andretti and cousin of longtime race regular, Michael Andretti.
“I’d still be at Indy, but now it’s special because I’m going to Indy in the 43 and I’m going to Indy with Richard,” Andretti said. “In my mind, he’s still the biggest name in NASCAR.”
Petty and Andretti both say this isn’t a publicity stunt. They’re going to the Speedway intending to field a competitive car and go for the win. No Andretti driver has won a race since Mario in 1969, though Michael Andretti has won as an owner.
“People have seen us together at other places so they might as well see us in Indy,” John Andretti said. “We’ve been to Indy before together with the roof on so now we’re going to run the convertible and do it different.”
Petty is calling the run at Indianapolis a “one-shot deal.”
“If you’re going to go,” Petty said, “go for the big show.”
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