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John Andretti News - May 2009

INDY'S KING: Richard Petty might be looking at a repeat trip to the Indianapolis 500.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

NASCAR's "King" fielded an Indy 500 entry for the first time in his prolific career when he put John Andretti behind the wheel last Sunday. Petty enjoyed the pageantry of race day, but couldn't stick around for the finish because of his NASCAR obligations. About an hour after the green flag dropped at Indy, Petty hopped a plane to Charlotte, N.C., for the Coca-Cola 600. Andretti finished 19th and the NASCAR race was rained out.

Petty enjoyed his day so much at the IRL spectacle, that he would consider another run next season.

"I told John that being that we ran pretty good up there, maybe we can get him in a couple of other races and get him practiced-up so when we get back to Indy he can do a better job," Petty said on Saturday.

Petty compared the prestige of winning the Indianapolis 500 with taking the checkered flag at NASCAR's Daytona 500.

"They've got to win Indy because that carries you all year long," he said.

Petty said the IRL's Danica Patrick, whose contract expires after this season, might be a fit in stock cars.

"It would be very questionable, but who knows?" he said. "It's a completely different form of racing, different kind of racing. Some people make conversions a lot better than others and she might be 'the one' that makes the conversion with no problem."

Full Story at ESPN.com

John Andretti Places 19th In 2009 Indy 500

THREE DREYER & REINBOLD DRIVERS TAKE THE CHECKERED FLAG SUNDAY

Rookie Conway Runs In the Top Ten, Andretti Moves to 12th During 500 Mile Race

INDIANAPOLIS (May 24, 2009)— Dreyer & Reinbold Racing drivers Mike Conway and John Andretti were in position to score Top Ten finishes Sunday in the 2009 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race before a late yellow flag hurt their chances.

Conway, a 25-year-old rookie from England, was the leading first-year racer for much of Sunday’s 200-lap classic and turned in a sensational performance throughout his initial Brickyard race. In fact, only a long caution period on lap 173 halted Conway’s chance of the “Rookie of the Year” honors.

The driver of No. 24 Purex Dreyer & Reinbold Honda Dallara, who spent a night at Methodist Hospital in downtown Indianapolis earlier in the month due to a practice incident, was racing veterans Paul Tracy, Dario Franchitti and Hideki Mutoh wheel-to-wheel for nearly 30 laps before he pitted late for fuel and tires. In fact, Conway recorded the fast lap of the race on lap 169 with a 221.919 miles per hour, only to be bettered 18 laps later by Franchitti at 222.044 m.p.h.

Conway’s second fastest lap of the entire event made for an impressive debut for the Brit in only his second oval race ever. Due to the late pit stop, Conway placed 18th at the finish from a 27th starting position.

Andretti, starting his tenth Indy 500 [along with 10 Brickyard 400 starts], also turned in a tremendous drive from his 28th starting spot by driving the No. 43 Richard Petty Window World Honda Dallara to 12th on lap 131. But a restart hurt the Indy native’s chances when he was forced near the wall and lost 10 positions due to dirt on his tires.

With Richard Petty watching from his pit area, Andretti fought his way back into the Top 15 with 30 laps remaining in the race. Like Conway, Andretti pitted on lap 173 for fuel and new tires and a possible late-race dash to a Top Ten slot. But track conditions had become slippery. and passing was difficult. Andretti was able to finish 19th.

....

JOHN ANDRETTI, No. 43 Richard Petty Window World Honda Dallara: "This has been a long month. Our goal was a Top Ten, and we were moving towards that end, running 12th. But, on a restart, I got pushed out to the wall and got the car in the dirt. Then everybody behind me was able to get by. It took me a few laps to clean off the tires and get going again. I got a good restart the next time and went from 22nd to 16th. At the end, we did the opposite strategy as the leaders. We took new tires and some fuel, hoping to drive through the field. But the track was just too slippery to make a move. So, we probably had a better car than our finish today. But, overall. It has been a good month. It was fun to bring the ‘King’ [Richard Petty] as a car owner at the Indianapolis 500."

Full Story at Petty-Andretti.com

Andretti's hope, Petty's faith write Sunday story at Indy

By Gary Graves, USA TODAY

John Andretti's world and racing career would've continued on even without the qualifying lap he waited for all month Sunday, the one that sealed his 10th Indianapolis 500 start and added excitement to Bump Day.

More important for the NASCAR Sprint Cup regular, he doesn't have to wonder how he would've handled the awkward prospect of explaining failure to his bosses, specifically seven-time Cup champion Richard Petty. As it turned out, e-mails from "The King" and his primary sponsor reiterating support for Andretti ended up taking heat off the driver as his team feverishly worked to find speed in the final 25 minutes of qualifying.

"They told me how much they knew this meant to me and not to let them pressure me," said Andretti, whose No. 43 Dallara/Honda went on to blast a four-lap average of 221.316 mph to claim the middle of Row 9 (28th).

"They really understood what was happening, and I couldn't have asked for a better situation. Though it did relieve some pressure, if it didn't happen it would've been devastating for me because of my pride."

Instead, Andretti will continue his pursuit of one dream while Petty's iconic career adds another chapter.

Petty was two years into retirement as a driver by the time NASCAR graced Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1994 for its inaugural 400-mile race and has spent the years since attending the Cup event as a car owner.

That role will continue in Sunday's 93rd running, this time with Richard Petty Motorsports co-owning Andretti's Indy car in a partnership with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. Andretti, nephew of 1969 Indy 500 champion Mario Andretti, joins teammates Davey Hamilton (22nd), British rookie Mike Conway (24th) and Venezuelan Milka Duno (31st) in the 33-car grid.

"We're going up to Indy to watch John race and take in all that up there," said Petty, 71, who will watch most of the race before flying to Concord, N.C., to watch his four-car NASCAR operation compete in the 50th Coca-Cola 600 that evening.

"He did an amazing job on Sunday. They cut it awfully close but had to overcome a lot. If he runs well, nobody will remember where he started. ...

"I don't know much about what goes on with those cars in Indy, but I am a fan and enjoy it."

During pole qualifying May 9, Petty described his fascination with the race starting with trips to Indy through then-sponsor STP but said it was not enough for the lanky legend to consider driving the cramped, low-slung vehicles. He attended his first Indy as a spectator last year, never thinking he'd return this spring as a car owner.

Andretti, who finished 16th last year at Indy while driving for Roth Racing, had been talking with North Carolina-based Window World about a sponsorship deal that finally led to this season's support of his No. 34 Chevrolet Impala Cup ride with Front Row Motorsports.

Andretti's associations with the window maker and Petty (for whom he won a Cup race at Martinsville Speedway in 1999) led to talks culminating in last month's announcement of an Indy ride.

"A couple of months ago he called and said, 'Hey, I finally got this together, how would you like to be involved?' " Petty said. "And I said, 'Show me what you got.' "

He was referring to business but ended up getting an on-track answer from Andretti, who arrived at Indy with goals of gaining one of the top 11 spots May 9.

He settled for qualifying the next day, grabbing 22nd before crashing in Turn 1 during practice and being bumped by Scott Sharp.

Andretti returned Saturday to qualify 31st but spent Sunday in and then out of the 33-car grid with good laps from Tomas Scheckter and Ryan Hunter-Reay. With a half-hour left in Bump Day, Andretti needed a miracle as his Honda lagged behind in practice and qualifying. Help came from all angles.

Co-owner Larry Curry showed Andretti a text from two-time Cup champion Tony Stewart suggesting a wider approach through Turn 1 to gain speed into the straightaway, while the team tinkered with the front and rear wings to adjust downforce.

The ensuing practice run yielded nothing, sending Andretti back in for more adjustments before a final qualifying attempt that ended up being one of the month's best recoveries.

Needing to run at least 220.4 mph to have a chance, he blasted through Turn 1 en route to a first lap of 221.571 mph and fell off little over the next three circuits to cap one of the most stressful days he can remember.

"They never gave up. That was pretty dramatic," Petty said.

Andretti and his team face more work during Friday's final one-hour Carburetion Day practice, but he has come to expect such challenges from Indy — none of which compare to answering to The King.

"Anytime you work harder for something, you appreciate it more," Andretti said Monday. "We're in the race now, and that becomes our focus, and the way it happened is the way Indy is.

"I don't want to do it again, though."

Andretti at Indy
This will be John Andretti's 10th running in the Indianapolis 500. A look at his record at Indy in May:

Indianapolis 500 career summary

Read Full Story at WindowWorld.com

Andretti Qualifies Sunday In High Drama At Indy

INDIANAPOLIS (May 17, 2009)— Bump Day drama can even affect an Indy 500 veteran like John Andretti. But the Indy native shook off any nerves Sunday in last-ditch qualifying effort to make his tenth Indianapolis 500 field.

Driving his No. 43 Richard Petty Window World Honda Dallara, Andretti had not been fast enough to make the 33-driver field in his first two qualifying attempts Sunday with a best of 220.2 miles per hour with twenty minutes remaining in time trials. But a quick change by the Window World crew helped the NASCAR regular make the field in his third and final attempt.

With six minutes left in Bump Day, Andretti posted laps of 221.571, 221.393, 221.201 and 221.098 for a four-lap of 221.316 m.p.h. and claim the 28th spot in next Sunday’s starting grid. Andretti’s start will be his third consecutive at Indy after taking a 13-year hiatus to drive on the NASCAR circuit.

In fact, Charlotte NASCAR winner Tony Stewart even texted DRR competition director Larry Curry for advise for Andretti during the afternoon qualifying excitement. The text said, "If he is uneasy about opening the entry, ask him to let it have its head on the exit. He is a full car width off the wall on the exit binding it up."

Andretti wasn’t the only Dreyer & Reinbold Racing driver to re-qualify, as rookie Mike Conway turned in a superb effort with an average of 221.417 m.p.h. and the 27th starting position in the No. 24 Purex DRR Honda Dallara on Sunday afternoon.

Earlier in the day, Milka Duno, in the No. 23 CITGO DRR Honda Dallara, recorded a solid 221.106 m.p.h. qualifying average to score the 31st position for Sunday’s race. This will be Duno’s third Indy 500 start.

The Sunday weather conditions were outstanding for qualifying attempts, and Conway will hoping to work on race setup after qualifying Saturday. But all three DRR drivers needed to return to the tech line and re-qualify for a spot in the field. Duno and Conway’s attempts easily put them in the field, but Andretti’s three tries kept the Window World team scrambling right to the end of the day.

In the end, all four Dreyer & Reinbold Racing drivers are in the starting field for the 2009 Indy 500, set for Sunday beginning at 1. p.m. [EDT].

Full Story at Petty-Andretti.com

John Andretti Bumps Into Indy 500 Field

Indianapolis Motor Speedway - May 17, 2009
In a last minute attempt, John Andretti bumped the #43 Window World Honda Dallara into the 28th starting position for the 2009 Indianapolis 500. The Richard Petty Motorsports / Dreyer & Reinbold Racing team struggled to find speed all day, but after some last minute adjustments and only minutes remaining in the qualifying session, was able to qualify with a four lap average speed of 221.316mph.

JohnAndrettiNews.com

Indy 500: Dreyer & Reinbold Racing final qualifying preview

Racing series INDYCAR
Date 2009-05-13

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Regroups Effort for Indy Weekend; Andretti, Conway, Duno Look For Indy 500 Qualifying Spots Saturday

INDIANAPOLIS (May 13, 2009)-- After a rough Indy 500 qualifying weekend, the Dreyer & Reinbold Racing team has regrouped and is prepared for the next four days of practice and qualifying at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 33-driver Indy 500 field will be established this Sunday for the May 24 Indianapolis 500.

DRR had one driver, Davey Hamilton, make the top 22 qualifiers last Sunday when the Idaho veteran drove his No. 44 HP Kingdom Racing Honda Dallara to an average speed of 221.956 miles per hour. Hamilton, who was seriously injured at Texas in 2001, will be making his ninth start in the May 24 Indy 500. The former sprint car and modified racing champion has suffered through some 21 surgical procedures on his feet before returning to the Indy 500 in 2007. Hamilton competes regularly in sprint car and midget events, while also serving as one of the promoters at the Terre Haute Action Track.

For the other three Dreyer & Reinbold Racing drivers, John Andretti, Mike Conway and Milka Duno , this weekend's qualifying rounds will be critical for trio to gain positions on the 33-driver starting grid.

Andretti, seeking his tenth Indy 500 start, was close to qualifying in the top 22 last Sunday with a 221.109 m.p.h. run, but the Indy native was bumped late on Sunday. Andretti attempted to increase his 221 clocking in a late afternoon practice run, but his No. 44 Richard Petty Window World Honda Dallara hit the Turn One wall. Andretti was not injured in the mishap, but his car was heavily damaged. The car has now been repaired.

Full Story at MotorSport.com

A Tough Day At The Speedway

HAMILTON MAKES THE INDY FIELD, BUT ANDRETTI GETS BUMPED

Andretti, Conway Have Wall Contact During Practice Runs

INDIANAPOLIS (May 10, 2009)— Veteran driver Davey Hamilton, driving the No. 44 HP Kingdom Racing Honda Dallara, qualified for the 2009 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race Sunday in the second day of Time Trials at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

But two other Dreyer & Reinbold Racing competitors — John Andretti and Mike Conway — were not as lucky, as they suffered practice incidents in Turn One in morning and afternoon sessions.

Hamilton, one of the most experienced drivers in this year’s Indy 500 field, recorded a four-lap average of 221.956 miles per hour to gain the 22nd starting position for the May 24 Indy 500. The Eagle, Idaho driver had lap times of 222.227, 222.027, 221.778 and 221.795 to qualify for his ninth Indy 500 start. Hamilton was among the drivers Sunday who took their qualifying laps in the early portion of qualifying.

Andretti, seeking a spot in his tenth Indy 500 event, qualified his No. 43 Richard Petty Window World Honda Dallara in the early rounds Sunday with a 221.109 m.p.h. reading but was later bumped from the first 22 secured starting spots in the 33-driver lineup. At 4:40 p.m. Sunday, Andretti took out his No. 43 machine in practice runs looking for more speed. But the 19-time [10 in NASCAR and nine at the 500] IMS starter spun into the Turn One wall. He was able to walk away from the incident, but he was not to make an attempt later in the day.

Conway, making his first appearance at the Indy 500, made contact the Turn One wall with his No. 24 Purex Dreyer & Reinbold Honda Dallara just two laps into the one-hour morning practice round when Conway’s mount lost traction and backed into the safe barrier. Conway complained of back pain and was transported to Methodist Hospital in downtown Indianapolis. According to Dr. Michael Olinger, medical director for the Indy Racing League, Conway was treated for bruised lungs. He was awake, alert and listed in good condition.

Milka Duno drove the No. 23 CITGO DRR Honda Dallara to a four-lap qualifying average of 219.072 m.p.h. early in the day before being bumped from the top 22 qualifiers. Duno, Andretti and Conway will attempt to qualify next weekend for the 33-driver field.

DREYER & REINBOLD QUOTES:

DAVEY HAMILTON, No. 44 HP Kingdom Racing Honda Dallara: "It was tough today. I have never really been in that situation before [possibly getting bumped], and I know it's only the second day of qualifying. Obviously we would have liked to be higher up in the field. We turned a 222.9 and I thought that we were pretty safe. But right at the end, some people we were picking up two miles more an hour. We went out and saw what we had, and we picked it up too, running high 222's. I wish I had just put it on the line and gone for it, because I don't like waiting around like that. At the end of the day, we are in and that's a good thing."

JOHN ANDRETTI, No. 43 Richard Petty Window World Honda Dallara: ”It was a rough day for our Window World team. We really wanted to get into the race today so we could work on our race setup this coming week. We didn’t want to battle to get into the race next weekend. We didn’t get a quality run in qualifying, and we knew we would probably have to make another run today [Sunday]. It was frustrating. We worked on the chassis setup this afternoon to get a better balance. But, in practice, the car was a little too loose and we were making adjustments. I was going pretty hot into Turn One, which is always a tough corner, and I lost the back end. We didn’t that {incident] today. We will regroup and get ready for this week."

MILKA DUNO, No. 23 CITGO Dreyer & Reinbold Honda Dallara: “We did qualify this morning, but we decided not to go back out. We didn't want to risk it and we felt that we needed more time in the car to get it up to speed. It was too short of a time to make the car faster, and we feel we will be more prepared for next week."

DENNIS REINBOLD, co-owner, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing: “With Mike, it's unfortunate that [crash} happened. He was poised to run well and would have been set up to run good today. I hate to have him miss track time and the opportunity to qualify. With John, we don't know what happened. He was running really well and we thought that we would have two cars solidly in the race. With Milka, she did a good job and ran pretty well. She wasn't completely confident in the feel of her car, so at the heals of crashing two cars, we decided to be conservative with her and give her more track time and build her confidence. With Davey, we will shift gears to race setup and learn as much we can off of his car. The good news is Davey's car is the car that has the least miles. Next week, we will run Davey's car a lot and learn for the other three cars for the race. That is the plan for now."

Full Story at Petty-Andretti.com

Andretti's crash and Rahal's fabulous save

Posted by Doug Demmons -- The Birmingham News May 10, 2009 6:43 PM

It was a rough day for John Andretti trying to put Richard Petty's entry into the field for the Indianapolis 500 during the second day of qualifying on Sunday. Andretti got into the wall during a practice run and wiped out the car.

"We really wanted to get into the race today so we could work on our race set-up this coming week," he said. "We didn't want to battle to get into the race next weekend. We didn't get a quality run in qualifying, and we knew we would probably have to make another run today. It was frustrating. We worked on the chassis setup this afternoon to get a better balance. But, in practice, the car was a little too loose and we were making adjustments. I was going pretty hot into Turn One, which is always a tough corner, and I lost the back end."

But what was impressive about this incident was Graham Rahal, who was right behind Andretti on the track and had to nmegotiate through the wreckage. Rahal first went high near the wall to avoid Andretti, but when Andretti's car moved back up the track Rahal had to snap the wheel to the left and put it into a spin to avoid a huge collision.

Full Story at al.com

Petty Gets A "King's Welcome" At Indy Saturday

RICHARD PETTY GETS A "KING’S" WELCOME AT INDY SATURDAY

Dreyer & Reinbold Cars Practice But Do Not Qualify In Windy Conditions

INDIANAPOLIS (May 9, 2009)— Richard Petty was much more than a spectator Saturday when he returned to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Pole Day of the Indy 500.

"The King" came to the world’s most famous racing facility as a car owner this time with his driver, John Andretti, prepared to make the top eleven qualifiers on the first day of time trials at the Brickyard. Andretti practiced in the No. 43 Richard Petty Window World Honda Dallara in the morning session, but he didn’t attempt a qualifying run Saturday afternoon.

Andretti and the three other Dreyer & Reinbold Racing drivers — Mike Conway, Milka Duno and Davey Hamilton — had their respective cars in line for qualifications late Saturday before the Speedway gun was shot at 6 p.m. Andretti’s car will be third in line for Sunday’s time trials. Conway, Duno and Hamilton’s machines are also set for early qualifying Sunday..

Petty kept busy in his four hours at the track Saturday by watching Andretti in practice, visiting the syndicated “Bob & Tom Show” for radio and television, holding a press conference, meeting with his old stock car rival, A.J. Foyt, and sign autographs for the racing fans.

The seven-time NASCAR champion met with Andretti, Window World executives and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing officials to discuss his Indy 500 program this month. Petty will return on Sunday, May 24, for the 2009 Indy 500.

Hamilton, driving the No. 44 HP Kingdom Racing Honda Dallara, posted the best speed of the day for the DRR quartet in practice with a best speed of 222.212 miles per hour. Duno, in the No. 23 CITGO DRR Honda Dallara, clocked a 220.367 m.p.h. lap with Conway, in the No. 24 Purex DRR Honda Dallara, recorded a best of 220.226. Andretti, who took just nine laps Saturday, had a best of 218.538 m.p.h. in the windy conditions.

A one-hour practice session will take place Sunday morning at the Speedway before time trials begin at noon. Positions 12 through 22 will be secured in Sunday qualifying.

DREYER & REINBOLD QUOTES:

JOHN ANDRETTI, No. 43 Richard Petty Window World Honda Dallara: ”"I would say tomorrow we are going to hit it pretty hard and go out pretty aggressively to try to get in the next eleven. I think that's attainable and it's about being in the right place at the right time." Andretti on Petty: "In a way, it clogs up our system, because Richard attracts a lot of people, but it's great. I think it's really great having him be a part of this whole experience. He had a really good time and that's what is important, because he doesn't have to make this effort and he doesn't even have to do this. Richard has won enough of this in his lifetime to have to be a part of what we are doing here. I think him coming here and being enthusiastic about all of it is really good."

MIKE CONWAY, No. 24 Purex Dreyer& Reinbold Honda Dallara: “We decided not to go out today, because based on our practice runs we didn't really have enough speed to be battling for the top eleven. Instead, we decided to wait and save our tires and hopefully we’ll be quicker for tomorrow."

MILKA DUNO, No. 23 CITGO Dreyer & Reinbold Honda Dallara: “We are prepared for tomorrow. The CITGO car was quicker today than it was yesterday, and that's what we were looking for. Tomorrow is another day and we will see what we can do."

DAVEY HAMILTON, No. 44 HP Kingdom Racing Honda Dallara: “I think we may be pretty good in line. We were in line for this afternoon and didn't make it in, so I think we’ll have a good spot for tomorrow. We will do a practice run. We are in that 225 area, but there are about six guys that are in that same area. I would have liked to get to try today, not that we could have made it, but we are at least in the game and tomorrow morning we will go out and see what we've got."

Full Story at Petty-Andretti.com

John Andretti Looks For Consistency in Window World Car At Indy

JOHN ANDRETTI LOOKS FOR CONSISTENCY IN WINDOW WORLD CAR

INDIANAPOLIS (May 8, 2009) — Track conditions are always tricky at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the month of May. Just ask John Andretti.

Andretti, the first driver to compete in the Memorial Weekend “Double” at Indy and Charlotte back in 1994, has been around the world’s most famous race track as much as anyone in the current field. And Andretti knows what to expect with the wild weather trends.

The Indianapolis native experienced a variety of track conditions Friday during practice runs in his No. 43 Richard Petty Window World Honda Dallara. John recorded 29 laps Friday with a best speed of 222.079 miles per hour.

The Window World crew was busy Friday in the garage area with adjustments to Andretti’s car throughout the day. The popular Andretti worked with his engineers on car setup and met with race fans, signing autographs between his on-track activities.

Andretti, a graduate of Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa., is as astute outside in his racing machine as he is in the cockpit. John assisted in developing a marketing plan for his racing endeavors this month including working closely with Window World, his primary sponsor . In addition, Andretti has worked hard to expand the website — www.petty-andretti.com — with daily video blogs and updated news from the track.

NASCAR legend Richard Petty, a first-time car owner in the Indy 500, will attending Pole Day action on Saturday to watch Andretti and the No. 43 Window World Honda attempt to qualify for one of the top eleven spots.. Petty, the seven-time Sprint Cup champion, will then fly back to Darlington, S.C., to witness his four drivers compete in the Southern 500 NASCAR race Saturday evening.

Andretti, a NASCAR Sprint Cup regular, will be trying to qualify for his tenth Indy 500 this weekend. Andretti won a NASCAR Sprint Cup event for Petty in 1999 at Martinsville.

QUOTE:
John Andretti, No. 43 Richard Petty Window World Honda Dallara:

“We are going to make some more changes, and we will come out early tomorrow and run. It will be tough tomorrow. One lap is different than four laps. We need to keep the consistency and keep the same speed from the first lap. We will make some more changes to get some more drag and get a better balance, because you will need both to make the top eleven.”

Full Story at Petty-Andretti.com

Andretti Glad To Be Back At Indy

JOHN ANDRETTI BACK AT INDY IN WINDOW WORLD PETTY MACHINE

INDIANAPOLIS (May 7, 2009) — John Andretti had a sigh of relief when he walked into the pit lane Thursday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

After sitting in the Dreyer & Reinbold/Richard Petty garage for three days, the Indianapolis native was finally get a chance to debut his beautiful blue and “Day-Go” No. 43 Window World Honda Dallara on track after some early morning fog held up practice runs for 20 minutes.

The veteran driver quickly took the brightly-colored machine up to the 220 mile-per-hour range as he consistently moved through the check list of projects set up by the team’s engineering staff. Andretti is no stranger to the famed Brickyard after successful drives in the Indy 500 and the Brickyard 400.

But Thursday, Andretti felt excited with his new racing vehicle, a car that brought NASCAR legend Richard Petty to the 500 for the first time as an owner. Petty, the seven-time Sprint Cup champion, will be on hand Saturday to watch Andretti qualify the No. 43 machine.

Andretti put in 50 laps Thursday with a best speed of 221.910 miles per hour, 17th best on the day with 32 drivers. The NASCAR Sprint Cup regular will be attempting to qualify for his tenth Indy 500 this weekend.

One of the most versatile drivers today, Andretti brings a huge amount of experience to the Dreyer & Reinbold team with his background in CART, IRL, IMSA, NASCAR, USAC and even NHRA, but John feels good about teaming with DRR director of competition Larry Curry this month. Curry was the crew chief on Andretti’s CART victory in Australia in 1991.

Andretti has worked hard to have Petty get involved in the Indy 500 as a car owner. He brought Petty to the Indy 500 last year in “the King’s” first appearance at the world’s biggest race. Andretti also brought Window World to Indy this year after the North Carolina company sponsored John in this year’s Daytona 500.

Andretti will be back in action Friday as preparations continue for Saturday’s opening round of qualifications.

John Andretti, No. 43 Richard Petty Window World Honda Dallara: “We are pecking at it and coming at from a different point of view than a lot of the other guys that have been with their race teams for a long time. At the end of the day we tried a couple of things and we are in the game. We are not in the top game, but we are in the back of the top game and hopefully tomorrow we can make a step to be more solidly in the top part of it and be a contender for the top eleven.”

Full Story at Petty-Andretti.com

Indy 500: Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Wednesday rain notes

Racing series INDYCAR
Date 2009-05-07

John Andretti, No. 43 Window World Honda Dallara

"It was disappointing not to get out on the track today. I am so anxious to run with the No. 43 Window World car and this Indy 500 program. But we'll be ready when the weather permits. Overall, I was able to work on our new website, www.petty-andretti.com, and did many media interviews. These rainy days are the best for the media guys and gals. They can chase down the drivers in the garages rather waiting when they get off the track. I just hope we can run on Thursday now."

Full Story on Motorsport.com

Petty, Andretti, Window World, DRR Indy 500 Effort Gets Underway Wednesday at Famed Brickyard

INDIANAPOLIS (May 5, 2009) — John Andretti will actually get to unpack his bags and settle into his hometown as he prepares for his 10th appearance in the Indianapolis 500 this week.

Andretti, the Indy native and one of the most versatile drivers competing in auto racing today, hasn’t had the opportunity the last two years to run the full days of May at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A winner in Indy Cars, NASCAR Cup Stock cars and world-renowned sports cars, Andretti has been vaulted into a second weekend of qualifications in a late entry for the 33-driver field.

Each time, the Mooresville, N.C., resident has placed a car in the starting lineup on the final days of time trials and turned in a solid race performance without much preparation.

That situation will change this year for the veteran racer who still competes regularly on the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Andretti comes to the “Brickyard” with a legendary car owner [seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty] and a solid sponsor [Window World] for the entire month of Indy 500 activities. Andretti will drive the No. 43 Window World Honda Dallara during the month.

“The big thing with this new deal is that we’re starting on the first day out,” said Andretti, whose best Indy 500 finish was fifth in 1991. “I feel like I can go there and work really hard to make sure everything is there for us as a team. We’re coming in with a really serious effort. I have driven for Richard in NASCAR and I always wanted him to own a team at Indy. We just had to do it properly.”

Andretti believes that teaming up with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, a regular IndyCar Series operation, helps his new Richard Petty-owned Indy Car team for the month of May. Led by veteran Larry Curry, the Dreyer & Reinbold team brings years of experience to Andretti’s effort.

“The Dreyer & Reinbold team has spent a lot of money in development this year,” he said. “It’s not like we’re coming in part-timing this thing or just to have fun with it. The month of May is a unique month at Indy. Indy is a track I passed every day when I was going to high school. Our family grew up around the Speedway. To have Richard be a part of it, my passion is to always do well in the No. 43.”

Two of auto racing’s most famous names — Petty and Andretti — come together again this week when practice runs get underway for the 2009 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.

Full Story on Petty-Andretti.com

John Andretti: May and Indy are synonymous

Racing series NASCAR-CUP INDYCAR
Date 2009-05-04 (Richmond, VA)

By Joe Jennings - Motorsport.com

John Andretti grew up in the shadows of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and to him, and to the entire Andretti family, the Indianapolis 500 is the biggest race on the planet. And when your surname is Andretti and the calendar flips to May, your home away home should be the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Mario Andretti, John's uncle, won the famed race in 1969, but no other Andretti (Michael, Jeff or Marco) has won it since then, although not for lack of trying. To date, John Andretti's best finish has been a fifth place but if his vision is fulfilled, he will become the second Andretti to win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

"The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is hallowed ground and even though there have been many changes to the track, it still has the tradition that I love," he said while at the Richmond International Raceway for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race. "Everything at Indianapolis is so meaningful and has so many relevancies, which makes the 500 so special to me."

Even though the name Andretti draws considerable attention, John has another famous name in his corner -- Richard Petty, the NASCAR icon. Petty and his Richard Petty Motorsports team will be Andretti's car owner, and the No. 43 Window World Honda will be in the familiar Petty-blue colors. Petty, the seven-time NASCAR champion, has been to the Brickyard often but never raced there, so he's thrilled to have a role in the 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500.

RPM entered into a partnership with the accomplished Dreyer & Reinbold team for Andretti's car. For teammates, Andretti will have upstarts Mike Conway and Milka Duno along with the veteran Davey Hamilton. Among the foursome, there should be many opportunities to exchange information in the search for speed.

"Indianapolis has always been intriguing to me," Andretti said. "When I did the double (the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day), people took notice." But his subsequent contracts precluded him from attempting another double, which frustrated him to no end. "I knew I needed to get back to Indy as the race is so special to me. Two years ago I came back during the second week and did okay, and last year we did better."

Andretti knows that practicing, qualifying and racing in the Indianapolis 500 will require his undivided attention, so he is taking a sabbatical from his Sprint Cup team (two races) until the 500 activities are concluded. "To be fair to everyone, I can't do both; it is not fair to either team, so I will focus on the Indianapolis 500."

Andretti isn't concerned with returning to Indianapolis after a year's layoff. "Two years ago I returned after a 13-year absence and within one day of practice, I was in the top-five of the fastest cars. It is just like riding a bicycle," he stated.

The articulate driver knows he has a challenge going up against the best IndyCar Series drivers but is confident he can perform well. "You always want to race against the best drivers, and you know there are three mega-teams that you have to beat to win the race," he said.

And there's the family rivalry with Andretti Green Racing being one of the mega teams to be reckoned with. "I wish them well and hope that Marco (Andretti) finishes second to me."

Even though he hasn't turned a practice lap at Indianapolis, Andretti is confident that his team is capable of being among the top-11 qualifiers in the important first day of qualifications.

Aldo Andretti, John's father, never had an opportunity to race at Indianapolis and John is sort of racing for the two of them. "My dad deserved an opportunity to race at Indianapolis and for me to get the opportunity that he never got is special," John said. "In my rookie year (1988), we struggled in qualifying and I was mad when I got out of the car, at least until I saw my dad." Upon seeing the glee in his father's eyes, he quickly realized how special the occasion was for both father and son.

On race morning, Andretti looks forward to witnessing the colorful ceremonies that precede the race, and he wants to make sure that Petty gets to absorb the atmosphere. Petty will be doing the double that day, being in Indianapolis and later traveling to Charlotte for the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600. But the NASCAR icon has told Andretti that should he be in the lead, Petty won't leave the track.

Andretti said that Petty is keenly interested in the workings of an IndyCar and asks lots of questions and during May, Andretti hopes to provide him with an education on the intricacies of an IndyCar. "I hope he has one day free when I can show him everything I can about these cars," Andretti said.

He also hopes Petty's education continues until the checkered flag drops on May 24, and he'd like nothing better than to drive the blue No. 43 into victory lane. "One guy leaves Indianapolis happy and 32 others are mad at him," Andretti said. And he hopes to be the happy one at day's end.

Full Story on Motorsport.com

Tony Raines expects to fill John Andretti’s seat during Indy 500 conflicts

By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor
Sunday, May 03, 2009

Tony Raines said Saturday that he would be surprised if he is not in the No. 34 NASCAR Sprint Cup car for Front Row Motorsports next week at Darlington Raceway while John Andretti attempts to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.

Team owner Bob Jenkins has said that Raines would likely fill that seat for the events at Darlington and Lowe’s Motor Speedway while Andretti is in Indianapolis.

Raines competes for the team in the Nationwide Series and has run in select Cup races for the team this year.

“I didn’t run Darlington last year, so it will all be new to me with the new [pavement] and having some track time in the Nationwide car before the Cup stuff should help,” Raines said Saturday at Richmond International Raceway. “I think with the next three weeks with John being at Indy, that will allow some openings there and hopefully I will get most of it, if not all of it.”

The No. 34 car is locked into the race at Darlington as it is 35th in the car owner standings, 44 points ahead of the No. 82 Red Bull Racing team and driver Scott Speed.

Full Story on SceneDaily.com

Window World Kicks Off Busy May with Golden Knights

Andretti and Sponsor CEO Skydive Before Racing in NASCAR and IndyCar Events

Huntersville, NC (May 2, 2009) –Despite having competed in NASCAR, IndyCar and NHRA, John Andretti experienced a new type of speed this week. The driver of the No. 34 Window World Chevrolet performed a tandem skydive with the elite Golden Knights Parachute Team. For Andretti, it was a thrilling way to kickoff a month that promises even more excitement.

Andretti and Window World CEO Todd Whitworth were invited to be guests of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team. Each individual was paired with an instructor and experienced the thrill of skydiving from 13,500 feet. “It’s a thrill,” said Andretti. “When your freefall, you’re traveling around 120 mph. You fall for about a minute before the parachute opens, but it feels like it’s just a few seconds. It’s hard to believe you can move that fast without a motor.

In addition to Andretti, the Golden Knights have performed tandem skydive jumps with celebrities such as Tiger Woods, Chick Norris, George H. Bush, Karl Malone and Ann Curry. “The Golden Knights are a first class organization and it was an honor to jump with them,” said Whitworth. “They’ve hosted some incredible people as their guests. I’m really proud to have been invited by them as well. I know it’s something that I’ll never forget.”

Andretti still has more to look forward to. After competing in this weekend’s Crown Royal 400, Andretti will turn his focus to open-wheel racing. Andretti will drive the No. 43 Window World/Richard Petty Motorsports/Dreyer and Reinbold Racing Honda-Dallara in the Indy 500. It will be the first time Richard Petty has entered a car into the Indianapolis 500. “This month is already off to a great start and there’s so much more to look forward to,” said Andretti. “We’ll be racing at Richmond this weekend and then head to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I can’t wait. It’s my all-time favorite track and my all-time favorite race. It’s going to be awesome to compete in it. Having Richard Petty participate as well only makes the deal sweeter. I hope our month ends as well as it began.”

Full Story at Breaking Limits PR