Jacques Villeneuve returns to Nationwide Series for Penske Racing
Veteran road racing specialist Jacques Villenueve is set to return to the NASCAR Nationwide Series when he pilots a Penske Racing Dodge for two races this summer.
Villeneuve will compete behind the wheel of the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge Challenger in the NNS races at Road America (June 23) and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (August 18).
It marks the second straight season Villeneuve will compete at those two venues for Penske.
“I appreciate Penske Racing giving me the opportunity to get back behind the wheel of the No. 22 Dodge this season,” said Villeneuve. “Road America and Montreal are two of my favorite racetracks. I feel, after winning the pole last year at Montreal, that we can have a lot of success. A NASCAR victory is something I want.”
Villeneuve is one of only three drivers to win the Indianapolis 500, the Indy Car championship and the Formula One Series world title, joining former Penske Racing drivers Mario Andretti and Emerson Fittipaldi in the rare racing triple crown. Villenueve won the Indy 500 and the CART Series Indy Car crown in 1995 before moving to Formula One where he captured the driver's title in 1997.
“Jacques is a premiere road racer that brings extensive experience to the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge team,” said Penske Racing team president
Villeneuve has made 10 NASCAR starts over the past five seasons, including seven in the Nationwide Series. He owns his top NASCAR finish at both courses when he finished third at Montreal in 2010 and Road America in 2011. In addition, he led the field to the green flag in last year's event at Montreal.
Road America and Montreal have both been successul venues for Villeneuve. He has already been to Victory Lane at Road America as he won the CART Series races there in both 1994 and 1995. He will then race in his hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada at the circuit named after his famous father, former Formula One driver Gilles Villeneuve.
