Jacques Villeneuve sponsor unhappy with actions
Discount Tire apologized for the actions of Nationwide driver Jacques Villeneuve in last Saturday's Sargento 200 at Road America.
Villeneuve was involved a several incidents during the race on the four-mile road course including contact with Elliott Sadler and Danica Patrick.
Patrick appeared headed for her career best finish Saturday as she ran inside the top five most of the afternoon before she was spun by Villeneuve racing through turn five.
Although the former Formula One champion was confronted by Patrick's crew chief Tony Eury Jr. Jr. as well as
"We had nothing to do together," he said of the Patrick incident. "When I was behind Danica and Papis was on the outside, maybe he didn't know I was there, but down the straight he pushed me in the grass just where we hit he brakes. So when I jumped in the brakes I was in the grass because of that, I wasn't right next to him so no idea. Couldn't slow down after that."
However the Penske Racing sponsor of the No. 22 Dodge felt a need to release a statement addressing the situation.
“Together Penske and Discount Tire have achieved great success in the Nationwide Series, including a championship (in 2010) and have maintained the highest levels of integrity and sportsmanship throughout that relationship,” the company said in its statement.
“Although we believe the contact between Villeneuve and Patrick to be unfortunate, it is a part of professional racing. However, Villeneuve's postrace comments did not reflect our ideals regarding sportsmanship.”
