Petty bringing race experience to Indianapolis 500

[April 07, 2009]  INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Richard Petty will make his first foray into IndyCars by putting John Andretti into the cockpit for next month's Indianapolis 500.

Petty made the announcement Monday, and NASCAR fans who cheered him as a driver and team owner will find a familiar look. The car will carry the red-and-light blue paint scheme and Petty's old number, 43.

Petty has long been known in the NASCAR world simply as The King. But he has never before tried to win the crown jewel of the IndyCar series.

Andretti has made nine starts in the Indy Racing League's signature race. His best finish at Indianapolis was fifth in 1991. He also drove for Petty on the Cup circuit from 1998 through the middle of 2003.

[Associated Press; By MICHAEL MAROT]

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