Andretti Autosport announced March 31 it will work in a joint effort with racing legend Richard Petty and Window World, Inc., to field a fifth IZOD IndyCar Series entry for veteran driver John Andretti, first at Kansas Speedway on Saturday, May 1 and then in the 2010 Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 30.
After his debut run at Kansas, Andretti will attempt to make his 11th Indianapolis 500 start behind the wheel of the No. 43 Team Window World car. A successful qualifying attempt for Andretti on Saturday, May 22 or Sunday, May 23 will deepen the Andretti family legacy at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as he drives for the team owned by his cousin, Michael.
"It would be difficult to script a scenario any better than the one we have here. The relationship I have with Richard, the respect I have for Michael and his team, the partnership I enjoy with Window World and all of it focused on the Indianapolis 500 - it's really a perfect situation," John Andretti said. "I can't wait to get in the car and get to work. May can't get here soon enough."
Window World, the nation's largest replacement window company, will enjoy its second-consecutive Indy 500 as primary sponsor of the No. 43. Window World and Petty first teamed together with the No. 43 driven by John Andretti for last year's Indy 500. The car once again will feature Petty's traditional "Petty Blue" and Day-Glo Red" color scheme made famous by "The King" during his unparalleled career.
The car also will sport the marks of Window World Cares, the charitable foundation of Window World, Inc., which supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The foundation is currently working in support of the company's newly-launched program, "Opening Windows for St. Jude Kids," through which Window World hopes to raise $1.5 million - the hospital's daily operating cost. Since its inception, Window World Cares has raised more than $630,000 for St. Jude.
"We're thrilled to be back at the Indianapolis 500 with John Andretti," said Blair Ingle, president, Window World, Inc. "We've had the pleasure of working with John for a few years now, and we are big fans of his - both on and off the track. John's talent combined with a strong team of Richard Petty and Andretti Autosport are sure to make for a great race for the #43 Window World car this May."
Petty, a racing icon and one of the most-recognizable figures in NASCAR history, will be participating in his second-straight Indianapolis 500. A 200-time NASCAR race winner and seven-time NASCAR champion, Petty witnessed the Indianapolis 500 in person for the first time in 2007 and participated as a co-owner for the first time last year.
"I'm excited to be a part of this venture with John, Andretti Autosport and Window World for the Indy 500," Petty said. "There is so much history around this event, and the Andretti's have such a rich tradition in racing. I'm looking forward to watching John hit the track in May."
Andretti Autosport has tasted victory twice at Indianapolis - the first time in 2005 and most recently in 2007, which is also the last time the team featured a five-car lineup in the storied event.
"I'm really excited to be able to be a part of this," said Michael Andretti, chairman, president and CEO of Andretti Autosport. "Richard Petty is one of the true legends in our sport and someone I have always admired. Window World deserves a lot of credit for bringing all of this together.
"I have a lot of respect for John's talent - I always have. I really think he will fit in very well at Andretti Autosport and can be a factor during the month of May."
Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.