Jacques is back!

From JAYSKI... UPDATE: Jacques Villeneuve will be back in Sprint Cup this weekend at Watkins Glen. Villeneuve, who is currently in Europe, has received an offer from Richard Petty Motorsports replace Reed Sorensen at the wheel of the #43 Dodge [for Watkins Glen]. Villeneuve, said that in talks with the new team USF1 for a possible return to Formula 1, and said that other proposals to run in NASCAR by the end of the season.(Translated from monvolant.cyberpresse.ca)(8-5-2009)

Heard this prior to JAYSKI's post. It was also mentioned in a European racing mag.

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Permalink Reply by shawn rhinehart on August 5, 2009 at 4:28pm

who cares lol another open wheel guy trying to compete with the best drivers in the world

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Permalink Reply by TeamMMR.com on August 5, 2009 at 4:57pm

Reed is back in the car. This deal has been canceled.

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Permalink Reply by TOG on August 5, 2009 at 5:00pm

Finally the "Canadian" connection to the team is paying off for JV.

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Permalink Reply by Jaci on August 5, 2009 at 6:21pm

Villeneuve on standby for Sorenson

STATESVILLE, N.C. -- NASCAR driver Reed Sorenson inhaled carbon monoxide during Monday's Sprint Cup race at Pocono, and his team has asked former Formula One champion Jacques Villeneuve to be on standby this weekend at Watkins Glen.

Details of Sorenson's illness were not immediately available Wednesday. He finished 35th in the rain-delayed race, 15 laps down.

If Sorenson can't drive, Villeneuve would step into the No. 43 Dodge. The 1997 Formula One champion attempted to drive Cup cars in 2008 for Bill Davis Racing, but he failed to make the season-opening Daytona 500 and never secured sponsorship to keep the team afloat.

Sorenson, driving for Richard Petty Motorsports, is 28th in the points standings.

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/news/story?id=4379817

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Permalink Reply by Coltranefan on August 5, 2009 at 6:32pm

Personally Id love to see Jacques at Watkins Glen

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Permalink Reply by Jaci on August 5, 2009 at 9:11pm

Statement from Richard Petty NASCAR Sprint Cup Team: Sorenson to Race This Weekend

"Reed Sorenson will drive the No. 43 Dodge for Richard Petty Motorsports in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen International. The Petty team retained Jacques Villeneuve as a substitute driver in case Sorenson continued to suffer from the effects of carbon monoxide he inhaled in Monday’s race at Pocono. Fortunately, Sorenson has recovered from the accident. Owners George and Foster Gillett along with the Richard Petty Motorsports team appreciate Villeneuve’s willingness to help out on such short notice."

http://www.paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules.php?op=modload&nam...

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Permalink Reply by alan4s on August 5, 2009 at 9:26pm

Didn't Mayfield complain of inhaling fumes the week before his first failed test?

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Permalink Reply by Keith on August 5, 2009 at 9:55pm

Wrong fumes Alan LOL!

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Permalink Reply by Keith on August 5, 2009 at 9:53pm

What team flies in a driver from half way around the world to possibly be a substitute driver?
What, there are no other unemployed drivers that could substitute?
Yep, something smells here.

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Permalink Reply by Keith on August 5, 2009 at 9:19pm

Something smells with RPM's explanation.
If Reed was really ill, wouldn't we have heard?
This is even news to RPM fans.

I was looking forward to seeing JV back in competition too.