John Andretti fired by Petty Enterprises

Elwood · June 11, 2003

June 10, 2003

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) - NASCAR driver John Andretti, who has won just two races in his career, was fired Tuesday by Petty Enterprises.

Christian Fittipaldi of Brazil will replace Andretti beginning with this weekend's race at Michigan Speedway.

"Speed and Fittipaldi go together," Richard Petty said. "He knows how to run fast and he knows how to race fast. We feel he is going to do a great job for Petty Enterprises."

Andretti, the nephew of Mario Andretti and cousin of Michael Andretti, was in his second stint with the Petty Team. He drove 11 races in 1994 and returned to the team in 1998 to take over the No. 43 car Richard Petty made famous en route to seven Winston Cup titles.

In his second stint with Petty, Andretti won just one race and two poles. His best finish in the points standings was 11th in 1999. He was 31st last year and stands 33rd after 14 races this season with only one top-10 finish.

Petty Enterprises has been trying to field a car for Fittipaldi all season, but could not find a sponsor. Fittipaldi is a former open-wheel driver and nephew of former Formula One and 1989 Indianapolis 500 champion Emerson Fittipaldi.

Christian Fittipaldi will race in his fourth Winston Cup event at Michigan. He made his debut at Phoenix last November where he placed 41st and was 35th at Daytona and 38th at Texas this season.

"We look forward to showing everyone what Christian can do week in and week out," Kyle Petty said.