SpeedNet reports that “It appears John Andretti will replace Bobby Hamilton at Richard Petty Enterprises after all. Two sources said Sunday before the Dura-Lube 500 that Andretti will join Petty’s team after the season finale in two weeks. “It’s a done deal,” one source said. Asked to comment on the purported deal, Andretti wouldn’t confirm or deny it. “You’ll have to get it from Richard Petty or Cale Yarborough,” Andretti said. “All I’ll say is something is going to happen because I want to keep racing.” Andretti’s status on Yarborough’s team became uncertain for 1998 when the team’s major sponsor decided not to renew its contract. Although Andretti was under contract for another season with Yarborough, it became void last week when the car owner was unable to secure another sponsor. Andretti previously drove for Petty in 1994, but left to accept a position with car owner Michael Kranefuss. “Halfway through his first season with (Kranefuss), John wished he hadn’t left Petty,” another source said. Andretti spent most of two seasons with Kranefuss before leaving for Yarborough for the final eight races of last season. And now it appears he again is returning to Petty.”(SpeedNet)(11-3-97)
