Christian Fittipaldi will drive the #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge for most of the rest of this season, beginning with this weekends 400-mile race at Michigan Speedway. Petty Enterprises announced this morning Fittipaldi would replace John Andretti , who has driven for the team since 1998. “Christian Fittipaldi has shown, every time he has gotten in a Winston Cup car, including Phoenix, Texas and Daytona, that he has the talent to drive these cars and help us get to the front,” said Kyle Petty, CEO of Petty Enterprises. “We look forward to showing everyone what Christian can do week in and week out.” A driver to be determined will drive the #43 in the three races Fittipaldi drives the #44 Bugles Dodge, and his one race under the New York Yankees pinstripes colors. “This decision was finalized this week. We then informed General Mills of what we were going to do, and we are moving forward,” Petty said. Fittipaldi, one of the top young names in Formula One and CART racing before moving to Petty Enterprises, will be starting his fourth NASCAR Winston Cup race this week. He ran in Octobers race at Phoenix, as well as the season-opening Daytona 500 and Aprils 500-miler at Texas Motor Speedway. “We appreciate what John has done for us,” said Richard Petty. “We had some successes, won some poles and won a race but we feel like where we are right now its time for a change for Petty Enterprises and for John. “Speed and Fittipaldi go together,” he continued. “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 and for Cheerios and Betty Crocker.”( Williams Company PR ), no word on Andretti’s plans. Fittipaldi is scheduled to drive the #44 Dodge with Bugles [yummy snack food] at the Pepsi 400 at Daytona, the EA Sports 500 at Talladega, and the UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, and the #44 New York Yankees scheme at Watkins Glen. ALSO: no word on if Christian Fittipaldi will run for rookie of the year .(6-10-2003) UPDATE: John Andretti was the most surprised person in NASCAR when he was fired Tuesday by Petty Enterprises. The Indianapolis native, who re-signed with the Winston Cup team in December, has been driving the #43 car made famous by team owner Richard Petty since 1998. “I just tested their car (Monday) at (Virginia International Raceway),” said Andretti, 40, a nephew of racing great Mario Andretti. “I don’t know what to say.” Team leader Kyle Petty was not available for comment Tuesday. Andretti and the Pettys have been close over the years. “You want to be loyal to people, to things, whatever,” Andretti said. “That’s what digs the deepest.” Andretti said the team’s sponsor (General Mills) played no role in the firing. But he said Kyle Petty’s explanation, which he didn’t reveal, didn’t make sense. Andretti said he intends to pursue another Winston Cup ride.( Indianapolis Star )(6-11-2003)
