2007 UAW-Ford 500 - Pre-Race News

Pre-Race News

• Wednesday was a big announcement day for many teams. The first of the "worst kept secrets" became official as Mars Incorporated, departing Yates Racing, becomes the sponsor of the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota of Kyle Busch for the 2008, 2009, and 2010 seasons. Interstate Batteries will remain as primary sponsor for six races.
• The next least surprising secret was also released on October 3 as IndyCar Series owner Chip Ganassi formally announced that 2007 Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti will drive his #40 Dodge Avenger for the 2008 season, replacing David Stremme. Franchitti began his stock car debut much like Juan Pablo Montoya did by running the Food World 250 ARCA RE/MAX Series race and finished 17th. As Franchitti was still under contract with Andretti Green Racing, he was originally assigned to drive in the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. With him being in the ARCA race, AGR has hired Vitor Meira to drive.
• Another announcement was made on Wednesday as Haas CNC Racing announced that they have signed Scott Riggs to drive for them in 2008. Which driver he replaces, be it Jeff Green or Johnny Sauter is still unknown, though sources claim that Green is leaving Haas.
• Jacques Villeneuve will make his Cup debut in the #27 Bill Davis Racing Toyota in qualifying, which will carry the colors of UNICEF, urging fans to go to UNICEF's web site and donate $27 (US) to go "the extra mile". He made the race on time as he was not in the top 35 in owners points, and started fourth.
• Nationwide Insurance and NASCAR made the official announcement on Wednesday that Nationwide would take over Anheuser-Busch's title sponsorship of the second-tier Busch Series, to be renamed the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2008, in a seven year, $70 million (US) deal. In addition, Nationwide replaces Allstate as official insurance sponsor of NASCAR as part of the deal.