Villeneuve to return to Nationwide

The former Formula 1 world champion will race in front of his home crowd again when the series makes its annual visit to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where he is set to drive the #32 Toyota Camry for Braun Racing.

Before that, he will get the chance to get back up to speed at Road America, where the series races for the first time this month.

"It's great to be back driving with Braun Racing and Dollar General," said Villeneuve. "Racing again after an exciting and fun race last year in Montreal, and now to also be doing the race at Elkhart Lake where I won my first Indy race is going to be full of good memories. I am very much looking forward to it."

Villeneuve has done two starts in the Nationwide Series to date, both of them at his home track. On his first outing he qualified fifth, led a lap but then crashed out in the torrential conditions of the first ever NASCAR event to be held in the rain.

Last year starting from sixth he was able to briefly lead the race, finishing in fourth place while driving for Braun Racing for the second year in a row.

"We are very happy to have Villeneuve back behind the wheel of the Dollar General Toyota at Road America and Montreal," said Braun Racing owner, Todd Braun. "He is an extremely talented driver and has had very strong runs in our cars in the past. His experience and success at Road America will be a great asset to our team and its road course programme."

Back in his Champ Car years, Villeneuve won in both his two outings at Road America. In his rookie year he started from the front row and in 1995, when he was crowned the series champion, he won the event from pole position, leading 46 out of 50 laps.

The Nationwide Series will make its first ever visit to Elkhart Lake on June 19.