Barron replaces injured Giaffone
Injured IRL IndyCar race-winner Felipe Giaffone will be replaced in the Mo Nunn Racing team by American single-seater super-sub Alex Barron in this weekend's 200-mile race at the Nashville Superspeedway
Barron, who subbed for Arie Luyendyk in the Mo Nunn squad at this year's Indianapolis 500 finishing sixth, returns to the scene of his first IRL victory which he scored with Blair Racing last year. Barron also subbed for Gil de Ferran in the Penske squad at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan earlier this year when the Brazilian injured his back.
"Alex did a tremendous job with relatively little preparation at Indy this year and we are fortunate that a driver of his calibre is available to help us out of a tough situation this weekend," said team owner Morris Nunn. "It is a shame what happened to Felipe at Kansas, especially since his injuries resulted from an accident that we believe was not his fault. We're confident he'll come back stronger than ever."
Barron will be hoping to emulate IRL's other recent returnee Bryan Herta who won the Kansas race for Team Andretti Green on his full-time return to the IRL. "We're going to be under the gun once again," said Barron. "But aside from the speedway at Indy, I can't think of a better situation or a track to jump back into a race car on short notice.
"Having won the Nashville race last year, and having been part of the Mo Nunn team at Indy this year, I think our chances of being competitive in the race Saturday night are very, very good. I'm definitely looking forward to it."
Giaffone, who broke his right leg and pelvis in an accident with Dan Wheldon two weeks ago, is targeting a return to the IRL for the September 7 round at Joliet. The Brazilian has been moved to the Indianapolis rehabilitation centre for therapy. "I'm hoping I can do the last two or maybe even three races," he said. "That may be too soon, but I don't think so. That's how I feel now. I feel good."
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