Jacques Villeneuve makes NASCAR Nationwide return with Penske
Jacques Villeneuve will return to NASCAR action this year with Penske in the two road course races in the Nationwide Series, the team has announced
The 1997 Formula 1 world champion contested the Road America and Montreal races for Penske last year, finishing third at the US track and taking pole position at the circuit named after his father Gilles.
"I appreciate Penske Racing giving me the opportunity to get back behind the wheel of the #22 Dodge this season," said Villeneuve.
"Road America and Montreal are two of my favourite racetracks. I feel, after winning the pole last year at Montreal, that we can have a lot of success. A NASCAR victory is something I want."
Penske Racing team president Tim Cindric added: "Jacques is a great road racer that brings extensive experience to the #22 team.
"He gave us two strong runs last year and we feel he can do the same this season. We would like to be the team that gives him his first NASCAR victory."
Villeneuve took his maiden Indycar win at Road America in 1994, and he followed it up with another a year later on his way to the title before graduating to F1.
He never enjoyed particular success in Montreal during his Formula 1 career. His best finish came first time out in 1996, where he finished second to Williams team-mate Damon Hill.
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