Villenuve is Back!

by AntmanB Fri May 25, 2012 10:54 pm

Villeneuve returns to the #22 for 2 races: One of the most accomplished racers in recent history will join Penske Racing for two upcoming road course races on the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule. Former world champion driver Jacques Villeneuve will compete behind the wheel of the #22 Discount Tire Dodge Challenger in the NNS races at Road America (June 23) and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (August 18). He will return to the Dodge at these venues for the second-consecutive season. Villeneuve has made 10 NASCAR starts over the past five seasons, including seven in the Nationwide Series. He owns his top NASCAR finish at both courses when he finished third at Montreal in 2010 and Road America in 2011. In addition, he led the field to the green flag in last year's event at Montreal. Competing at both Road America and Montreal, Villeneuve will return to two tracks where he's enjoyed some impressive history. He has already been to Victory Lane at Road America as he won the CART Series races there in both 1994 and 1995. He will then race in his hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada at the circuit named after his famous father, former Formula One driver Gilles Villeneuve. (Penseke Racing)(5-17-2012)

Sadler's team penalized after Iowa: NASCAR has penalized the #2 team in the NASCAR Nationwide Series as a result of rule infractions discovered during post-race inspection Sunday at Iowa Speedway. The #2 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20A-12.8.1C (body height requirements car failed to meet the minimum rear car heights) of the 2012 NASCAR rule book. As a result, crew chief Luke Lambert has been fined $10,000, while owner DeLana Harvick and driver Elliott Sadler have been penalized with the loss of six championship owner and six championship driver points, respectively. (NASCAR)(5-22-2012)