Mooresville, NC

Andretti Returns “Home” for This Weekend’s Race

Billy Ballew has appointed John Andretti as driver of the No. 15 Billy Ballew Motorsports entry for the next two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events at Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) and Nashville Superspeedway to be held Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 13, respectively.  Andretti has competed in the No. 15 Chevrolet in two events already this season and racked up top-10 finishes in both races held at Kansas Speedway and Memphis Motorsports Park.

“We’re glad to have John Andretti back with us for IRP and Nashville,” said team owner Billy Ballew.  “He’s had great success with our team at Kansas and Memphis.  Most of all, he’s a pleasure to work with.  He’s definitely locked in for those two races and after that, we’ll have to see.  Without sponsorship for our team, we just have to play it by ear.”

And with a little help from a friend, the Billy Ballew Motorsports team will be sponsored when they head to Indianapolis this weekend.  To help support his and the team’s efforts at IRP Friday evening, Andretti called upon good friend, Jeff Stoops of Stoops Freightliner.  Stoops Freightliner, one of the largest dealerships in the country, has agreed to come on board for the race in their hometown of Indianapolis.

Not only is Indy, Stoops’ hometown, it is also the city in which Andretti calls “home.”  The name Andretti is synonymous with Indianapolis, but for this weekend, the focus turns to IRP, a track in which Andretti hasn’t competed on before in NASCAR competition, but has years of experience from his days of racing in the United States Auto Club (USAC).

“It’s great to race in Indy,” said Andretti.  “It’s my hometown.  It’s nice to get off the airplane and not need a map because I know all the back roads.  It’s a place I enjoy.  Indianapolis is also the racing capital and always will be, as far as I’m concerned.  I’ve raced at IRP, but it’s probably been at least 20 years ago when I raced a Silver Crown car there.  They all turn left, so it really shouldn’t be a big deal.  I’ve started to really learn these trucks.  Someday, I’ll get to a track and know both the truck and the track.  But, your intent never changes.  You go out there to win, just like any other race.  It (not having competed at IRP) shouldn’t keep us from being successful.”

Billy Ballew Motorsports remains a contender for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Owners Points Championship, with 11 races remaining this season.  The team sits fourth in the standings, less than 60 points out of second position.

The Power Stroke Diesel 200 gets underway at 7:45 p.m. CT from Indianapolis Raceway Park.  The race will be broadcast live on SPEED Channel and MRN Radio.