25-year old Nelson Piquet Jr. will make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in the Zippo 200 at the Glen this Saturday, August 7th, driving Baker Curb Racing’s No. 27 Ford Fusion.
Piquet Jr. made his NASCAR debut at Daytona International Speedway in February finishing sixth in the 2010 NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. He has recorded three top- 10 finishes in four Camping World Truck Series starts in 2010. The Brazilian driver has also made three starts this year in the ARCA Racing Series, qualifying in the top-10 for all three races. He captured the pole for the Rattlesnake 150 at Texas Motor Speedway and went on to register an ARCA Series-best finish of ninth.
“I’m really excited to do my first road course NASCAR race in the Nationwide series with Baker Curb Racing,” said Piquet. I can’t wait to get back in the driving seat! I’ve had a good year having positive experiences in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the ARCA Racing Series. I’ve learned so much every time I’ve raced, had some encouraging results and this is another good step for me. Everything will be new again, from the team to the car and the track, but I’m sure I’ll get up to speed quickly and have another really constructive race weekend in NASCAR.”
“We are excited to have Nelson driving our No. 27 Ford Fusion this weekend at Watkins Glen,” said Baker Curb Racing president Matt Crews “He has been very successful in his transition to American stock car racing this season; running well on the oval tracks in both the Camping World trucks and the ARCA Series cars. We feel that although it is his first time in a Nationwide Series car he will be able to compete for a win on the road course and help us in our battle to remain in the top 10 in owner’s points.”
About Nelson Piquet Jr. With motor racing in his blood, it’s no surprise that Nelson Piquet has continued the family tradition. Having started his career in South American karting, Nelson soon switched to car racing with immediate success in South American F3. A move to Europe soon followed where he took top honors in the British F3 Championship in 2004. The Brazilian graduated to GP2 the following year, finishing as runner-up in the series in 2006 after a season-long battle with Lewis Hamilton. He graduated to a race seat in F1 for 2008 alongside Fernando Alonso where his performances, including a second place podium in the German GP, helped the team secure fourth position in the constructors championship. He continued with the team into 2009. For 2010 Nelson is pursuing a career in the USA and is running a program of ARCA and NASCAR races with a view to long-term success in NASCAR. Follow all of Nelson’s latest happenings by visiting www.npiquet.com or by following him on twitter: @nelsonpiquet
About Baker Curb Racing Combining speed and sound, Baker Curb Racing brings a unique tune to Nashville and the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Owners Gary Baker and Mike Curb combine for many years of experience in NASCAR and national marketing and branding. The team became a vision of Baker and Curb’s passions for racing and a desire to bring a new professional team to the landscape of Nashville and to help satiate the desires of local NASCAR fans. To keep up with all the happenings of the team, visit www.bakercurb.com.
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