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Jacques Villeneuve gets Nationwide ride

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Villeneuve to compete in Nationwide race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

Braun Racing is pleased to announce that former Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve will drive its No. 32 Toyota Camry in the second annual NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada on August 1-2, 2008. The addition of Villeneuve to the field at the world renowned road course named after his father, Gilles Villeneuve, a legendary Formula 1 racer, adds a special hometown feeling to the event that already includes an array of Canadian drivers.

Though this event will mark his first NASCAR Nationwide Series start at the track which carries his namesake, the road course phenomenon has a tremendous amount of experience on the 2.709-mile road course. In a career that has spanned for more than two decades, Villeneuve has experienced success that can be rivaled by very few. He has captured world championships in both the CART and Formula 1 Series and is logged in the record books as winner of the 1995 Indianapolis 500. To win championships in both the CART and Formula 1 on top of a win in the famed Indy 500 is a feat that has only been accomplished by two other drivers.

“We’re excited for the race fans in Montreal that Jacques Villeneuve will participate in this event," said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s Vice President of Racing Operations. “His addition increases the competitiveness of the field and brings another Canadian driver to the mix."

For Villeneuve’s part, he looks forward to aligning himself with a team as competitive as Braun Racing.

"It’s always fun to have the opportunity to race for such a competitive team as Braun Racing with great people that show confidence in you. It also adds to my pleasure to be in a car that hosted great pilots such as Kyle Bush and Denny Hamlin."

Braun Racing team owner, Todd Braun, feels that the addition of Villeneuve to his team’s efforts in Montreal will give them an extra advantage from a competitive standpoint.

“Jacques has had an incredible career," said Braun. “The type of experience he can bring to our entire organization and road course program is invaluable. We look forward to working with him and to taking advantage of the experience and knowledge he brings with him."