Petty chooses McCumbee to drive No. 45 at Michigan
By Team Release
August 15, 2007
LEVEL CROSS, N.C. -- Petty Enterprises on Wednesday announced development driver Chad McCumbee will substitute for Kyle Petty in the No. 45 Dodge for Sunday's race at Michigan International Speedway.
Petty is recovering from a broken right hand after last weeks race at Watkins Glen.
McCumbee, 23, made his Nextel Cup Series debut at Pocono earlier this year; he finished 25th. He also has competed and won in ARCA Series competition and has tested extensively for Petty Enterprises this season. The organization is planning to run McCumbee in the Busch Series in 2008.
"I am here to help in any way that I can," McCumbee said. "The priority is getting Kyle back in the car as soon as possible. The goal this weekend is to get a solid finish for this team.
"I have experience in the Craftsman Truck Series at the track. Billy [Wilburn, crew chief] and I have had great communication too. Hopefully we can have a good run on Sunday."
Petty underwent successful hand surgery on Tuesday in North Carolina. He suffered a broken hand as a result of hitting his hand on a door inside the No. 45 hauler after a Lap 69 incident in Sunday's race at Watkins Glen.
Petty is expected to return to the driver's seat at Bristol on Aug. 25.
"I've got to thank Chad for everything he's done for us," Petty said. "We've spent a lot of time with him and moving him along. It made a lot of sense for us to put him in the car this weekend. He did a great job at Pocono and we are expecting the same this weekend."
By Team Release
August 15, 2007
LEVEL CROSS, N.C. -- Petty Enterprises on Wednesday announced development driver Chad McCumbee will substitute for Kyle Petty in the No. 45 Dodge for Sunday's race at Michigan International Speedway.
Petty is recovering from a broken right hand after last weeks race at Watkins Glen.
McCumbee, 23, made his Nextel Cup Series debut at Pocono earlier this year; he finished 25th. He also has competed and won in ARCA Series competition and has tested extensively for Petty Enterprises this season. The organization is planning to run McCumbee in the Busch Series in 2008.
"I am here to help in any way that I can," McCumbee said. "The priority is getting Kyle back in the car as soon as possible. The goal this weekend is to get a solid finish for this team.
"I have experience in the Craftsman Truck Series at the track. Billy [Wilburn, crew chief] and I have had great communication too. Hopefully we can have a good run on Sunday."
Petty underwent successful hand surgery on Tuesday in North Carolina. He suffered a broken hand as a result of hitting his hand on a door inside the No. 45 hauler after a Lap 69 incident in Sunday's race at Watkins Glen.
Petty is expected to return to the driver's seat at Bristol on Aug. 25.
"I've got to thank Chad for everything he's done for us," Petty said. "We've spent a lot of time with him and moving him along. It made a lot of sense for us to put him in the car this weekend. He did a great job at Pocono and we are expecting the same this weekend."
Maybe ESPN can snatch Kyle to help with the broadcast at Michigan. 
