Friday

Red Horse Racing trying to put program together for Nelson Piquet Jr.; Team Shuffle For 2010

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Piquet, who drove for Renault in Formula One and is the son of one of Brazil’s most famous drivers, has also already tested for Red Horse at Motor Mile Speedway in Virginia.

“We think he has a lot of talent, and we’re interested in him, and we’re trying to put everything together,” DeLoach said in a phone interview. “Nelson has made the decision that he’s very curious in racing in the United States in cars with fenders on them and back to real racing. … He has a great skill set.

“He still needs time in the seat driving a 3,400-pound vehicle. It’s not the same acceleration, not the same deceleration, has a high center of gravity and different aerodynamics.”

Red Horse Racing also has tested Vitor Meira, who still has another year in his contract to drive in the Izod IndyCar series for A.J. Foyt.

DeLoach already is committed to two full-time trucks next season – one for Timothy Peters, who won the October race at Martinsville in a Red Horse truck, and the other for rookie Justin Lofton.

Peters’ crew chief from last year, Chad Kendrick, is working with Piquet. Jeff Hensley, who was working with Brian Scott last year at Xpress Motorsports, will be crew chief for Peters. Rick Gay, crew chief for T.J. Bell last year, has been promoted to director of competition.

“Jeff brings a wealth of experience and is an incredibly good crew chief,” DeLoach said. “We’re focused on getting that truck in absolutely superb condition.”

- Scene Daily