Camping World To Make First Laps With Car of Tomorrow
Andretti Ready To Make Car of Tomorrow Debut

This weekend, John Andretti and the #37 Camping World Dodge team will head to the flat one-mile Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway for Saturday night’s Subway Fresh 500. Andretti will be making his debut in the Car of Tomorrow for Front Row Motorsports.

Andretti is one of the most versatile drivers to enter the Phoenix oval. Growing up in Indiana and Pennsylvania, Andretti climbed the open wheel ranks of racing. Competing in USAC competition at Phoenix, Andretti later raced at the track in professional open wheel racing known than as CART. Today, Andretti has many starts in Nextel Cup at the track making him one of the most experienced drivers this weekend.

Andretti has 12 Nextel Cup starts at Phoenix dating back to 1993. He was a pole winner in 1999 and has two top 10 finishes at the track. Andretti has led a total of 99 laps at the track. Andretti has started on the front row three times in his career at Phoenix.

Comments from Andretti as he prepares for Saturday’s Subway 500:
“This is the first time I’ve been to the track with the Car of Tomorrow. I’ve heard a lot of different things, but I actually don’t mind the look to the car itself. I think it’s probably more fitting to today’s car market. I think we see more wings and that’s replacing the spoiler. It’s probably a big step forward when you look at it like that.

“As far as racing it, I’m looking forward to it. It’s a new challenge. I’ve listened to the comments from the drivers and some of the teams. It leads me to believe that nobody has a really good handle on this car yet. I don’t think anyone has a really solid handle on the likes and dislikes of the package. That’s going to benefit our Camping World Dodge entry.

“We’re a smaller team, but the parameters are pretty tight with these cars. It’s a very small window in which to fit the regulations. I think that maybe we can hit the setup or at least get pretty close to anyone out there. That’s positive for us.

“I think the biggest thing you notice, obviously, is the wing. That was a good move from NASCAR because the cars have more of a contemporary look to them. It seems like today’s younger street drivers are more into cars with wings. I think we need to follow and align ourselves with what our fans are doing. The wing also allows for some more aerodynamic adjustability. We can put that into the cars now. That wasn’t a possibility with just a spoiler.

“Looking at the factors, I think NASCAR has a good car. I think they had two things in mind with this car. The first and foremost was safety. That’s good. But, I think the second was to squeeze the competition. To do that, it’s necessary to create less value for the larger teams- things like wind tunnel time and other research and development. The cream will always rise to the top, but it gets slower with every new rule and restriction.

“The fans want to see tight and exciting racing. The sponsors want cost efficient programs. The team’s owners want to save money too. I think we’re going to see that. It’s good for the drivers too because it can give each one more of the same car than previously. At the end of the day, it’s still up to the drivers and crews to make the most of it.

“I think we’re really looking forward to going to Phoenix with Camping World and this Front Row Motorsports team. I really enjoy the track and it’s a great city too. We have a lot of fun out there every time we go. I’ve been there, have had good runs and looking for another one this weekend.