1997 Formula 1 World Champion and 1995 Indianapolis 500 winner Jacques Villeneuve of Canada is back in the Hoosier State and poised to make a run next weekend in the NASCAR Sprint Cup’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis.

While Villeneuve raced a few times in 2007 and '08 with Bill Davis Racing, he has not competed in NASCAR’s premier division since.

"I am very excited to join with Braun Racing and [sponsor] Dollar General at Indianapolis," Villeneuve told Autosport.com. "We had a very exciting and solid race last month at Elkhart Lake. I had hoped it would result in additional opportunities to drive for the organization. I have a lot of good memories at the Brickyard. Winning the Indy 500 was a very big highlight in my career. This will be my first venture in a stock car there, but I am confident that we will do well."

Team owner Todd Braun was very happy to place Villeneuve in his 3,500-pound Cup car for Indianapolis.

"Entering the Brickyard 400 as an owner at this historical track means a lot to me," he said. "It is extra special because I grew up here in Indiana. It's also exciting to take a former Indy 500 winner to the Brickyard. He and Trent [Owens, crew chief] work very well together, and I know that Trent is looking forward to the feedback that Jacques can provide him. He is an extremely talented driver. Jacques is a great asset to our team."