RPM won't use substitute in No. 43 at Watkins Glen

Reed Sorenson will drive the No. 43 car for Richard Petty Motorsports at Watkins Glen International this week after recovering from the effects of carbon monoxide inhalation suffered in a crash Monday at Pocono Raceway.

Sorenson

RPM announced in a statement Wednesday that the organization had retained former Formula One champion Jacques Villeneuve as a substitute in case Sorenson was unable to recover. Sorenson was involved in a six-car accident on Lap 181 at Pocono and went on to finish 35th.

"Fortunately, Sorenson has recovered from the accident," the team said. "Owners George and Foster Gillett along with the Richard Petty Motorsports team appreciate Villeneuve's willingness to help out on such short notice."

Villeneuve, who made a brief foray into NASCAR in 2007 and 2008, has been out of the sport's national divisions since last year. He has two career Sprint Cup Series starts, with a top finish of 21st in his debut at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007.