Charlotte, N.C. ? John Andretti was fired Tuesday by Petty Enterprises, where he has driven the famed No. 43 car since 1998. Christian Fittipaldi will replace him beginning with this weekend’s race at Michigan Speedway.

Kyle Petty said the decision was made this week and the team informed sponsor General Mills.

Andretti is in his second stint with the Pettys. He drove 11 races for them in 1994, then returned to the team in 1998 to take over the car Richard Petty made famous en route to seven Winston Cup championships.

Andretti’s contract expired at the end of last season, but the Pettys made every effort to keep him — even agreeing to let him run in the Indianapolis 500 this season.